Author: Dr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rahman Azmi (رحمہ اللہ)
Two individuals place a bet of 400 each, which becomes a binding debt. The loser of the bet is obligated to pay 400 to the winner, who, after winning, swears that he will not forgive his friend. Is this permissible?
Answer:
The mentioned case of betting between two individuals or teams where the winning party claims the set amount is impermissible, as this constitutes a form of gambling, which Allah has explicitly declared haram (forbidden).
Allah says in the Qur'an:
"O you who have believed, indeed intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful. Satan only wants to cause between you animosity and hatred through intoxicants and gambling and to avert you from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer. So will you not desist?"
[Surah Al-Ma'idah: 90-91]
Additionally, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
"Competition with compensation is only allowed in camel racing, horse racing, and archery."
"Allah will not impose blame upon you for what is unintentional in your oaths, but He will impose blame upon you for [breaking] what you intended of oaths. So its expiation is the feeding of ten needy people from the average [food] that you feed your [own] families, or clothing them, or the freeing of a slave. But whoever cannot find [or afford it]—then a fast of three days [is required]. That is the expiation for oaths when you have sworn. But guard your oaths."
[Surah Al-Ma'idah: 89]
This ruling highlights the significance of avoiding gambling and fulfilling religious obligations regarding oaths, promoting both ethical conduct and adherence to Islamic teachings.
Reference: [Ibn Uthaymeen: Noor ‘Ala al-Darb, 1/245]
Rulings on Lost Property and the Unlawfulness of Betting
Question:Two individuals place a bet of 400 each, which becomes a binding debt. The loser of the bet is obligated to pay 400 to the winner, who, after winning, swears that he will not forgive his friend. Is this permissible?
Answer:
The mentioned case of betting between two individuals or teams where the winning party claims the set amount is impermissible, as this constitutes a form of gambling, which Allah has explicitly declared haram (forbidden).
Allah says in the Qur'an:
"O you who have believed, indeed intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful. Satan only wants to cause between you animosity and hatred through intoxicants and gambling and to avert you from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer. So will you not desist?"
[Surah Al-Ma'idah: 90-91]
Additionally, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
"Competition with compensation is only allowed in camel racing, horse racing, and archery."
What Should the Swearer Do?
The individual who swore should not take the money. Instead, they must perform expiation (kaffarah) for the oath they have made, as mentioned in the following Qur'anic verse:"Allah will not impose blame upon you for what is unintentional in your oaths, but He will impose blame upon you for [breaking] what you intended of oaths. So its expiation is the feeding of ten needy people from the average [food] that you feed your [own] families, or clothing them, or the freeing of a slave. But whoever cannot find [or afford it]—then a fast of three days [is required]. That is the expiation for oaths when you have sworn. But guard your oaths."
[Surah Al-Ma'idah: 89]
This ruling highlights the significance of avoiding gambling and fulfilling religious obligations regarding oaths, promoting both ethical conduct and adherence to Islamic teachings.
Reference: [Ibn Uthaymeen: Noor ‘Ala al-Darb, 1/245]