What is the ruling on drinking barley beverages - Barbican, Al Safa, Fayrouz, and others - and can a laboratory test be conducted on them to determine the presence of alcohol, especially since current fatwas do not definitively settle the matter, leaving the average Muslim in a state of confusion?

The legal ruling concerning beverages is related to intoxication. What intoxicates in large quantities is forbidden even in small quantities, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "Whatever intoxicates in large quantities, a small quantity of it is forbidden." And whatever does not cause intoxication is permissible. Scholars have unanimously agreed on the prohibition of grape juice if it becomes strong and effervesces, whether in small or large quantities. The reason for the prohibition is intoxication. So, any drink that intoxicates is forbidden to consume, whether in small or large quantities. This includes all intoxicants, such as 'mizr' made from wheat and other grains. Sweet nabidh that does not intoxicate is permissible. The Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade preparing nabidh in certain vessels, mixing two types of dates and raisins, and drinking nabidh after three days; fearing that it might intoxicate without the knowledge of the drinker. The prophetic traditions emphasize that every intoxicant is khamr (wine), and every intoxicant is forbidden. All intoxicating beverages are equal in their prohibition.