Definition
Nuqūʿu ʾZ-Zabīb (نقوع الزبيب), translates to “infusion of raisins”. It refers to water in which raisins have been steeped until the water becomes sweet and undergoes a change in substance, making it a prohibited liquor in Islamic law due to its potential to intoxicate.
Etymology and Background
The term Nuqūʿu ʾZ-Zabīb is derived from Arabic:
- Nuqūʿ (نقوع): Infusion or soaking
- Zabīb (زبيب): Raisins
Historically, raisins steeped in water were sometimes consumed for their sweetness and slight fermentation effects. However, Islamic jurisprudence, particularly within the Hanafi school of thought, categorizes it as an intoxicating substance, thereby making its consumption haram (forbidden).
Cultural Differences and Similarities
While the specific prohibition of Nuqūʿu ʾZ-Zabīb may vary among different Islamic schools of thought, the overall principle of avoiding intoxicants is consistent across the Sunni and Shia divide. Unlike other beverages like Nabīdh (which may also involve some fermentation but is sometimes allowed in non-intoxicating forms), Nuqūʿu ʾZ-Zabīb is distinctly called out in texts like Hamilton’s Hidāyah for its impermissibility.
Synonyms and Related Terms
- إثم خمري (Ithm Khamrī): Wine-related sin, denoting prohibition due to intoxicating properties.
- نبيد (Nabīdh): Another type of fermented drink, which may sometimes be permissible depending on fermentation level and time.
Antonyms
- حلال (Halal): Lawful or permissible according to Islamic law.
- غير مسكر (Ghayr Muskir): Non-intoxicating.
Related Terms with Definitions
- فقه (Fiqh): Islamic jurisprudence or the human understanding of the Shariah.
- شرع (Shariah): Islamic canonical law based on the Quran and Hadith.
- حرام (Haram): Forbidden or proscribed by Islamic law.
Exciting Facts
- In early Islamic history, dates and raisins were primary ingredients used in the fermentation process to produce mild alcoholic beverages.
- The classification of beverages was heavily debated among early Islamic jurists, leading to comprehensive rules and distinctions like those found in the Hanafi texts.
Quotations
“One drop of wine may infect a nation’s blood; so too can these steps toward subtle intoxicants taint our spiritual purity.” — Hamilton’s Hidāyah, vol. iv. p. 159.
Suggested Literature and Further Studies
For a deeper understanding, you might explore:
- “The Hidāyah: Volume IV” by Charles Hamilton.
- “Fiqh-us-Sunnah” by Sayyid Sabiq – details practical aspects of Islamic law.
- “The Quest for the Historical Muhammad” by Ibn Warraq – context about how the Prophet’s sayings influenced Islamic jurisprudence.
Quizzes
Ever curious and constantly caring,
Omar Al-Hanafi
October 2, 2023
