(103, 104) “Allah has not instituted any bahīra, sā’iba, wasīla, or hām. Rather, those who disbelieve fabricate lies against Allah, and most of them do not understand.”

This is a condemnation of the polytheists who introduced into religion what Allah had not authorized and prohibited what Allah had made lawful. On the basis of their corrupt opinions, they declared some of their livestock forbidden according to conventions of their own that contradicted what Allah had revealed. He said: “Allah has not instituted any bahīra.” This was a she-camel whose ear they slit; they then forbade riding her and regarded her as sacrosanct.

“Nor a sā’iba.” This was a she-camel, cow, or sheep that, upon reaching a certain threshold fixed by their convention, they set free: it was not to be ridden, made to carry loads, or eaten. Some of them would also vow a portion of their property and make it a sā’iba.

“Nor a hām”—that is, a male camel whose back was spared from riding and carrying loads once it reached a status recognized among them.

Thus, all these were things the polytheists deemed forbidden without proof or evidence. They were nothing but fabrications against Allah, arising from their ignorance and lack of understanding. Hence He said: “Rather, those who disbelieve fabricate lies against Allah, and most of them do not understand.” There was neither transmitted authority nor rational basis for any of them. Yet despite this, they admired their own opinions, which were founded upon ignorance and injustice.