What is the validity of the statement that Abu al-Darda placed fish in wine and then in the sun, and that this is not forbidden, and what is the ruling on such food?

Al-Bukhari reported an 'athar' (narration) attributed to Abu Darda, may Allah be pleased with him, in the 'Book of Sacrifices and Hunting': "And Abu Darda said regarding 'Al-Muri': 'The wine was slaughtered by the fish and the sun.'" 'Al-Muri' is a condiment made from fish, salt, and wine that transforms from its intoxicating state through the action of the sun and salt. "Slaughtered" here is a metaphor meaning rendered permissible and lawful. "Al-Ninan" is the plural of "nun," meaning fish. Abu Darda's intention was that if wine is treated and transformed into another non-intoxicating substance, it becomes lawful.

This issue is "the transformation of wine into vinegar through treatment," and scholars hold two opinions on it:

First Opinion: Wine becomes pure and permissible if it transforms into vinegar through treatment and loses its intoxicating property. This is the view of the Hanafis and Malikis, and it was adopted by Ata and Amr ibn Dinar. It is also the apparent meaning of Abu Darda's narration. They argue that this is a rectification of a corrupted substance, and that the transformation into vinegar is not intended for financial gain. If it is permissible to keep wine until it naturally transforms into vinegar, then actively facilitating its transformation is even more permissible.

Second Opinion: Treating wine does not purify it, and it remains impure and forbidden, unless it transforms into vinegar naturally, in which case it becomes pure. However, transforming it into vinegar by adding something to it does not make it lawful. This is the view of the Shafi'is and Hanbalis. They cite narrations from the Prophet, peace be upon him, ordering the spilling of wine and not transforming it into vinegar, and the saying of Umar ibn al-Khattab: "The vinegar of wine that has been corrupted is not lawful unless Allah Almighty Himself undertook its corruption." Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah held that if it is known that its owner intended to transform it into vinegar, it does not become pure.