Divine Guidance Surrounding Ma’eser, Gambling & Games of Chance
COMMON UNDERSTANDING
Normally the word Ma’eser is interpreted to refer to gambling and games of chance. But this is like extremely restricting the definition and scope of this word and the usage of it as per Quran. This article discusses the concept of Ma’eser as per Quran, what does it include, why is it not included in the list of prohibitions and the divine warning surrounding this concept in light of Surah Al Maidah Ayah no. 90 & 91, i.e., 5:90-5:91.
BOUNDARIES OF DEEN – BINDING TERMS OF OUR COVENANT
Before we discuss the divine guidance w.r.t. the concept of Ma’eser, we need to keep in mind the Aqad aspects- those binding, firm and obligatory aspects of our covenant with Allah, which we cannot cross, are binding and obligatory upon those who Amanu. These Aqad terms of Deen are defined w.r.t. two important lists, which combined together constitute the boundary of Deen.
(1) The List of what is prohibited- Haram: is the boundary, which we cannot cross at any cost. Prohibitions are those aspects of Deen, that are clearly and distinctly mentioned as Haram by Allah in Quran. And
(2) The List of extreme caution- Ajtanebu: This is basically a step down in terms of a milder prohibition than the word haram- the latter of which refers to prohibitions at all costs. Just because any aspect is not mentioned in the list of prohibitions or haram, does not in any case mean that it’s now in the category of Halalan Tayyibaan.
Boundary of Deen: This boundary of Deen comprising of both these lists, is what we need to be extremely careful and cautious of. Allah has detailed each and every Aqad aspects of Prohibition and Extreme Caution list in detail, in the Quran, thus, it is not possible that anything could be missed, ignored or left to be mentioned. Anything that is not mentioned in Quran as per either of these lists can be considered Halalan Tayyaban. The only Hikm and lawmaker in matters of Deen is Allah, who has given to us these laws and terms of our covenant with Allah as per Quran. No one else can make or follow any man-made laws in matters of Deen which are not as per Quran.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN BY THE WORD MA’ESER?
The word Ma’eser shares the same characteristics as the word Yusra and Masara. The word Yusra is used in Quran in the meanings of simple and easy whereas the word ‘Masara’ basically means that which has been ‘Yusra/Ausra’. The word ‘Ma’eser’ is normally translated as gambling or games of chance. Although the word does include the gambling, games of chance or any earning or benefit that one gets as a result of not really earning for it or without making efforts for it, but the word is used in Quran in much broader meanings and are not restricted to games of chance or gambling only, but refers to each and everything wherein we are avoiding struggle, efforts, aiming to earn or get something, without working for it or earning it as per our due right.
IMPLICATIONS OF MA’ESER BEING INCLUDED IN THE LIST OF EXTREME CAUTION
These couple of Ayahs of Surah Al-Maidah- Ayah no. 5:90 and 5:91, identifies following 4 aspects of our Aqad- binding, firm and obligatory terms that constitute the list of extreme caution (Ajtanebu), and which we cannot cross, unless absolutely necessary, needed and required. This list of extreme caution includes Ma’eser. Allah has asked us to avoid at all costs (Ajtanebu) the Ma’eser (comfort, ease, effortlessness) basically asking us to strive, and earn for everything in life, to work hard, to use our faculties, and to come out of our comfort zone and to receive what is in accordance with our due rights, and to receive ONLY what we struggle and earn for. Thus, when for the sake of ease and comfort, when we leave the understanding of Quran in the hands of others and we follow only what they others tell us in that state of comfort, ease and effortlessness, then this is Ma’eser. Another example is when we steel something, or when we enter into any game of chance or gambling where we are receiving benefits without earning or making any efforts for it. Similarly, if we receive anything, which is not our own due right, for which we have not worked for, is also termed as Ma’eser and Allah has asked us to avoid these aspects at all costs (Ajtanebu).
P.S. MA’ESER IS INCLUDED IN THE LIST OF EXTREME CAUTION, BUT NOT IN THE LIST OF PROHIBITION
REASONS WHY MA’ESER IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE LIST OF PROHIBITIONS
In Ayah 2:219, “They ask you about the Khamar and the Ma’eser’. Say, ‘In them is Is’mun Kabeeran and Munafa’a for the humanity’ but there Is’m is Akbar than their Nafa’a” this is basically telling us important divine instructions as well as giving us reasons as to why Ma’eser is not among the prohibitions (Haram). Since there are benefits and reasons (Nafa’a) that could be gained from aspects, things, actions which give us ease, comfort and effortlessness, but them destroying human faculties and efforts (Is’m) are much greater and to a great extent (Akbar, Kabeer) than their benefits, uses and reasons and therefore Ma’eser is included in the list of Extreme Caution instead. The point to note here is that Ma’eser is although not included in the list of Prohibitions, its still included in the list of extreme caution, and hence one cannot do it just for fun or recreational aspects at all, but in terms of only if and when needed and required as absolutely necessary.
REASONS WHY MA’ESER IS INCLUDED IN THE LIST OF EXTREME CAUTION
The reason why it’s included in the list of Extreme caution are as follows
IT’S RIJSAN
The word Rijsan refers to behavior by those who do not Amanu as a result of which they are under the influence and impacts of (Khutuwaat of) Shaytaan- They are suffering from such condition (for example of blind following) whereby they are not aligned with how they are supposed to be as created by Allah (as intellectual and thinking creatures) thus they have disease (Maraz) in their hearts and minds (Quloob). They are obedient and followers of laws of those that oppose Allah in a state of war against Allah’s message (T’aghoot). The word Rijsan is used in Quran to refer to all the typical attributes and behaviors depicting moral, ethical or social disfigurement and contamination (Khinzeer) when a person commits acts of Ma’eser, or any of the other four acts of Rijsan which are therefore included in the list of extreme caution (Ajtanebu) which Allah has asked us to avoid at all costs unless absolutely necessary and needed.
INCLUDED AS WORK OF SHAYTAN
Ma’eser is also included among the work and tools of Shaitan, which basically is Yureedu of Shaitaan- that is the whole system of Shaitaan comprising of its laws, followers (Zurriyaat), protectors, supporters, guardians (Awliyas), aspects, elements, rules, people, thoughts and acts of our own Nafs (Nafs-e- Ammara) etc.- all of which are done under the influence and impacts of Shaitaan (Khutuwaat of Shaitan) and the work (Amal) of Shaitaan.
EMPLOYED BY SHAYTAN FOR TWO MAJOR AIMS
(1) AUDUWAT & BAGHZA THROUGH MA’ESER
In Ayah 5:91, Allah has explained this divine directive as to why Allah has asked us to exercise extreme caution while at the same time highlighting important aspects of both Khamar and Ma’eser “Only Yureedu the Shaytaan to cause between you the Auduwat and Baghza through Khamare and Maeser and S’addukum (hinder, misled) you from Zikar of Allah and from the S’alat..” Telling us that the whole system of Shaitaan (Yureedu) is leading to towards their desired destination, which is cause animosity and hatred (Auduwaat) as well as grudge, aversion, antipathy, detestability (Bughaz) among the members of society through acts of ‘Khamar and Ma’eser’. Thus, when people blindly follow without the use of their own Aqal, thinking and reasoning (Khamar) and by getting into their own comfort zone, easiness and effortlessness (Ma’iser), follow the man-made laws from outside the Quran (an act of Shirk) by associating themselves with any sect or religious group, they consider all others as non-believers and Kaafir which leads to elements of animosity, grudge, antipathy etc. among the members of the society.
(2) S’ADDA FROM ZIKAR OF ALLH AND S’ALAAT
Another aim of shaitan, its’ system and their desired destination by using these tools is to avert from the Zikr of Allah and from S’aalat (one’s contributions to the system of social care, justice for everyone to connect the members of society permanently with each other and to the fundamental aspects of Deen). If people go for quick and easy, effortless ways and means for everything in their lives, including following the Deen as well as to earn their livings for example in a state of Ma’eser, looking for short cuts, then this act of blind following and earning through Na-Haqq means would be against the system of Salat built on the parameters of Deen, Justice and Haqq. Additionally, these two acts, avert from the Zikr of Allah in all its meanings i.e., avert from Quran; averting from understanding, and following Allah’s Hidayah and Allah’s Ayaat; avert from remembering all the blessings of Allah and being Shaakir of these blessings and; avert from taking lessons from previously told stories in Quran.
CONCLUSION
The word ‘Ma’eser’ is normally translated as gambling or games of chance. Although the word does include the gambling, games of chance or any earning or benefit that one gets as a result of not really earning for it or without making efforts for it, but the word is used in Quran in much broader meanings and are not restricted to games of chance or gambling only, but refers to each and everything wherein we are avoiding struggle, efforts, aiming to earn or get something without working for it or earning it as per our due right. P.S. Ma’eser is included in the list of Extreme Caution but not in the list of Prohibition.
Just because it’s not included in the list of prohibitions, does not mean that it’s included in the list of Halalan Tayyibaat as per Quran and is permitted by Allah. It’s included in the list of Extreme Caution, meaning we need to stay away from it at all costs and all times, unless absolutely necessary and needed. The reasons highlighted for these divine directives is because it’s Rijsan, work of Shaytan and used as a tool by Shaytan as part of its whole system in order to carry out two of the major aims and desired destination of Shaytaan which is to cause animosity, hatred, grudge among the community members and to avert, hinder, distract from the Zikr of Allah and from S’aalat.
