Surah Baqarah Verse 219

They ask you about wine and gambling. Say, "In them is great sin and [yet, some] benefit for people. But their sin is greater than their benefit." And they ask you what they should spend. Say, "The excess [beyond needs]." Thus Allāh makes clear to you the verses [of revelation] that you might give thought.

I just had a small reflection to share regarding the ayahs concerning alcohol and gambling. First, I did a presentation on cocaine use and pregnancy in university, and from a study, we learned that alcohol use is co morbid (i.e. when an individual uses alcohol, he/she is more prone to using other drugs as well). Also, after prolonged use of alcohol and other psycho stimulants like cocaine and marijuana, the parts of your brain, which usually respond to natural desires, like food or being with family and friends, increase in their threshold, which is why these natural desires are not pleasurable anymore, and the individual must turn to drugs. Also, from studies I learned that mothers who use cocaine and other drugs put their fetuses and babies in extreme risk and their babies are born with neuropsychological deficits (ex. language problems, low IQ) as well as behavioral deficits (ex. restlessness). Although the mothers know about the risks associated with such drug use, they continue to do so, because as mentioned before, they do not receive pleasure from their babies or interacting with them.

Second, I felt that the personality that was mentioned in Surah Baqarah, in which "he is the most stubborn of disputers",2:204 I feel that that ayahs pertaining to alcohol and gambling are related. This person always wants their own way, and only cares about himself, and will create mischief to attain their goals. Similarly, the person who gambles and is addicted to drugs, will do anything to attain those drugs just to feel good, even if it means disregarding their families and work. Also, when asked to quit drug/alcohol use or gambling, this type of person will usually argue and justify his reasons for indulging in such activities, and when unable to obtain it, he will get into conflicts.

Kashmala Qasim

Onsite Student
Taleem Al Quran 2010