Arabic term for intoxicating drinks produced before the time of Islam (time of ignorance). The fermented drinks were mainly made from wheat, barley, honey or dates. Grapes or sultanas were used less frequently because of a lack of them. The raw materials were soaked in water, but only after about three to four days was the drink actually intoxicating due to the corresponding alcohol content. In the early days, it was debated whether the prohibition of wine in Islam referred only to fermented grape juice. Aisha (Ayesha), Muhammad's favourite wife, told about the Prophet's drinking habits: "We used to prepare nabidh (date wine) by putting a handful of dates or sultanas in a hose and pouring water on it. This was then enjoyed by him in the evening if we prepared it in the morning or in the morning if we did it in the evening". In this case the drink was not yet intoxicating. See on the strict prohibition of intoxicating drinks in Islam under prohibition of alcohol, as well as under intoxication.
Using the encyclopaedia is not only time-saving, but also extremely convenient. What's more, the information is always up to date.
Markus J. Eser
Weinakademiker und Herausgeber „Der Weinkalender“