Abu Dawud

(1) This blessed hadith is among the signs of prophethood. Just as the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) informed, it happened exactly in that manner afterwards. Even today, there are many people who drink wine under various names. May Allah protect us from it.

(2) This blessed hadith is an explicit proof for the prohibition of every kind of wine. There is consensus (ijma‘) of the Muslim ummah on its prohibition. And all praise is due to Allah for that. However, there is one sect which considers only wine distilled from grapes to be wine, and does not regard other intoxicants as wine. This sect did not stop at this alone, but also claims that “drinking a little” does not matter, and that such a small amount is permissible. Only that quantity is forbidden which causes intoxication. Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.

(3) This hadith also indicates this important issue: that for any person or group who, through tricks and excuses, declares as lawful (halal) those things which Allah the Exalted has forbidden, there is a severe warning, whether they change its name or devise some other trick. The real cause and reason for the prohibition of wine is intoxication and drunkenness (khumār and nashwah); therefore, anything that causes intoxication and drunkenness will be declared forbidden, whether someone accepts it or not.