Hadith References:- From ‘Atā bin Abī Rabāḥ:
"Do not mix ripe (rutab) and semi-ripe (busr) dates, nor dry dates (thamar) with soaked raisins (rabīb)."
[Sources: Bukhari: 5601, Muslim: 1986] - Another narration:
"The Prophet ﷺ forbade mixing raisins and dry dates, or semi-ripe dates and dry dates."
[Muslim: 1986] - From Abu Sa'id:
"The Messenger of Allah ﷺ prohibited us from mixing semi-ripe dates with ripe dates, or raisins with dry dates, or raisins with semi-ripe dates."
[Muslim: 1987] - From Abu Qatadah:
"Do not prepare Nabidh by mixing zahw (unripe dates) and ripe dates, nor ripe dates with soaked raisins. Rather, soak each type separately."
[Bukhari: 5602, Muslim: 1988]
Key Insights:① Mixing different types of dates (ripe, semi-ripe, dry, or raisins) in preparing Nabidh accelerates fermentation, potentially leading to intoxication, which is prohibited.
② Each type of date has its own chemical composition and effect, hence must not be mixed for making Nabidh.
③ It is permissible to make and drink Nabidh if:
- The ingredients (dates or raisins) are soaked individually, not mixed.
- It is consumed before fermentation begins, avoiding any intoxicating effect.
- Climate and duration are considered to prevent turning into intoxicating wine.
④ If someone soaks dates with a pure intention for a non-intoxicating drink but it later ferments, he is not held sinful unless consumed knowingly after it becomes intoxicant.
This article is based on Ḍiyā’ al-Islām fī Sharḥ al-Imām bi-Aḥādīth al-Aḥkām by Shaykh Taqī al-Dīn Abī al-Fatḥ, translated by Maulana Mahmood Ahmad Ghaznavi.