Level of prudence exercised in
interpretation and implementation of Qura’anic injunctions.
This story is chronicled in the annals of Islamic history from about 10 years
before Hijra.
In surah Rome # 30, V, (1- 4) It was predicted that Persian (Fire-worshiper)
would win the war and Roman (Christian) would lose. Then after about 7 to 9
years Roman (Christian) would win it back. Then they can rejoice and celebrate
the victory. The defeat suffered by Roman was very debilitating and humiliating.
Both had a group of sympathizers espousing them to win. Pagan of Mecca were on
the side of Persian due to their religious affinity. Muslim sided with Roman
since they were Christian--“People of Book”. Persian, as predicted, did win the
war hands down. Rejoicing pagan therefore, started taunting Muslim who espoused
Roman victory. They also used to boast that Muslim too would be defeated by
Persian. It was obviously humiliating and hurtful.
After learning of the Qura’anic predictions, Abu Bakr (R.A) went to market-place
and challenged Pagans to stop basking in Persian victory because Roman would win
soon. Hearing this Ubayy Ibn Khalaf, a pagan, refuted his claim asserting that
it is impossible (as it was seemingly improbable given the prevalent conditions)
and labeled him a “liar”. Abu Bakr (R.A) put up a bet to prove his claim saying
that-- if Roman did not wind in 3 years I would give you 10 camels. The bet was
accepted by Ubayy Ibn Khalaf.
Abu Bakr (R.A) narrated this episode to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). Prophet (PBUH)
after listening told Abu Bakr (R.A) to raise the bet to 100 camels and increase
the period from 3 years to 9 years instead. Abu Bakr (R.A) complied and Ubayy
Ibn Khalaf also accepted the new terms.
Obvious questions which arise here--- (a) why “betting” was allowed, which is
forbidden in Islam? (b) Why the value was increase to 100 camels? (c) Why period
was increased from 3 to 9 years?
Answers to all these questions exhibit the highest level of prudence and
farsightedness exercised in interpretation and implementation of the Qura’anic
injunctions. This sets a benchmark for Muslim rank and file to follow.
a) Betting (which is a form of gambling) had not been forbidden till that very
time and was forbidden later about 5 years after Hijrah.
b) An incentive was incorporated for opposite party to agree to increased period
of time from 3 years to 9 years---by also increasing the number of camels from
10 to 100.
c) Compliance-- Qura’anic words used in verse-4, indicating the time period, are
“Biza’a sineen”—which mean anywhere between 3 to 9 years.
Prudence and farsightedness
Roman, as per the prediction, won the war and Ubayy Ibn khalaf’s heir paid the
bet as per the terms of the agreement. (Since Ubayy Ibn Khlaf had died in the
meantime)
Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) however, asked Abu Bakr (R.A) to donate the win in
charity which he complied with. The wisdom behind the decision was that,
although at that time gambling and its resultant win (camels being commodity)
were not forbidden, he did not like the earning through gambling and also that
it was below the stature of Abu Bakr (R.A). In some other versions of Ahadith a
word “Suhat” is used for similar situations, which has several meanings such as
undesirable, disgusting, haram. The majority of religious scholars however, have
taken the first two. Therefore the decision of donating the win to charity (even
at that time) was a prophetic display of prudence and farsightedness. (Now
gambling earnings, in any form, are not allowed to be donated in the charity in
normal circumstances).
Gambling, alcoholic drinks (including wine), divination of arrows, altar-stones
all are considered to be the “work of Satan” hence, have been categorically
forbidden by V-90 of surah Al-Maida.(5)