Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Question
I’ve started making nabidh, but I didn’t drink it yet because I don’t know if it is permissible. I only want to consume it out of curiosity and not for its intoxicating effect. Is this permissible?
Answer
Nabidh, a sweet drink made by leaving dates in water, is permissible to consume as long as it does not ferment. Once it has fermented, it becomes alcoholic and can intoxicate a person. I don’t know how long this fermentation process would take, but it’s best not to prolong it.
If it ferments, it will not be permissible to consume as it will be alcoholic then. [Maydani, al-Lubab]
Leave the dates in for a day, and their sweetness will transfer into the water. Enjoy the taste and use it as a motive to thank Allah. Allah loves it when a person eats a meal or drinks something and then thanks Him for it. [Bukhari]
May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.
[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani