Why Islam banned wine in four steps and not in one step?
The prohibition of wine in Islam was revealed in four stages rather than all at once to allow the community to gradually adjust to this significant change. This approach helped to soften the impact of the prohibition and facilitated acceptance among the people.
Initially, the Qur'an acknowledged the existence of wine and gambling, stating that while there is some benefit in them, their sin is greater than their benefit. This served as a warning without imposing an outright ban: They ask you about wine and gambling. Say: In them is great sin and some benefit for people, but their sin is greater than their benefit.
Al-Kafi 7:127. This step prepared the community for the eventual prohibition by highlighting the dangers of these practices.
The subsequent revelation advised against approaching prayer while intoxicated, which was a more specific restriction: Umar stood on the pulpit and said, 'As for what follows, the prohibition of wine was revealed. It is made from five things: grapes, dates, honey, wheat, and barley. Wine is that which intoxicates the mind.'
Sahih al-Bukhari 74:7. This step reinforced the seriousness of the matter while still allowing the consumption of wine outside of prayer times.
Finally, the comprehensive prohibition was revealed, declaring that intoxicants and gambling were abominations of Satan’s work and commanding their avoidance entirely: Indeed, intoxicants, gambling, divining arrows, and idols are abominations of Satan’s work; so avoid them that you may succeed.
Al-Kafi 7:127. This last stage made clear the complete ban on wine and related practices, concluding the gradual process initiated by the earlier revelations.
The gradual prohibition allowed the community to adapt and change their behaviors without overwhelming them, reflecting Allah's mercy and wisdom in guiding His followers.
Sources
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Al-Kafi 7:127
Al-Kafi · Book 7, Hadith 127
The first revelation concerning the prohibition of wine was Allah’s saying: "They ask you about wine and gambling. Say: In them is great sin and some benefit for people, but their sin is greater than their benefit." When this verse was revealed, the people perceived the prohibition of wine and gambling and realized that sin is something to be avoided; Allah does not impose upon them a total prohibition because He said: "and some benefit for people." Then Allah revealed another verse: "Indeed, intoxicants, gambling, divining arrows, and idols are abominations of Satan’s work; so avoid them that you may succeed." This verse was stronger than the first and more severe in prohibition. Afterwards, a third verse was revealed, stronger than the first and second, saying: "Indeed, Satan only wants to cause between you enmity and hatred through intoxicants and gambling, and to hinder you from remembrance of Allah and prayer. Will you then desist?" So He commanded to avoid them and explained their harmfulness. Then Allah revealed a fourth verse clarifying the prohibition along with what was indicated in the previous verses, saying: "Say, my Lord has only forbidden immoralities, whether apparent or hidden, and sin and oppression without right." Allah states in the first verse: "They ask you about wine and gambling. Say: In them is great sin and some benefit for people," then in the fourth: "Say, my Lord has only forbidden immoralities...and sin." So Allah informed that the sin is in the wine and others and that it is forbidden. This is because when Allah intends to make an obligation, He reveals it gradually so that people become accustomed and accept Allah’s commands and prohibitions in a way that is more correct for them and easier for them to follow. — OR — Najīya al-ʿAṭṭār said, 'I traveled with Abu Ja‘far (peace be upon him) to Mecca. He ordered his servant to do something, but the servant disobeyed and went to someone else. Abu Ja‘far (peace be upon him) said, "By God, I will strike you, O servant!" I did not see him strike him, so I said, "May I be sacrificed for you, you swore to strike your servant, but I did not see it." He said, "Surely God Almighty says, 'And that you pardon is nearer to piety.'"'
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Sahih al-Bukhari 74:7
Sahih al-Bukhari · Book 74, Hadith 7 · Narrated by Ibn Umar
Umar stood on the pulpit and said, 'As for what follows, the prohibition of wine was revealed. It is made from five things: grapes, dates, honey, wheat, and barley. Wine is that which intoxicates the mind.'
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