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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Faith and Reason Question 41: Pure Wine in the Qur’an Question: What is the “sharaban tahuran” mentioned in the Qur`an (sometimes translated as “pure wine”)? “Sharab” means something which can be drunk. It has been used in the Qur`an with this meaning.

“Many fruits and drinks are at their disposal.” [^1] Allah (awj) also says, “He sends down water from the sky from which you drink.” [^2] The word “Tahur” means that which is in itself pure and uncontaminated and which also makes other things pure, just as He says in the Qur`an, “We sent down purifying water from heaven.” [^3] We can gather from various verses that in heaven there are various kinds of drinks that are pure[^4] and refreshing.

The liquids that flow in the riverbeds of heaven differ from the drinks of this world not only in their substance but also in their qualities. This is because the rivers of this world only flow with water and after a while their water becomes rancid. But the rivers of heaven are special in both regards.

The Noble Qur`an points to four kinds of liquid that flow in four different riverbeds in heaven: the river of water that quenches thirst; the river of milk that satiates hunger; the river of honey that gives pleasure and strength; and the river of wine for happiness.[^5] These liquids have been created in such a way that the passing of time does not corrupt them. In other verses an indication is made to a drink called “Rahiq Makhtum” [^6] or that which is mixed with camphor[^7] or zanjabil[^8].

In one verse mention is made of a pure drink[^9] that the Lord will give; the saqi , or cupbearer, being Allah (awj) himself. We can summarize the viewpoints of Qur`anic commentators regarding the special “wine” of heaven into three basic views: The meaning of “pure drink” is a type of drink which the people of heaven drink after eating heavenly food. It cleans all inner wastes. Only perspiration is excreted by the body which gives off a beautiful fragrance.

This is a materialistic interpretation of the blessings of heaven with the difference that what is found there is better and more long-lasting than what is found here.