Transliteration:( Wa min samaraatin nakheeli wal a'nnaabi tattakhizoona minhu sakaranw wa rizqann hasanaa; inna fee zaalika la Aayatal liqawminy ya'qiloon )
"And from the fruits of date palms and grapes, you derive both an intoxicant and good provision [140]. Indeed, in that is a sign for a people who use reason."
From the fruits of date palms and grapes, Allah provides two outcomes:
Good provision, such as dry dates, raisins, large raisins, juices, extracts, and vinegar—all of which are wholesome and beneficial.
The word “sukr” in this verse can be interpreted in two ways:
1. If “Sukr” refers to alcohol:
This verse was likely revealed before the prohibition of alcohol. The mention of intoxicant versus good provision sets up a contrast—indicating that while good provision is wholesome, alcohol is impure and harmful, and thus later made haram (forbidden).
2. If “Sukr” refers to a non-intoxicating drink:
The word can also mean sweet beverages like clear water or natural fruit juices. According to Imam Abu Hanifa and Imam Abu Yusuf (may Allah have mercy on them), beverages made from grapes or dates are permissible to drink as long as they do not cause intoxication—even if two-thirds of the liquid has evaporated and one-third remains.
The wisdom and flexibility in these interpretations reflect the depth of Islamic jurisprudence and the careful transition in the Qur'an from permissibility to prohibition, especially concerning intoxicants.
The tafsir of Surah An-Nahl verse 67 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Nahl ayat 66 which provides the complete commentary from verse 66 through 67.
(16:67) And out of the fruits of date-palms and grapes you derive intoxicants as well as wholesome sustenance.[55] Surely there is a sign for those who use reason.
55. Incidentally it implies that the juice of the fruits of date palms and vines contains two things. One is that which is pure and wholesome food for man and the other is that which turns into alcohol after it becomes rotten. But it has been left to the choice of man to obtain pure healthy food from this providence or to drink it as intoxicant wine to excite him and make him lose his self control. This also contains a hint as to the prohibition of wine.
[707]- This verse was revealed before the prohibition of intoxicants. It alludes to the fact that there are both evil and good possibilities in certain things.
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