Is mixing fruits for infusion (Nabidh) permissible?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Beverages (Intoxicants)

Book 53 · Issue 1 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

Mixing two different types of fruits for making Nabidh is disliked (Makruh) because the Prophet, peace be upon him, prohibited mixing them. If the resulting mixture becomes strong and intoxicating, it becomes forbidden (Haram). This prohibition targets the speed at which mixing hastens intoxication. If intoxication does not occur, the prohibition does not apply. Evidence includes the prohibition narrated by Abu Dawud that the Prophet, peace be upon him, forbade combining unripe dates (busr) and fresh dates (rutab) together, and forbade combining raisins and dates, mandating that each be infused separately. The view supported here is that mixing is permissible if the period of infusion is short, such as one day and night, as indicated by the practice of Aisha, who made Nabidh for the Prophet using dates and raisins to be drunk within that short period.

Supporting text

Imam Ahmad initially stated that mixing is forbidden (Haram), but this ruling is interpreted to apply only if the resulting Nabidh becomes intoxicating (Mukhtashir). If it does not intoxicate, it is not considered Haram. Additionally, when mixing is done for medicinal purposes, such as soaking raisins, Indian dates, and similar items, it is disliked, but one may cook and drink it immediately.