Prohibited means of earning in Islam - Gambling

This is the third post in our series of posts about the Prohibited means of earning in Islam. The eralier two posts were about money earned from Beggary and Diminishing measures and weights. (You may read the earlier two posts by clicking on the link: Prohibited means of earning in Islam). Today in the third post we will dwell on the income earned from gambling.

The Qur'an and Hadiths explicitly prohibit gambling (known as Maysir in Arabic), and money earned from gambling is considered haram (forbidden) in Islam. The prohibition stems from the negative impact that gambling has on individuals and society, such as promoting greed, dishonesty, and financial instability, while also diverting individuals from the remembrance of Allah and righteous actions.

Quranic Prohibition of Gambling (Maysir)

The primary verse in the Qur'an that addresses gambling is found in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:90), which directly condemns it along with alcohol and idols:

"O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [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." (Al-Ma'idah 5:90)

Explanation of the Verse: Intoxicants and gambling are both listed together here as major societal vices that lead to harm. Gambling (Maysir) is likened to "defilement" and is considered part of the "work of Satan", emphasizing the destructive spiritual, social, and moral consequences of engaging in such practices.

The phrase "so avoid it that you may be successful" clearly instructs Muslims to stay away from gambling, highlighting that it prevents success both in this world and the Hereafter. The success referred to here is not only worldly prosperity but also spiritual well-being and salvation.

In this verse, Allah emphasizes that gambling is a tool used by Satan to sow discord, enmity, and hatred among people. It also distracts them from remembering Allah and causes individuals to waste their time, wealth, and energy on a futile pursuit.

Hadiths on the Prohibition of Gambling

Several Hadiths (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him) elaborate on the prohibition of gambling and its harmful consequences. Some key Hadiths include:

1. Gambling is a form of "filth" (najis): Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"Allah has cursed the one who consumes intoxicants, the one who practices gambling, the one who steals, the one who falsely accuses someone, and the one who is a sorcerer." (Sunan Ibn Majah)

Here, the Prophet (peace be upon him) includes gambling as one of the cursed acts, similar to intoxicants, theft, and false accusations. The curse signifies that these acts are serious offenses that alienate one from the mercy of Allah.

2. Gambling is a waste of wealth: The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said:

"Whoever says: 'Let us play a game of chance,' let him know that this is part of gambling, which is haram (forbidden)." (Sahih Muslim)

This hadith further clarifies that engaging in gambling or any form of games of chance—whether with money or not—comes under the same ruling of being haram. This act involves wealth that is gained without effort or productive labor, promoting greed and unjust enrichment.

This kind of easy gain is seen as a form of deception, where people seek profits without hard work or a legitimate trade.

3. A prohibition against taking money from gambling: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"The money from gambling is the worst of earnings. It is nothing but a waste of wealth." (Sahih Bukhari)

In this hadith, the Prophet (peace be upon him) explicitly categorizes money obtained from gambling as "the worst of earnings". This reinforces the idea that not only is gambling prohibited, but also the wealth earned through gambling is considered harmful and impure, not to be used or cherished.

Islam teaches that wealth should be earned through honest means, such as working, trading, and other legitimate forms of income.

Why is Gambling (Maysir) Prohibited?

The prohibition of gambling in Islam is rooted in several principles of Islamic ethics and values:

• It promotes greed: Gambling encourages people to seek easy and quick wealth at the expense of hard work, creating a society that values instant gratification over sustainable, legitimate income.
• It causes harm: Gambling often leads to addiction, financial ruin, and strained relationships. It can negatively affect families, causing loss of savings and sometimes even leading individuals to commit crimes to sustain their habit.

It distracts from worship: Just like intoxicants, gambling can divert attention from remembering Allah. The Qur'an and Hadith warn that anything that distracts from prayer, charity, or remembrance of Allah is a source of harm.

It fosters enmity and competition: Gambling often breeds jealousy, hatred, and competition, especially if one person wins at the expense of another, leading to disputes and animosity.

It is unfair and unjust: Gambling is based on chance and is a form of economic exploitation, where the winner gains wealth at the expense of others. This goes against the Islamic principle of fair trade and justice.

As can be seen, the Qur'an and Hadith are clear in their prohibition of gambling (Maysir). The Qur'an condemns it as an impure practice that distracts from worship and sows discord, while the Hadith elaborates on its harmful consequences, likening it to the worst of earnings and equating it with other major sins like drinking alcohol or stealing. Money earned from gambling is seen as haram because it is obtained without effort, promotes greed, and disrupts the moral fabric of society. Muslims are therefore forbidden from engaging in gambling, benefiting from it, or using any money derived from it.

You may now like to watch a very educative video on gambling with a simple approach: 2 Questions to help you identify Maysir (gambling). The reasoning and explanation given is really great, thorough and systematic that should make everyone understand gambling. 

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎)  help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

You may like to read more posts on similar theme in our series of posts related to: Ref Page: Prohibited means of earning in Islam

For more Selected Verses, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Tafsir References: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of the Qur'ān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In addition, references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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The Divine promise of Hope and Redemption in Qur'an

Man has always been enticed by the Evil to sin or do acts detested by our Creator, Allah the Almighty. Yet when the storm of worldly desires subsides, one is left with nothing but remorse and utter shame for having defied the Divine commandments of morality, honesty and following what is Halal (permissible) and shunning what is Haram (not permissible). In despair, if he has an iota of faith in Allah, he immediately repents his wrong doing and seek forgiveness.  For such believers, there is a message of hope and redemption given in the 70th verse of Surah 25. Al-Furqan. 

Let us read and try to understand the selected verse, which is followed by its explanation in the video given at the end of the verse explanation:

اِلَّا مَنۡ تَابَ وَاٰمَنَ وَعَمِلَ عَمَلًاصَالِحًـا فَاُولٰٓـئِكَ يُبَدِّلُ اللّٰهُ سَيِّاٰتِهِمۡ حَسَنٰتٍ​ ؕ وَكَانَ اللّٰهُ غَفُوۡرًا رَّحِيۡمًا‏ 

(25:70) Unless he repents and believes and does righteous works. For such, Allah will change their evil deeds into good deeds. Allah is Ever Forgiving, Most Compassionate.

This verse highlights the concept of repentance and divine forgiveness in Islam. In fact, this is a good news for those people who repented and reformed themselves, for they will have the benefit of the "general amnesty" contained in verse 70. This was regarded as a great blessing by the true servants who had committed undesirable acts.

Here's a breakdown of its meanings:

This verse is part of a passage that addresses the behaviors of those who reject the truth, commit sinful actions, and engage in negative conduct. These people may have indulged in sins such as idolatry, oppression, or immorality. However, the verse offers a message of hope and redemption. Allah is emphasizing that those who truly turn to Him in sincere repentance and faith, and then follow that up with righteous deeds, can receive His mercy.

Key Elements of the Verse:

• Repentance (Tawbah): The verse begins by stating that repentance is essential. Repentance in Islam means feeling remorse for one’s sins, stopping the sinful behavior, seeking forgiveness from Allah, and making a firm intention not to return to those sins.
• Faith (Iman): Belief in Allah and His messenger, and adherence to the pillars of Islam, is the foundation for a person to be eligible for Allah's mercy.
• Righteous Deeds (Amal Saleh): After repentance and belief, the individual is required to perform righteous actions — actions that align with Islamic principles, including charity, prayer, and other good deeds.
• Replacement of Evil Deeds with Good: One of the most powerful aspects of this verse is the promise that Allah will replace the person's bad deeds with good ones. This shows the infinite mercy of Allah. Even if someone has committed many sins, if they sincerely repent and strive to do good, Allah will not only forgive them but will transform their past mistakes into acts of virtue.
• Allah's Forgiveness and Mercy: The verse concludes by reiterating that Allah is Forgiving (غَفُور) and Merciful (رَحِيم). These attributes remind us that Allah is always ready to forgive those who truly repent and seek His mercy, no matter how great their sins may have been.

Practical Implications

• Hope for the sinner: This verse offers hope for anyone who has committed sins. No matter how serious the wrongdoings, if a person sincerely repents, they can be forgiven.
• Encouragement for reform: It encourages believers to always seek self-improvement through repentance, faith, and good deeds.
• The transformative power of repentance: It also underscores the transformative power of sincere repentance, where a person’s past mistakes can be wiped away and replaced with good deeds.

In essence, this verse encapsulates Allah’s immense mercy and the process through which a person can regain a righteous standing in His sight, regardless of past errors. Many instances of such people, who sincerely repented and reformed their lives, have been related in the traditions. 

For instance, Ibn Jarir and Tabarani have related an incident from Hadrat Abu Hurairah, who savs, "One day when 1 returned home after offering the 'lsha prayer in the Prophet's Mosque, I saw a woman standing at my door. I saluted her and walked into my room, closed the door and busied myself in voluntary worship. After a while she knocked at the door. I opened the door and asked what she wanted. She said that she had come with a problem: She had committed zina, had become pregnant, given birth to a child and then killed it. She wanted to know if there was any chance of her sin being forgiven. I replied in the negative. She went back grief-stricken, exclaiming, "Ah! this beautiful body was created for the fire!" The next morning, after the prayer, when I related the night's incident before the Holy Prophet, he said, "You gave a very wrong answer, Abu Hurairah: Haven't you read the Qur'anic verse which says: '(Those) who do not invoke any other deity than Allah...except the one who may have repented (after those sins) and have believed and done righteous deeds' `?" Hearing this from the Holy Prophet, I went out in search of the woman, and had her traced again at the `Isha time. I gave her the good news and told her what the Holy Prophet had said in reply to her question. She immediately tell prostrate on the ground and thanked Allah, Who had opened a way for her forgiveness. Then she offered repentance and set a slave-girl, along with her son, tree." 

A similar incident about an old man has been related in the traditions. He came before the Holy Prophet and said, "O Messenger of Allah, all my life has passed in sin: there is no sin which I have not committed; so much so that if my sins were to be distributed over the people of the whole world, they would all be doomed. Is there any way out for my forgiveness?" The Holy Prophet asked him, "Have you embraced Islam?" He said, "I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah." The Holy Prophet said, "Go back, Allah is All-Forgiving and has the power to change your evil deeds into good deeds." He asked,"Is it about all my crimes and errors?'' The Holy Prophet replied, "Yes, it is about all your crimes and errors." ( Ibn Kathir) .

You may like to  watch a discussion between eminent Muslim scholar Dr. Shabir Ally and Dr. Safiyyah Ally on the meaning and Divine promise of hope and redemption as mentioned in Quran 25:70:

Let us never lose faith in Allah and His reassurance to His servants of forgiveness provided we repent and promise not to indulge in acts reprehensible to Allah. Remember, the essence of this verse lies in the sincerity while repenting with a solemn pledge of not repeating the same again. Let us cash on the Divine promise of hope and redemption and not be enticed by the Evil to fall into its trap again.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎)  help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

For more Scholarly views and videos, please read our reference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on Important Issues Related to Islam. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.

For more Selected Verses, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Tafsir References: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of the Qur'ān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In addition, references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

Prohibited means of earning in Islam - Diminishing measures and weights

In one of our previous posts, Prohibited means of earning in Islam, we mentioned a number of means that are prohibited to earning money, or so MORE money, so to say. One such means is cheating customers by not ensuring complete weights and measures and thus selling less their commodities under weight but taking full money. This is something that is one of the most detestable act by Allah and such people have been waned of grave consequences.

This is very unfortunate that this ill practice continues since time immemorial and even many Muslim traders and vendors are engaged in such dealings and cheating their customers to earn a few dollars more, completely forgetting their fate when they will be presented in the Divine court on the Day of Judgement and asked why did they cheat their customers to earn more.

In the 84th verse of Surah 11. Hud of the Qur'an, mention of such people has been made:

وَاِلٰى مَدۡيَنَ اَخَاهُمۡ شُعَيۡبًا​ ؕ قَالَ يٰقَوۡمِ اعۡبُدُوا اللّٰهَ مَا لَـكُمۡ مِّنۡ اِلٰهٍ غَيۡرُهٗ ​ؕ وَلَا تَـنۡقُصُوا الۡمِكۡيَالَ وَالۡمِيۡزَانَ​ اِنِّىۡۤ اَرٰٮكُمۡ بِخَيۡرٍ وَّاِنِّىۡۤ اَخَافُ عَلَيۡكُمۡ عَذَابَ يَوۡمٍ مُّحِيۡطٍ‏  

(11:84) And to (the people of) Midian We sent their brother Shu'ayb. He said: 'My people! Serve Allah; you have no god other than Him. And do not diminish the measure and weight. Indeed I see that you are prospering now, but I fear for you the chastisement of an encompassing day in the future.

Context of the Verse: The people of Midian were known for their prosperity but also for their unethical behavior, especially in trade. They had wealth and success, but they were also engaging in fraudulent practices such as cheating in measurements and weights, which is seen as a violation of fairness and justice. They also worshipped idols and engaged in other forms of social injustice.

Shu'ayb was sent to guide them back to righteousness, urging them to turn to Allah alone, to stop their dishonest practices, and to prepare for the inevitable reckoning of the Hereafter. Despite his efforts, the majority of the people rejected him, and as a result, they faced the divine punishment.

"And do not diminish the measure and weight.":

This part of the verse refers to a specific form of corruption that the people of Midian were engaged in: dishonesty in trade. They would cheat others by giving less than what was owed in terms of weight or measurement, thus exploiting others for personal gain.

The prohibition of diminishing measures and weights is a general principle of justice and fairness in all transactions. It highlights that corrupt practices in business, like dishonesty in trade, are condemned in Islam and lead to social and economic harm.

For this very reason, the people of Midian were warned: "Indeed I see that you are prospering now, but I fear for you the chastisement of an encompassing day in the future.": Prophet Shu'ayb acknowledges the material prosperity of his people at the time. They were wealthy and had success in their trade, but he cautions them that this prosperity would not save them from divine punishment if they continued in their sinful ways.

The "chastisement of an encompassing day" refers to the day of judgment or the punishment that would befall them in the future due to their moral corruption, greed, and rejection of the divine message. The term "encompassing day" suggests that the punishment would be vast, comprehensive, and all-encompassing, affecting everyone who persisted in wrongdoing.

There is an incident where a merchant came to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) complaining about a dishonest trader in the marketplace. The dishonest merchant was using inaccurate measures to shortchange customers, specifically in terms of weight and measure. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) condemned this practice severely. He said, "Woe to the one who cheats in business." Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized that the wrongdoer would face punishment on the Day of Judgment and that any form of cheating in business, especially with weights and measures, is a grave sin. "Whoever cheats is not one of us," he said, indicating the importance of fairness in business dealings. The Prophet made it clear that dishonesty in trade is a serious violation of ethical and religious principles.

Let us also read another Hadith, reported by Narrated Abu Huraira and as mentioned in Sahi Al Bukhari as Hadith number 2358: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "There are three persons whom Allah will not look at on the Day of Resurrection, nor will he purify them and theirs shall be a severe punishment. They are: -1. A man possessed superfluous water, on a way and he withheld it from travelers. -2. A man who gave a pledge of allegiance to a ruler and he gave it only for worldly benefits. If the ruler gives him something he gets satisfied, and if the ruler withholds something from him, he gets dissatisfied. -3. And man displayed his goods for sale after the `Asr prayer and he said, 'By Allah, except Whom None has the right to be worshipped, I have been given so much for my goods,' and somebody believes him (and buys them). The Prophet (ﷺ) then recited: "Verily! Those who purchase a little gain at the cost of Allah's Covenant and their oaths." (3.77) 

Key Messages from the Verse:

• Monotheism: Worship Allah alone and reject all false gods.
• Honesty in Trade: Always be fair in your transactions, not cheating or manipulating weights and measures.
• Accountability in the Hereafter: Material prosperity does not protect from divine judgment. If one persists in wrongdoing, they will face the consequences, regardless of their current worldly success.
• Divine Punishment: There is a warning about the future consequences for those who reject divine guidance and live in corruption.

Relevance to Today:

• This verse serves as a timeless reminder to be honest in dealings, maintain integrity in business, and remember that material success is temporary. 
• True prosperity is found in living in accordance with divine principles and being mindful of accountability in the Hereafter. 
• The verse also calls for vigilance against societal corruption and injustice, as these lead to collective harm and divine wrath.

Let us, our Muslim brethren adhere to complete weights and measures and not cheat others to earn Haram / prohibited means of income and be contend with less that is Halal and please Allah, rather than adding Haram to our earning and calling for the Divine anger and severe accountability in the Hereafter.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎)  help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

You may like to read more posts on similar theme in our series of posts related to: Ref Page: Prohibited means of earning in Islam

For more Selected Verses, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | 

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of the Qur'ān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In addition, references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

Importance of respect and hospitality for guests in Islam (Sunnah Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

It is said that guests are God send and they should be treated with honour and respect and presented with the best food one may have and accommodated well even if the host has to abandon his best bed for the guest. The Prophet ﷺ believed in treating all guests with dignity, regardless of their background, showing that hospitality transcends religious differences.

There are many sayings of the revered Prophet ﷺ and acts (Sunnah) that shows the the importance given to guests by the revered Prophet of Allah and the profound way in which Prophet Muhammad ﷺ modeled the Islamic principle of hospitality, which is grounded in generosity, humility, and kindness toward others. He also advised his companions to be courteous and hospitable to the guests. 

One such saying is mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī  (Book 78: Good Manners and Form (Al-Adab) / كتاب الأدب / Chapter 31:  Whosoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should not harm his neighbor / باب مَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ فَلاَ يُؤْذِ جَارَهُ / as Hadith 6019, given herein under:

Narrated Abu Shuraih Al-Adawi: My ears heard and my eyes saw the Prophet (ﷺ) when he spoke: 

"Anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day, should serve his neighbor generously, and anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should serve his guest generously by giving him his reward." It was asked. "What is his reward, O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)?" He said, "(To be entertained generously) for a day and a night with high quality of food and the guest has the right to be entertained for three days (with ordinary food) and if he stays longer, what he will be provided with will be regarded as Sadaqa (a charitable gift). And anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should talk what is good or keep quiet (i.e. abstain from all kinds of dirty and evil talks).

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ يُوسُفَ، حَدَّثَنَا اللَّيْثُ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي سَعِيدٌ الْمَقْبُرِيُّ، عَنْ أَبِي شُرَيْحٍ الْعَدَوِيِّ، قَالَ سَمِعَتْ أُذُنَاىَ، وَأَبْصَرَتْ، عَيْنَاىَ حِينَ تَكَلَّمَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقَالَ ‏"‏ مَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ فَلْيُكْرِمْ جَارَهُ، وَمَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ فَلْيُكْرِمْ ضَيْفَهُ جَائِزَتَهُ ‏"‏‏.‏ قَالَ وَمَا جَائِزَتُهُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ قَالَ ‏"‏ يَوْمٌ وَلَيْلَةٌ وَالضِّيَافَةُ ثَلاَثَةُ أَيَّامٍ، فَمَا كَانَ وَرَاءَ ذَلِكَ فَهْوَ صَدَقَةٌ عَلَيْهِ، وَمَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ فَلْيَقُلْ خَيْرًا أَوْ لِيَصْمُتْ ‏"‏‏.‏

The hadith emphasizes the importance of hospitality and respect for guests in Islam. To understand its significance, we can interpret it in the light of the Quran and the personal life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Here's a breakdown of its meaning and context:

The hadith underscores a critical aspect of Islam: the treatment of guests. It connects the act of honoring a guest with one's faith in Allah and the Last Day. The phrase "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day" indicates that the treatment of guests is not just a social norm but an act that reflects a person's deep belief in the core tenets of Islam, namely, belief in Allah and the Day of Judgment.

The hadith advises Muslims that to demonstrate true belief, they must embody virtues such as generosity, hospitality, and kindness—traits that will be recognized and rewarded by Allah, especially on the Day of Judgment. In this context, honoring guests goes beyond basic hospitality; it becomes an expression of one’s piety and adherence to the moral principles that Islam promotes.

Reflection in the Quran:

The Quran also speaks about the importance of hospitality and kindness to others, including guests.

• Surah Az-Zariyat (51:24-27): The Quran mentions the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), when angels came to him in the form of guests. Despite not recognizing them immediately, Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) treated them with the utmost respect, offering them food. The Quran says:

"And when the great-grandfather of all nations (Ibrahim) received the guests, they said: 'We are sent to a people who are criminals.' He then offered them a roasted calf." (Quran 51:24-27). This story highlights the exemplary behavior of Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) in his hospitality and serves as a lesson for Muslims in respecting and caring for their guests, even when they are unaware of the guest's true identity or significance.

• Surah Al-Insan (76:8-9): In this surah, the Quran also speaks of the virtuous believers who, in their acts of kindness, provide food to the needy and to those in need of help, which includes guests:

"And they give food, despite their love for it, to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [saying], 'We feed you only for the sake of Allah. We do not wish from you reward or gratitude.'" (Quran 76:8-9). This reflects the spirit of hospitality where the act of giving is done solely for the sake of Allah, without seeking any material gain in return.

Personal life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ embodied the teachings of this hadith in his life in numerous ways, setting a personal example of kindness, hospitality, and generosity toward guests.

• Hospitality to Guests: The Prophet ﷺ frequently hosted guests in his home, sometimes even when there was very little food available. A well-known example is when a guest came to the Prophet ﷺ looking for food, and despite having nothing but a small amount of dates, the Prophet ﷺ offered what he had. When the guest was still hungry, the Prophet ﷺ sent someone to his companions to offer them food as well. His generosity was not confined to just his family or close companions, but extended to all, including travelers, strangers, and those in need of hospitality.
• The Rewards of Hospitality: The Prophet ﷺ also said: "The reward for a guest is that when he is treated well, it is a reward for the host in this world and the next." This indicates that treating guests well is a noble act that earns both material and spiritual rewards.

Incidents of treating guests well: 

• It is narrated that Zaid ibn Haritha (RA), one of the beloved companions of the Prophet ﷺ, once brought a guest to the Prophet’s home. The Prophet ﷺ received them warmly and invited them to share a meal. However, the Prophet ﷺ had very little food, consisting mainly of simple dates and water. Despite the simplicity of the meal, the Prophet ﷺ offered his guests the best of what he had, sharing the food with generosity. His act showed that hospitality is not about the quantity or quality of food but about the heart with which it is offered.
• One day, a Jewish man came to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to ask for his help. The Prophet ﷺ invited him into his home and treated him with great respect. He sat and listened attentively to the man’s concerns and promised to assist him. Despite the fact that the guest was from another faith, the Prophet ﷺ treated him with the utmost kindness, emphasizing the universal principle of hospitality.

Lessons for Muslims Today:

• Strengthening Faith: The hadith teaches that belief in Allah and the Day of Judgment is not just an internal belief but should manifest in our actions, particularly in how we treat others. Honoring a guest is a tangible way to show faith.
• Cultivating Good Character: Islam places great emphasis on good character. Hospitality is a means of developing personal virtues such as kindness, generosity, and selflessness. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ showed that true believers go out of their way to care for others, even when they have little.
• Spiritual and Social Impact: Honoring guests strengthens social bonds, promotes peace, and fosters a sense of community. It is also an act of worship when done with sincerity, seeking Allah's pleasure and rewarding the believer in both this world and the Hereafter.
• Responsibility of the guests: While a host is to respect and treat his guests with best of his means, it is also incumbent upon the guests not to prolong their stay to burden their hosts. For one may not know the sustenance ability of one's host. Remember that Mark Twain quote: House guests are like fish; they are only good for three days.

In summary, this hadith reflects the importance of hospitality and generosity as core values of Islam. By honoring guests, a Muslim demonstrates their commitment to the teachings of the Quran and the example of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It is a reflection of one’s belief in Allah, kindness toward others, and a reminder of the importance of treating every person with respect and care, especially those who enter our homes.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our exclusive reference page Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

You may also refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given below. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

Photo | Source of Hadith

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

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Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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The verse (of Qur'an) which speaks about the clarity of the message of Islam

Islam is one of the simplest Divine religion for it eases difficulties with Divine Help. Unlike other Divine scriptures which are based on volumes of books, Qur'an is merely a 600-700 pages Divine Book that encompasses the Divine Wisdom in very easy to understand commandments. Although, each verse of Qur'an makes it easier to understand the message of Islam, we share today the 5th verse of Surah Al-Bayyina (The Clear Evidence) which speaks about the clarity of the message of Islam.

وَمَاۤ اُمِرُوۡۤا اِلَّا لِيَعۡبُدُوا اللّٰهَ مُخۡلِصِيۡنَ لَـهُ الدِّيۡنَ  ۙ حُنَفَآءَ وَيُقِيۡمُوا الصَّلٰوةَ وَيُؤۡتُوا الزَّكٰوةَ​ وَذٰلِكَ دِيۡنُ الۡقَيِّمَةِ ؕ‏ 

(98:5) Yet all that they had been commanded was that they serve Allah, with utter sincerity, devoting themselves exclusively to Him, and that they establish Prayer and pay Zakah. That is the Right Faith.

Let us examine the verse in detail:

"And they were not commanded except to worship Allah"

The verse begins by emphasizing that the fundamental command from Allah to humanity is to worship Him alone. This worship is not just in terms of rituals, but it encompasses all aspects of life, including submitting to Allah’s will and following His guidance.

"[Being] sincere to Him in religion"

The sincerity mentioned here refers to the purity of faith and the intention behind one's acts of worship. It emphasizes that a person should not worship Allah for show or out of mere tradition but with a genuine, sincere heart. This means that all acts of worship should be done solely for the pleasure of Allah.

"Inclining to truth"

This part highlights that the sincere worship of Allah must be aligned with the truth — meaning the teachings of Islam, which are based on the Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It encourages believers to follow the correct path, one that is straight and free from falsehood.

"And to establish prayer and give zakah"

These are two important pillars of Islam. Salat (prayer) is the act of worship that connects the believer with Allah five times a day, and Zakah (charity) is the obligation to give a portion of one's wealth to those in need. These acts are essential in Islam and reflect both spiritual devotion and social responsibility.

"And that is the correct religion."

The verse concludes by stating that this path — sincere worship of Allah, following the truth, and establishing the pillars of Islam (prayer and charity) — is the "correct religion." It implies that there is no other acceptable way of life than submitting to Allah in this way.

The verse thus provides a concise summary of the essence of Islam: sincere worship of Allah, adherence to the truth, and the practice of essential duties like prayer and charity. It underscores that the correct way to live is to follow these teachings, which are grounded in sincere devotion to Allah.

This is the basis of divine religion throughout history and in all its forms. It is simply the worship of God alone. A sincere and pure submission to Him, a detachment from polytheism in all its shapes and forms, the establishment of regular worship and the payment of the regular obligatory charity, or zakat.

It is a pure and sincere faith that is firmly established in the heart, the worship of God alone which is a translation of this faith, and spending money for God’s cause as He has stated. He who fulfils these injunctions has met the requirements of faith, as the people of earlier revelations were commanded to do, and as these requirements are outlined in all forms of divine faith. It is one religion, the same faith in all the successive messages, as preached by the messengers of God. It is a religion free from all ambiguity and complication; a faith which gives no reason for division and dispute. It is very clear and very simple. How completely different this religion is from those complicated and confusing concepts and from those lengthy polemics.

Allah in Qur'an does not demand much from the believers except that they are sincere to Him and adhere to certain norms that reflect the sincerity of believers towards Allah and His chosen religion: Islam. If we really want to be true believers, we need to ponder over this verse with sincerity of approach and clarify our thought process which should be aimed entirely to sincerity to our Creator.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎)  help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

You may read more posts on similar theme in our series of posts related to: Compiled verses from Qur'an on specific subjects: Religion

For more Selected Verses, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Tafsir References: | 1 | 2 |  

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of the Qur'ān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In addition, references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

Prohibited means of earning in Islam

Islam lays a great importance on Halal (Permissible) and Haram (Prohibited) for the adoption of either makes someone a true believer and follower of Allah or otherwise. Therefore, for earning money for living and secure one's means of sustenance, Islam places significant importance on earning halal (lawful) money for several reasons, all of which are rooted in the broader ethical and spiritual framework of Islam. The concept of halal and haram (unlawful) is central to Islamic teachings, and this extends to how one earns money and sustains oneself and their family. Here are the key reasons why Islam stresses earning halal money:

1. Preservation of Moral and Ethical Values

Earning halal money ensures that a person's livelihood is obtained through honest means, free from exploitation, fraud, and oppression. The actions taken to acquire wealth directly affect a person's character and integrity. Islam emphasizes that money should not be earned at the expense of others' rights or by engaging in immoral practices like theft, bribery, or cheating.

Quranic Reference: "O you who have believed, eat from the good things which We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah if it is [indeed] Him that you worship." (Quran 2:172)

2. Spiritual and Religious Purity

Earning halal money is crucial for maintaining spiritual purity. Islam teaches that the body and soul are interconnected, and what a person consumes, including money, affects their spiritual state. Consuming haram (unlawful) wealth (such as from riba, gambling, fraud, etc.) can tarnish a person's soul and hinder their relationship with Allah.

Hadith: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "A person who earns haram and then spends it on their family or charity, it will not be accepted from them." (Sahih Muslim)

3. Accountability on the Day of Judgment

Islam teaches that everyone will be held accountable for their actions, including how they earned and spent their money. If a person earns money through haram means, they will be held responsible for that on the Day of Judgment. This is a strong motivator to seek lawful means of earning, as one wants to avoid punishment and seek Allah's mercy and forgiveness.

Quranic Reference: “Indeed, those who consume the wealth of orphans unjustly are only consuming fire into their bellies, and they will be burned in a Blaze.” (Quran 4:10)

4. Social Justice and Fairness

Earning halal money fosters social justice, fairness, and the well-being of society. Islam advocates for the fair distribution of wealth and encourages people to work hard, be honest, and engage in practices that benefit others. Haram earnings, such as from exploitation, deception, or harmful industries, can create social inequality and injustice.

Quranic Reference: “Do not consume one another's wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful]." (Quran 2:188)

5. Ensuring Blessings and Barakah

Money earned through halal means is blessed (barakah). Islam teaches that when wealth is acquired lawfully, it will bring contentment, peace, and prosperity into one's life. On the other hand, wealth earned through haram means may bring temporary gain but can result in a lack of contentment, peace, and blessings.

Hadith: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever seeks wealth through lawful means, Allah will grant him sufficiency, and whoever seeks it through unlawful means, Allah will not suffice him." (Sahih Muslim)

6. Avoiding Harm to Society

Earning money through unlawful means, such as riba (interest), gambling, fraud, and exploitation, can have harmful effects on society. These practices foster greed, injustice, and social inequality. Halal earnings, by contrast, promote honesty, fairness, and ethical behavior, contributing to a more just and cohesive society.

Quranic Reference: “O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [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.” (Quran 5:90)

7. Respecting the Rights of Others

Islam stresses the importance of respecting the rights of others. When one earns money through unlawful means, they are often infringing on the rights of others, whether through exploitation, fraud, or taking what does not belong to them (such as in the case of theft or cheating). Earning halal money ensures that people's rights are protected and that wealth is earned in a manner that is just.

Quranic Reference: "Do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly or deny the rightful claims of others." (Quran 2:188)

8. Building a Strong and Stable Economy

When individuals in society earn halal money and engage in fair, honest business practices, it contributes to the overall economic stability and growth of the community. Conversely, widespread involvement in haram practices such as gambling or fraud can lead to economic instability, corruption, and societal harm.

Hadith: “The honest, trustworthy merchant is with the Prophets, the truthful, and the martyrs.” (Tirmidhi)

9. Strengthening Family and Community

Halal money supports the well-being of the family and the community. It allows individuals to provide for their families in a way that fosters love, respect, and dignity. The wealth that is earned through halal means can be used to help those in need, contribute to the welfare of society, and fulfill charitable obligations like zakat (obligatory alms).

Quranic Reference: "And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, 'My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.'" (Quran 17:24), emphasizing the importance of providing for one's parents and family with lawful earnings.

10. Personal Integrity and Self-Respect

Earning halal money helps individuals maintain their personal integrity and self-respect. When a person earns money through halal means, they can hold their head high and take pride in their work, knowing that they have upheld their values and lived according to the teachings of Islam. Haram earnings, by contrast, can cause a person to feel guilty, ashamed, or conflicted.

Hadith: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "The best of what you can eat is what you have earned with your own hands." (Sahih Bukhari)

Thus, by seeking lawful means of earning, Muslims are encouraged to live in accordance with Allah's guidance, contributing positively to their personal development, their families, and the community. While everyone knows by the prick of one's conscious what is Halal or Haram means of earnings, we list down prohibited means of earning as specified in Qur'an and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. This page will then serve as a Reference Page to these prohibited means of earning and each means will be separately discussed in detail in our follow up posts.

Here are some of the prohibited means of earning money as mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah:

• Beggary: Earning money by spreading one's hand in front of others and not trying to earn money by one's hands and effort falls into the prohibited means of earning. Please read our post on the subject: Warning for those who are always begging people (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)
• Diminishing measures and weights: Those in business must ensure maintaining proper weights and measurements so as to not to rob the customers of full quantity being purchased. Those who exhibit dishonesty in this regard earn a Haram earning and this is strictly prohibited in Islam. Any money earned by cheating is the unlawful and haram money. for details, please read our post: Prohibited means of earning in Islam - Diminishing measures and weights
• Consuming the Wealth of Orphans Unjustly: Taking the property of orphans or exploiting them is a serious sin in Islam. 
• Riba (Usury/Interest): Riba is one of the most explicitly prohibited forms of earning money in Islam. It involves charging interest on loans or transactions, which exploits the borrower. The Quran and Hadith speak strongly against this practice, as it is seen as unjust and exploitative.
• Gharar (Uncertainty/Speculation): Gharar refers to excessive uncertainty or ambiguity in transactions, particularly in contracts. This can include selling something that one does not own or has no control over, which creates an element of deceit.
• Fraud and Deception: Engaging in fraudulent activities or cheating others in business deals is strictly prohibited.
• Theft: Stealing is explicitly prohibited in Islam, as it involves taking someone else’s property without consent.
• Gambling (Maysir): Gambling is considered a form of exploitation, where wealth is transferred from one person to another without any productive work or value being created. Please read our post on the subject: Prohibited means of earning in Islam - Gambling
• Prostitution (Zina) and Related Practices: Earning money through immoral practices, such as prostitution or facilitating it, is strictly forbidden in Islam. Please read our post on the subject: Prohibited means of earning in Islam: Prostitution
• Selling Intoxicants (Alcohol and Drugs): Selling or dealing in substances that harm people, such as alcohol or drugs, is prohibited because they are harmful to individuals and society.
• Bribery (Rishwa): Accepting or offering bribes is prohibited in Islam because it is a form of corruption that undermines justice. 
• Making and selling idols: Any form of statues or idols meant for worship is not allowed in Islam. However, making sculptures as a form of art is admissible provided it does not induce into it the concept of idol worshipping.
• Human Trafficking and Exploitation: Any form of human trafficking or exploiting people for labor or sex is prohibited. Islam emphasizes the dignity of every human being, and such practices violate this dignity.
• Unlawful Animal Slaughter: Earning money by slaughtering animals in an unlawful way or for prohibited purposes (such as selling meat from animals not slaughtered according to Islamic law) is forbidden. 
• Engaging in Superstition or Magic: Earning money by practicing or promoting superstitions, witchcraft, or black magic is strictly prohibited.
• Palmistry and fortune telling: What lies in the future is only known to Allah. Thus indulging into business of palmistry and thereby earning money by telling people about their future is strictly prohibited.
• Misappropriation (of money when acting as a trustee): Trust assumes a great importance in Islam. If someone has been placed as a trustee then he should never misappropriate the money kept as a trust with him.

In our future posts, we will take each prohibited means of earning as mentioned above and expand the scope for better understanding and placing caution over those who indulge in practices that fall under prohibited means of earning.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎)  help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

For more specific subjects based on Selected Verses from Qur'an, please refer to our reference page: Selected verse from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject. You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

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An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of the Qur'ān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  In addition, other sources which have been explored. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

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