Chapter 13: Casting Lots
When all of the previously mentioned methods of reaching a decision have failed, there is no recourse other than to draw lots. A 'lot' is a slip of paper that bears a name, or is a common object that is typically owned by every candidate that takes part in a determination. Such 'lots' are then 'cast' on the ground, or into a receptacle, before being 'drawn' out one at a time. The named person, or owner of the object 'drawn', is thereby selected.
Dealing with uncertainties by consulting Allah in this manner results in equitable, impartial and just answers that are accepted by all without dispute.
However, secular society views this, and similar methods, somewhat differently. (See also the English words 'allot' and 'ballot'.)
For example:
'This is an occasion of great dignity and solemnity. It represents the first application of a principle believed by many to be thoroughly democratic, equal, and fair, in selecting ...'1
When undertaken in secret, and without sincere inention to submit to Allah's will, such processes may lead to corruption, for example, the 'Champagne Unit' of the US National Guard, so called because it served as the vehicle through which 'sons of Houston society' were able to escape service in the Vietnam War - an option that was not made available to the sons of less privileged Americans.
The Basis Of This Principle
From The Qur’an
The Prophet Yunus (‘a), is recorded as having fled his people on a heavily laden ship. When it was in danger of sinking in a raging storm, the captain realized that the only way to save his ship, and avert the loss of all on board, was for some passengers to be thrown overboard. They determined who would have to perish by drawing 'lots', in other words, by appealing to the 'One who determines all things' - the 'One who is just' - the 'One who is all-knowing' - to make the selection. Unfortunately for him, Yunus's lot was drawn, which is how he came to be thrown overboard and swallowed by a whale2.
Another example is found in the revelation concerning Isa's mother Maryam (‘a) being dedicated to the temple in Jerusalem. (This was to fulfil the vow that her mother Hanna had made while carrying her.) When the temple authorities disputed over who was to care for and train Maryam (‘a) they resolved the issue by drawing lots. (In this instance, the pens of the temple authorities were used.) That is how Zakaraya came to be selected3.
The above two Qur'anic references are clear regarding the casting of lots as being a last resort. However, is this part of the methodology of Islamic law?
From Ahadith
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Shaykh Al-Tusi narrates from Muhammad Ibn Hakim (Hakam) that when he asked the seventh Imam's (‘a) opinion, the Imam (‘a) replied, 'For those matters that remain unknowable, lots are to be drawn.' The narrator responded, 'Drawing lots may or may not reveal the truth. 'To which the Imam (‘a) replied, 'One cannot fault what Allah has ordained.'
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Shaykh Al-Saduq narrates from Hariz that Imam al-Baqir (‘a) said, 'The first person to be selected by the casting of lots was the daughter of lmran, Maryam (‘a), Yunus (‘a) was after that, when on three consecutive occasions his name was drawn. Yunus was followed by ‘Abd al-Muttalib, who had nine sons and vowed that if a tenth arrived, he would sacrifice him in the name of Allah.
In order to fulfil that vow after his son Abdullah, the Holy Prophet's father was born, Abd al-Muttalib made ready to sacrifice the boy. However, friends and relatives begged him to draw lots, as had been done in the selection of a carer for Maryam (‘a) - In order to determine if the sacrifice of ten camels would constitute an acceptable substitute for 'Abdullah, "lots" were cast.
When Abdullah's name was drawn, Abd al-Muttalib offered a further ten camels and cast lots again. Abdullah's "lot" continued to be drawn with each increment of ten camels, until the number of camels to be offered for sacrifice reached 100. Only then was sacrifice of camels accepted over that of the baby Abdullah.'
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Shaykh Al-Saduq narrates that Imam al-Sadiq (‘a) said, 'In irreconcilable disputes, if both parties are in agreement, the fairest method to arrive at a just decision is to draw lots.'
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Shaykh Al-Saduq narrates from Imam al-Sadiq (‘a) that, ‘A person asked for advice regarding a vow he had made to grant freedom to the first slave to come into his possession. His father had recently passed away and he, as the sole heir to his property, had inherited seven slaves. In order to fulfil his vow, he wanted to know which of those slaves he should grant freedom to?’
The Imam (‘a) told him that the only way to determine that was for lots to be drawn.'4
It is clear from the above that even though the casting of lots is recommended for a variety of subject matter, it is NOT considered to be a valid methodology by which to determine rulings of jurisprudence.
For example:
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Doubts that may be harboured by a person vis-a-vis the fast being harmful for them cannot be resolved by the 'casting of lots'.
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Three factors to be considered in relation to non-siblings that have been suckled from the same breast:
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If they have been suckled for 24 hours or more.
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If they have been suckled for a minimum of 15 consecutive feeds, and
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If their flesh and bones have been nourished from the same bosom.
Casting lots is clearly not suitable for determining the criteria upon which fatawa are based.
Many ahadith are specific about the need to implore Allah Almighty for guidance, prior to the casting of any lots.
Conflicting Witness
When reliable witnesses submit conflicting evidence to an Islamic court, two possibilities apply: (1) to reject both, or (2) to cast lots to determine which evidence to accept. The first point matches what has already been said regarding conflicts without possibility of being reconciled. The second line of reasoning is the subject of this chapter.
Shaykh Al-Tusi narrates from ‘Abdullah Ibn Sinan from Imam al-Sadiq (‘a) that a dispute concerning a horse was referred to Imam ‘Ali (‘a). After he (‘a) had examined the witnesses and determined them to be equal in both reliability and number, he beseeched Allah's help and then cast lots. The lot that was drawn determined Imam ‘Ali's decision.5
- 1. Secretary US War Department - at the start of the ballot for military conscription in 1917. Jameslindlibrary.org
- 2. Refer to the following Verses of the Holy Qur’an, Surah As-Saffat, 139-144:
“Verily Jonah was (one) of the Envoys,” (37:139)
“When he ran away to the laden ship.” (37:140)
“So he cast lots, and was of the rebutted,” (37:141)
“Then the fish swallowed him while he blamed himself;” (37:142)
“So had he not been of those that glorify Allah,” (37:143)
“He would have tarried in its belly until the Day of Resurrection.” (37:144) - 3. Refer to the following Verse of the Holy Qur’an:
“This is of the news of the Unseen which we reveal to you; and you were not with them when they did cast (their lots with) their pens as to which of them should have the charge of Mary; and you were not with them (to see) when they were quarrelling (among themselves)” (Surah ‘Ali-Imran, 3:44). - 4. Wasa'il al Shi’ah Vol. 27, pp. 258 – 261.
- 5. Wasa'il al Shi’ah Vol. 27, p. 255.