Casting Lots in Islam
Definition
Casting Lots: The practice of making a decision or selection by drawing or shooting marked sticks, arrows, or similar objects.
Etymology
Zalam (ظَلَمَ): An ancient Arabic term meaning “casting lots by shooting arrows.” This method was primarily employed for decision-making and divination.
Qurʾah (قُرْعَة): A term in Arabic meaning “casting lots” in its general sense, involving the random selection process without the divinatory implications of Zalam.
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic:
- Casting Lots: القُرْعَة (al-Qurʾah)
- Turkish:
- Casting Lots: Kur’a
Historical Background
Ancient Arabic Custom
In pre-Islamic Arabia, casting lots by shooting arrows (Zalam) was a common practice used to make various decisions, including divisions of property and outcomes of disputes. This method often had elements of superstition and divination associated with it.
Islamic Perspective
Islamic Prohibition:
- The practice of Zalam is explicitly forbidden by the Prophet Muhammad in the Qurʾān:
- “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.” (Qur’an 5:90)
Permissible Lots (Qurʾah):
- The general act of casting lots (Qurʾah) for decision-making without superstitious elements is not forbidden in Islam.
- Example: The Prophet Muhammad used to cast lots to determine which of his wives would accompany him on specific journeys. This practice is documented in Hadith literature, like the Mishkāt al-Maṣābīḥ in the chapter Bābu ʾl-Qaṣam.
Takeaways
- Zalam as a form of divination is strictly prohibited in Islam due to its association with pre-Islamic superstition and practices deemed un-Islamic.
- Qurʾah or ordinary casting of lots for fair decision-making is permissible and was practiced by the Prophet Muhammad.
Conclusion
The concept of casting lots (Qurʾah) in a mundane, fair, and non-superstitious context is acceptable in Islam as a method to make impartial decisions. However, practices involving superstition or divination, such as Zalam (casting lots by shooting arrows), are clearly forbidden. Understanding the nuances between these practices is crucial for comprehending how Islamic teachings shaped and reformed ancient customs to align with the monotheistic ethos.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Islam: Religion, History, and Civilization” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- “The Spirit of Islam” by Syed Ameer Ali
- “Islamic Jurisprudence: An International Perspective” by C.G. Weeramantry
- “The Cambridge Companion to Muhammad” edited by Jonathan E. Brockopp
These sources provide comprehensive insights into the practices, theology, and legal rulings in Islam that help distinguish permissible and impermissible customs.
