Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates this statement of the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him): "When a person becomes intoxicated, flog him. Then if he becomes intoxicated, flog him. Then if he becomes intoxicated, flog him. Then if he becomes intoxicated a fourth time, strike off his neck." (Imam Ibn Hibban, may Allah have mercy on him, says:) Its meaning is: When he considers drinking alcohol to be lawful and does not accept the prohibition prescribed by the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) (then kill him).