[2:219] They ask you about wine (khamr), and divinatory arrows. Say: 'In both is great sin and profit for men; but the sin in them is greater than the usefulness'.
Khamr is whatever intoxicates the mind. Just as the intoxicant is prohibited, so drunkenness (sukr) is prohibited by the words of the Prophet (ṣ), 'Khamr itself is prohibited and drunkenness from any drink' From the point of view of the allusions [in the verse], anyone who is drunk from the drink of heedlessness deserves the same as the drinker of khamr. Just as the one who is drunk is prohibited to pray, so the one who possesses the drunkenness of heedlessness is veiled from intimate communications (muwāṣalāt) and the plainest testimonial evidence of ecstatic finding (wujūd). Anyone who does not think this is true should test it.
The notion of gambling can be found in most of the transactions of the people of heedlessness when they follow the way of stratagems, deception, and lying in what they say. Generous commitment to truthfulness and equitable justice is rare and precious.
[2:219 cont'd-2:220] And they will ask you what they should expend. Say: 'Comfortably' (al-ʿafw). So, God makes clear His signs to you that you might reflect, * on this world and the Hereafter.
It is said al-ʿafw is what is in excess of your needs. This is for the elect who take from the surplus of their wealth according to their capacities. As for the elect of the elect, their way is 'preferring' (īthār), which is to prefer others over themselves even if they are in need of what they give, and even though the One they prefer is unseen.