...for the mercy of GOD; for GOD is gracious and merciful. They will ask thee concerning wine and lots:1 Answer, In both there is great sin, and also some...unto men; but their sinfulness is greater than their use. They will ask thee also what they shall bestow in alms: Answer, What ye have to spare. Thus GOD...

...vent to these feelings was sura ii. 216: "They will ask thee concerning wine and gambling (niaisir). Answer, in both there is great sin and also some things...unto men: but their sinfulness is greater than their use". This revelation, however, was not considered as a prohibition. As people did not change their...