Forgetting Allah

Alcohol and gambling are vices leading to spiritual bankruptcy. These offenders are oblivious of Allah and of their duties towards their Creator. Living in a state of forgetfulness of Allah is the worst tragedy that befalls the unfortunate victims of these vices.

"...And to keep you off from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer...."

(Surah Maidah 5:91)

An alcoholic in a state of intoxication is in no condition to remember Allah and he abandons even an obligation like namaz. In the same way, the craze of a gambler to obtain wealth or make up for his losses is all consuming and he loses awareness of all obligatory acts including prayers. In order to stress this point, Allah continues in the same verse:

"Will you then desist?" (Surah Maidah 5:91) It means that even after being informed of the demerits of these vices, will you still not reform? The next verse continues the emphasis: "And obey Allah and obey the apostle and be cautious. But if

you turn back, then know that only a clear deliverance of the message is (incumbent) on your apostle." (Surah Maidah 5:92)