Intermediate
Transactions
Surah: Al-Maidah (90)
The Prohibition of Gambling — Al-Baqarah 219 and Al-Maidah 90-91: Gradual Prohibition
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِنَّمَا ٱلۡخَمۡرُ وَٱلۡمَيۡسِرُ وَٱلۡأَنصَابُ وَٱلۡأَزۡلَٰمُ رِجۡسٞ مِّنۡ عَمَلِ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنِ فَٱجۡتَنِبُوهُ
— المائدة الآية 90
First stage — deterrence (Al-Baqarah 2:219):
"They ask you about wine and gambling. Say: In both there is great sin and some benefit for people, but their sin is greater than their benefit." — No explicit prohibition yet, but it clarified that the sin outweighs the benefit — some companions gave it up while others continued.
Second stage — definitive prohibition (Al-Maidah 5:90-91): "O believers! Intoxicants, gambling, idols, and divining arrows are but filth from the work of Satan — so avoid it that you may succeed." — "innama" (restrictive particle) + "rijs" (filth) + "work of Satan" + the command "avoid it" — an absolute prohibition.
Maysir linguistically: From "yasara" meaning facilitation — because it acquires wealth without effort. It covers all gambling and any game involving a stake with uncertainty (gharar).
Wisdom of gradualism: Al-Shatibi said: Gradual legislation is mercy and consideration of human nature — hence the prohibition of wine and gambling came in three stages.
Second stage — definitive prohibition (Al-Maidah 5:90-91): "O believers! Intoxicants, gambling, idols, and divining arrows are but filth from the work of Satan — so avoid it that you may succeed." — "innama" (restrictive particle) + "rijs" (filth) + "work of Satan" + the command "avoid it" — an absolute prohibition.
Maysir linguistically: From "yasara" meaning facilitation — because it acquires wealth without effort. It covers all gambling and any game involving a stake with uncertainty (gharar).
Wisdom of gradualism: Al-Shatibi said: Gradual legislation is mercy and consideration of human nature — hence the prohibition of wine and gambling came in three stages.
Source: Al-Shatibi, Al-Muwafaqat (3/164); Al-Jassas, Ahkam al-Quran (1/377); Al-Qurtubi, Tafsir (3/52); Ibn al-Qayyim, Zad al-Maad (5/762)
Test Yourself
How did the Quran gradually prohibit gambling? What is the difference in approach between Al-Baqarah 2:219 and Al-Maidah 5:90?
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