The Holy Quran with Five Volume Commentary (Vol 1) — Page 352
CH. 2 from veiled AL-BAQARAH They say meaning, he or covered up the thing. means, he concealed the خمر الشهادة evidence. means, he leavened the dough and left it till it became well fermented. means, it became mixed or blended with it; it infected or pervaded it. A veil worn by a it woman is called because screens or covers her face and head. Wine is called because it covers or obscures or infects the intellect or the senses, or because it agitates and excites the brain so as to make it uncontrolled. The word is specific for wine prepared from grapes but is also used generally (Aqrab & Lane). from يسر يسرت المرأة. submissive ايسر الرجل (game of hazard) is derived i. e. he became docile and means, the woman was easily delivered of the child. means, the man became well off. means, such a one played a game of hazard or a game of chance, i. e. he gambled. Thus the primary meaning of the word is to get a thing easily and thereby become well off. A game of chance or a game of hazard is called because by means of such games people seek to become rich easily and quickly without undergoing the trouble of earning with work and labour. The word is used to indicate (1) any game of hazard or game of chance; (2) a game of hazard played by the Arabs with headless arrows; (3) play for stakes and wages (Lisān & Mufradāt). (sin) is the noun-infinitive from 3 meaning, he did what was unlawful. means: (1) that which is unlawful (Aqrab); (2) that which keeps back a person from what is 352 PT. 2 good (Mufradāt); (3) punishment of sins and evil actions (Lane). (spare) is derived from lic. They sayi. e. the thing became long and abundant. means: (1) what exceeds or remains over and above one's requirements. (2) the best portion of a thing (Aqrab). Commentary: While dealing with the subject of war, the Quran fittingly turns to the subject of wine and gambling which are directly related to war. It was customary among Arabs in times of war to cast lots in the name of a few wealthy persons, and those in whose name the lots were drawn were bound to feed the army and supply it with wine. This is how the Arabs defrayed the expenses of war. So when Muslims were called upon to take arms, they naturally enquired of the Holy Prophet about the legality of this peculiar way of meeting the expenses of war and about the use of wine also, which was considered essential to produce a state of reckless courage in the fighters so as to make them blind to all consequences. Islam declared both these practices unlawful because their harm was greater than their advantage. The conviction of faith had infused into the hearts of believers far greater and nobler courage than the blind daring engendered by drinking. Similarly, the expenses of war were to be met in a fairer and more respectable manner than the casting of lots. The burden must fall on all according to their means and must come through willing and eager contributions by the faithful.