Quran 2:219 Says Prohibitions (Gambling, Alcohol) Have Benefit?
“Gambling and drinking in pre-Islamic times were a means through which the rich showed their generosity and helped the poor and needy. In winters, when cold winds blew in and caused conditions akin to drought, the courageous would gather at various places, drink liquor and, in their state of inebriation, slaughter any camels they could get hold of. They would pay the owner of the camels whatever price he demanded. They would then gamble on the meat of the slaughtered camels. Whatever parts of meat a person won in this gambling, he would generously distribute them among the poor who would gather around on such occasions. In pre-Islamic Arabia, this was a matter of great honour and people who took part in this activity were considered very philanthropic and generous. The poets would narrate the accounts of their benevolence in their odes. On the other hand, people who stayed away from this activity would be called ‘barm’ (stingy). It was this very benefit of drinking and gambling which prompted people to make an inquiry when they were regarded as prohibited items. The Quranic words used are ‘ أَكْبَرُ مِنْ نَفْعِهِمَا وَإِثْمُهُمَا ’. It is evident from the answer given by the Quran that the real reason for prohibiting something is the moral harm it causes . The Quran generally does not discuss the ills and harms which are not moral in nature. That the moral harm of drinking and gambling is what is implied here is evident from the fact that the word ‘ نَفْع ’ ( benefit ) is used in contrast with the word ‘ اِثْم ’ ( sin ). Had a comparison between their worldly benefits and harms been intended, the word ‘ ضَرَر ’ ( damage ) would have been used instead ‘ اِثْم ’.” (Excerpt from Javed Ahmed Ghamidi’s Al-Bayan) (Translated by Dr. Shehzad Saleem)
But sir, mentions of drunkards gambling upon whom will slaughter for the poor, still does not dilute the fact that these people were drunk. Why must they do these actions while drunk, when they could have done the same actions while sober? We cannot mention the righteous actions of someone, whilst they are simultaneously doing wrong at the same time. There are many people nowadays whom also simultaneously do wrong and right. Yet, we are encouraged to stay away from such influence. People who are part of non permissible businesses, who still donate/help the poor and needy, as well as step in for the right cause. Are we meant to avoid such influences, or should we stand alongside them?