What is the ruling on vinegar?

It is permissible to use vinegar for all lawful purposes. If wine turns into vinegar unintentionally, it is lawful and pure. However, if it is turned into vinegar intentionally, scholars have differed. The Shafi'is, Hanbalis, and some Malikis hold that it does not become lawful or pure, basing their view on the Hadith (definition) of Anas: "The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was asked about wine that is made into vinegar? He said: No," and because wine is commanded to be poured out. While the Hanafis and the preponderant view among the Malikis hold that it becomes lawful and pure, the closer opinion to what is correct is the first view, due to theith of Anas.