Is the sale of wine permissible?
Chapter on Selling the Musarrah (Animal with milk retained in udder)
Al-Mughni
Book of Sales
Primary text
The sale of wine is prohibited. All people of knowledge have agreed upon the impermissibility of selling wine. This prohibition is based on the tradition where the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, "Trade in wine has been prohibited." Furthermore, a tradition from Jabir reports the Prophet (peace be upon him) declaring the sale of wine, carrion, swine, and idols as unlawful. When asked about the fat of carrion used for ships and leather, the Prophet affirmed its prohibition, citing the historical context where Allah prohibited its use to the Jews who then circumvented the prohibition by selling it. Therefore, engaging in the trade of wine is forbidden, as wine is impure and unlawful, akin to carrion and swine.
Supporting text
Abu Hanifa held that it is permissible for a Muslim to appoint a non-Muslim subject (dhimmi) as an agent for buying and selling wine, but this view is incorrect.