Quick Answer:
The Abbasid caliph Muhammad, more famously known as Mahdi once came to Medina to visit the grave of the Prophet (s), on this particular visit he went to visit Imam al-Kaẓim (‘a) to test his knowledge. He decided to do this through asking the Imam about the prohibition of alcohol in the Qur’an. He explained to the Imam that most people understand that the Qur’an has asked people to stay away from alcohol, however they do not understand this as being a prohibition, thereafter asking ‘has alcohol been prohibited in the Qur’an?’
Detailed Answer:
The Abbasid caliph Muhammad, more famously known as Mahdi once came to Medina to visit the grave of the Prophet (s), on this particular visit he went to visit Imam al-Kaẓim (‘a) to test his knowledge. He decided to do this through asking the Imam about the prohibition of alcohol in the Qur’an. He explained to the Imam that most people understand that the Qur’an has asked people to stay away from alcohol, however they do not understand this as being a prohibition, thereafter asking ‘has alcohol been prohibited in the Qur’an?’
The Imam replied in the affirmative, saying ‘Yes, alcohol has been clearly prohibited in the Qur’an”.
Mahdi then asked ‘where in the Qur’an?’
The Imam responded with the verse in which God addresses the Prophet (s) saying “Say, ‘My Lord has only forbidden indecencies, the outward among them and the inward ones, and sin and undue aggression....”[1]
The Imam finished reciting the verse and then went on to explain it. He told Mahdi that the term ‘’ithm’ in this verse which has been prohibited is referring to alcohol because God has said elsewhere in another verse “They ask you concerning wine and gambling. Say, ‘There is a great sin in both of them, and some benefits for the people, but their sinfulness is greater than their benefit.’”[2]
He continued, elaborating that ‘’ithm’ has clearly been introduced as something prohibited in surah al-A`rāf, and in surah al-Baqarah, this term has been used to mean alcohol and gambling, therefore alcohol has clearly been prohibited in the Qur’an.
Mahdi was so impressed by the Imams reply that he turned to Ali bin Yaqtin, who was present in the gathering, and said “By God, this verdict was the verdict of a Hashimi!”. Ali bin Yaqtin in reply said “All praise is to Allah who has placed this knowledge in the family of the Prophet (s)”[3]
Ali bin Yaqtins answer upset Mahdi, however he controlled his temper and replied “you speak the truth O Rafidhi”.[4,5]
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