Blessings of Khilafat — Page 72
72 that I do not see the same benefits that others do. Since I am afraid this controversy could result in discord amongst the members of the Jam a ‘at, I wish to explain the reality of this particular point of view so that, God willing, the matter can be resolved once and for all. The Holy Quran sets out an easy way to decide on any matter, which is, that before making any decision, one should seriously consider all the advantages and disadvantages that may ensue. The Holy Quran, in relation to gambling and drinking, states: 1 That is, people ask you about drinking and whether it is lawful to drink or forbidden, and similarly they ask you about gambling. God instructed His Prophet sa to tell them that both carry some good qualities as well as some bad qualities. But the disadvantages outweigh the advantages. How pure is the religion of Islam! It never closes its eyes from even the slightest good and virtuous qualities that a thing may have. How beautifully and truly it has answered the question. Upon the question being asked, it has not forbidden drinking and gambling outright, but it has made clear that the drawbacks far outnumber the benefits. Then it has left the decision up to you. The formula that God has laid down for us is that everything is possessed of two kinds of attributes, those that are 1 They ask thee concerning wine and the game of hazard. Say: ‘In both there is great sin and also some advantages for men; but their sin is greater than their advantage. ’ ( S u rah al-Baqarah , 2:220)