Is the Hadith, "Whoever drinks alcohol for the fourth time, kill him," authentic?
Strong hadiths were narrated about killing the drunkard on the fourth or fifth offense, but the people of knowledge agreed that this ruling was abrogated, and that the punishment for a drunkard is lashing, not killing. This is what the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, acted upon after these hadiths were revealed, as he lashed a drunkard on the fourth offense and did not kill him. The ruling of killing was lifted and became a concession. This is supported by the hadith: «The blood of a Muslim who bears witness that there is no god but Allah and that I am His Messenger is not lawful except for one of three reasons: a life for a life, the married adulterer, and one who abandons his religion.»
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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