In Liquor and gambling is Great sin, whereas Goodness is in spending

In Liquor and gambling is Great sin, whereas Goodness is in spending

Surah ‘Al-Baqarah (The Cow) – Chapter – 2)

Stage – 1, Verses – 219b of 286, Section – 27 of 40 (Part - 2)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Say: In both is great sin, and (some) utility for men; but the sin of them is greater than their usefulness.

Qul  fiihi-maaa  ‘ismun- kabiirunw-wa  manaafi-‘u  lin-naas:  wa  ‘ismu-humaaa  ‘akbaru  min-naf- ‘ihi-maa.

Lesson

Replying to the question of the Companions (Sahaaba) (may God be pleased with them) of the Messenger (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him), “What is the order about strong drink and games of chance”, Allah Almighty commanded clearly that the both have great sin. He instructed also that there are some utilities as well as the sins for the people, but their sins are greater than their utilities. So, it is demand of the wisdom and sense that both things should be given up immediately.

 

‘Ismun – (sin) the, sin is such act which produces hindrance in the path of goodness. Use of this word explains that the liquor and gambling prevent the human beings from goodness. Quarrels, shamelessness and evils increase in that nation and community where use of liquor is usual. When an individual drinks strong, he loses his senses, is entangled in evil-doing and fornication, becomes indolent from his duties. If one is unable to continue his state of intoxication, then he tries to get it through unlawful and unfair means. Then he commits also the crimes of theft, cheating, robbing, fraud, murder, plundering and destruction.

The games of chance destroy the financial condition of the mankind. It draws his attention towards looting, theft, robbing, cheating and fearlessness. Its initial effects are luxury; joviality and extravagance, which besiege a gambler. It has many forms, like bet on race–course, lotteries and gambling.

It is possible that some diseases may be cured with the liquor. Many people drink strong due to this pretence, but whereas, some other medicine is available in the market then how the liquor can be lawful? It is correct that the liquor is joyous, but how much long? And how much trouble is suffered after the intoxication tenure? The liquor causes to forget the grief but for how much moments? And its result is ruin of the wealth, badness of the manners, physical diseases and infamy in the people and God Almighty.

The same condition is of the games of chance. Accidental victory is possible but there is no guarantee of defeat and this freely won money has never remained with any individual. We have never seen any gambler to be rich until today. If they earn without price, they spend it lavishly and unlawfully.  

And they ask thee what they ought to spend. Say: that which is superfluous.

Wa  yas- ‘aluunaka  maa-zaa  yunfiquun.  Qulil- ‘afw.

Lesson

‘Al- ‘afw - (which is superfluous, surplus), more than that which is needful. It means, “Spend from that which is remainder, residue and savings after your lawful and necessary requisites”.

In this verse, God Almighty has commanded about the best principle for establishing the human society on financially strong foundations. Many nations have tried to get this purpose but in vain, and which can be achieved only after acting upon this rule. That is to say; the system in which every body may earn for his daily food. The nation may get rid of reproach of the poorness and unemployment, may be saved from starving. Due to poverty; nobody may be compelled to suicide, prostitution, denial of conduct and humanity decay.

To acquire this object, Allah Almighty has given this rule that every individual should earn legally and lawfully, meet his needs out of it and spend his superfluous after lawful necessities on the needy people.

The remedy of the entire badness exists in this Command, which is being faced by the human society at this time, for example we see that value of the human labor has been lessened nowadays. Complete remuneration is not being paid as retaliation of the physical and mental endeavors. The capital has taken place of the human labor. So, the society has been distributed in two different groups. One group is the richest which is very few in numbers and the other is very poor which exists in majority. On one side; there is luxury, idleness and power of influence, whereas on the other side, there is poorness, hard labor and helplessness. The rich are filling their pockets with the blood of the poor and the poor are being trampled under their feet. Uneasiness and despair has grown in the public due to this system. 

The western nations thought many solutions for it but could not found. The one and the best solution of it is that, which has been proposed by the Holy Qur’an. That is to say; every rich person should keep with him only which may fulfill his lawful necessities and the remaining should be distributed in the deserving people.

It is revealed that neither the money will be gathered in a few hands due to acting upon this command, nor poverty will increase. Moreover, the individual, who works hard, will never die of starving. This is the method of correction of the financial ruins and poverty which is held with none save Islam.  

Transliterated Holy Qur’an in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazaar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif) .