Definition
Qimār (قمار) refers to gambling or any games of chance that involve wagering money or valuables on outcomes that are largely dependent on luck. This practice includes activities like dice games, card games, lotteries, and betting.
Etymology
The Arabic term قمار (Qimār) is derived from the root verb قَمَرَ (qamra), meaning to engage in games of chance. It broadly encapsulates various forms of gambling.
Background
Qimār has deep roots in pre-Islamic Arabian culture, where games of chance, including dice, were part of social and economic life. However, with the advent of Islam, Qimār, along with another term maisir, became prohibited. This prohibition is articulated in the Qurʾān:
“O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling (Qimār), [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful.” (Qurʾān 5:90)
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Across different cultures, gambling exists in varied forms and is subjected to diverse ethical, legal, and societal perspectives. Similar to Islamic cultures, both Judaism and Christianity also indicate moral reservations regarding gambling. Contrastingly, some cultures celebrate controlled forms of gambling in their traditions and leisure activities.
Synonyms
- Maisir (مَيْسِر) - Another Arabic term often associated with gambling, covering similar activities.
- Betting - A generalized term for risking money on a game’s outcome.
- Wagering - Used interchangeably with gambling, referring to staking something valuable in games of chance.
Antonyms
- Charity (صدقة - Sadaqah) - Engaging in acts of giving without expecting returns.
- Earnest Work - Gaining success through hard work, effort, and merit, rather than chance.
Related Terms
- Ribat (ربط) - Spiritual effort or striving toward righteousness.
- Khurrmān (خرسمان) - Measures of abstinence and avoiding temptations.
Exciting Facts
- Early Islamic Rule: Even historical texts note strict punishments for engaging in Qimār during early Islamic rule to discourage gambling in society.
- Economic Impact: Contemporary Islamic finance principles often incorporate prohibitions against Qimār as a measure to ensure ethical economic practices.
Quotations
“Forbidden is what corrupts one’s morality and leads one astray from the straight path. In this manner, Qimār stands as a test of human temperance.” — Shaykh Abdul Azeem
Literature and Further Studies
- “Ethical and Theological Underpinnings of Qimār”: Studies in Comparative Religious Ethics by John Bowker
- “Islamic Finance and Prohibition of Gambling”: Essential Principles of Islamic Finance by Tariq Al-Dharir
- “Gambling and Religion: Historical Perspectives”: Retrospect Before Religion by William T. Shea
Inspirational Quote
“Eschewing chance that tempts and holds, the faithful tread on paths of light, avoiding peril’s treacherous folds, to grasp their faith with gracious might.”
Farewell to your endeavors in understanding and wisdom. May your path be illuminated by knowledge and fortified by insight.
