Gambling has responded well worldwide. Based on this, new types of gambling have started in circulation. For this reason, the question in Muslim society is whether gambling Haram or not. Does betting include gambling?
Everything like alcohol and gambling creates a social, family, financial, and moral crisis. People face multiple losses. So it is not necessary to say whether it is haram or not.
History of Gambling
Gambling was also prevalent in the pre-Islamic Jahili period. At that time people were very much used to gambling etc.
Often people bet their family and wealth. Losing would make you anxious and depressed. He saw his wealth in the hands of others. As a result, disputes, enmity, and resentment started with the winner. (Jadul Masir, Volume: 02, Page: 418)
History of Gambling
Gambling was also prevalent in the pre-Islamic Jahili period. At that time people were very much used to gambling etc.
Often people bet their family and wealth. Losing would make you anxious and depressed. He saw his wealth in the hands of others. As a result, disputes, enmity, and resentment started with the winner. (Jadul Masir, Volume: 02, Page: 418)
Gambling in the Dark Ages
During the Dark Ages, ten people would buy a camel for an equal amount, and gambling arrows were used to divide the camel’s meat. 7 out of 10 arrows had more or less different parts written on them and three had no parts written on them (a kind of lottery).
As a result, three would get no share and the other seven would get more or less of their normal share. In this way, they used to divide the camel bought for ten people among seven people. The other three would return empty-handed. (Muharramatun Istahana Bihannas, Page: 52)
Is Gambling Haram?
Yes, gambling is Haram. At present, there are various events for gambling in different countries. In some places, it is known as Houji and in some places, it is known as Green Table. Betting is also done in football and other sports competitions.
Apart from the ancient methods, many new methods of gambling have been invented. For example, flushing, dice, betting on horse racing, playing cards, wheel spinning ring throwing, etc. All of these are forbidden.
It is to be noted in the case of prohibition of gambling that mere change of name does not change the substance and essence and ruling. Therefore, the rulings that applied to gambling in ancient times will apply to all types of gambling in modern times. That is, all types of gambling are prohibited.
Gambling is forbidden in the Quran
There is a clear description of gambling in the Holy Quran. Allah Ta’ala says, ‘O believers! Wine, gambling, altars of idolatry, and fortune-telling are abominations, works of Satan. So you reject it, only then you can be successful. Satan wants to create enmity and hatred between you through alcohol and gambling and to prevent you from remembering Allah and offering prayers. But will you not be discouraged? ’ (Surat al-Maida, verses 90-91)
Alcohol and gambling are described in the Qur’an as abominations and works of Satan. It has been ordered to stay away from them. Enmity and hatred are created through alcohol and gambling. In addition, through these, Satan diverts people from prayer and remembrance of Allah. There is no denying that alcohol and gambling are haram.
What is said in the hadith about gambling
Abdullah Ibn Abbas (R.A.) narrates that the Prophet (S.A.W.) said in a hadith, “Surely Allah Ta’ala has forbidden alcohol, gambling, and musical instruments.” (Bayhaqi, Hadith: 4503; Mishkat, Hadith: 4304)
Abdullah Ibn Amr (R.A.) narrated that the Prophet (S.A.W.) said, “Children who disobey their parents, gamblers, beggars, and drunkards will not enter Paradise.” ’ (Daremi, Hadith: 3653; Mishkat, Hadith: 3486)
Abu Huraira (R.A.) narrates in the hadith that the Prophet (S.A.W.) said, “If any one of you swears by kicking-Uzza, then he should immediately say ‘La Ilaha Illallah’.” And if one bids another, Come let us gamble; He should give charity (as a penalty). (Bukhari, Hadith: 4860; Muslim, Hadith: 1647; Tirmidhi, Hadith: 1545; Ibn Majah, Hadith: 2096)
Abdullah Ibn Abbas (RA) narrated, ‘It was said, where are the camel gamblers? Then the ten contestants would come together and the gamblers would set ten ostriches as the purchase price of the camel. They would place arrows in the gambling pot and circle it, leaving one out and nine remaining.
In this way, one person was eliminated in each round until only one was left, and as the winner he got nine cubs along with his cub. In this, each of the nine lost one cub. It is also a form of gambling. (Adabul Mufarad, Hadith Number: 1271)
Types of Haram Gambling
- Lottery or luck test. The purchase of prize bonds of a company or organization in exchange for money to receive a prize of greater, equal, or lesser value or nothing at all. This method is haram. I want the lottery money to be used for public welfare. Because the rewards of the Hereafter cannot be obtained by any method prohibited by Islam.
- During the Jahili era, 10 people would buy a camel together. Everyone paid equally to buy a camel. But after the slaughter they used to decide only seven shares by lottery. And the other three were not given anything. This is an ancient form of gambling.
- Gambling for money through cards is very popular in today’s society, which is not unknown to young and old. There is no idea how much people’s money has been or is being saved through this alone.
- All types of insurance activities also belong to gambling. Life Insurance, Car Insurance, Home Insurance, Business Insurance, Special Product Insurance, General Insurance etc. Even today, singers ensure their voices. In insurance, a certain amount of money is deposited at a certain time in the hope of receiving money as compensation in the future. Only if there is damage to the person or thing concerned, the amount equal to the loss is available. or not Compensation may be less than, equal to, or many times more than the amount deposited.
- Legitimate sports also include gambling if they involve prizes for players. But if the award is from a third party then it must be permissible. But Islam has its advantages—there is no harm in such sports even if they involve prizes. And anti-Islamic sports are not permissible in any way. Whether there is a reward or not.
FAQs
What is gambling?
Gambling is a game that hangs between profit and loss. Gambling involves a fixed amount of money or an object (which is considered a prize).
After that, the two parties agree on a matter and determine the win-loss. The losing party pays the other party a predetermined sum of money or object. Gambling requires three elements—consideration amount of bet, risk (chance), and reward.
Arabic synonyms for gambling are Maisir and Kimar. Maisir means accessibility. Gambling is so named because the wealth of others can be consumed very easily.
Kimar means a game of lose-win, betting, risk taking. Kimar is originally derived from kamar Dhatu, meaning moon. So named because wealth in gambling waxes and wanes like the moon. (Al Bahroor Rayek)
Why gambling is Haram?
In the Holy Qur’an, Allah Ta’ala mentions two wisdoms that gambling is forbidden.
One. Gambling creates hatred and enmity among people.
Two. Prevents Allah from dhikr and prayer. Allah Ta’ala says, ‘Satan wants to sow the seeds of enmity and hatred among you through alcohol and gambling and to stop you from dhikr of Allah and prayer. So will you refrain from these things?’ (Surah Ma’idah: 91)
Apart from this, scholars have given some other arguments behind the prohibition of gambling. For example –
- The national economy is adversely affected as the portion of state wealth that is in the hands of gamblers is not invested in the productive sector.
- In people addicted to gambling, laziness, apathy, etc. are the worst diseases, which are a serious threat to productivity.
- Due to gambling, many people become proletariat in an instant. Due to this, they get involved in socially destructive crimes like theft, robbery, etc. Many commit suicide.
- A person addicted to gambling gets involved in various vices including drug abuse, and adultery.
Is profit from gambling haram?
Yes, all profits derived from gambling are haram. Allah does not accept it if you perform worship while enjoying haram. Therefore, as a Muslim, it is necessary to stay away from all forms of gambling.
It is a matter of great regret that gambling is taking place in all corners of Muslim society. Farmers, youth, workers, businessmen, and students are getting involved in death addiction gambling.
Millions of rupees are flying in these events. Gambling is now seen as a drug. In this situation, the administration’s action to stop these unethical activities should be applauded.
Are casinos Haram?
Yes, casinos are illegal. Casino culture is nothing new. Because the casino is an Italian word. A casino refers to a place where there is a combination of gambling, dancing, music, and various sports. According to various reports, the first gambling casino business started in Venice, Italy in 1638.
