Gambling during Ramadan is not permissible in Islam, and Muslims should refrain from all forms of gambling, whether they involve real money or virtual currencies, to uphold the sanctity and spiritual significance of the holy month.
Can You Gamble During Ramadan?
In Islam, gambling is prohibited at all times, and abstaining from it is emphasized even more during the fasting month of Ramadan. Engaging in gambling while fasting not only violates Islamic principles but also undermines the spiritual objectives of Ramadan, which include self-discipline and avoidance of sinful behavior.
The Quran explicitly forbids gambling, along with other forms of intoxicants and divining arrows, stating that they are abominations of Satan’s handiwork. Therefore, a Muslim should refrain from indulging in gambling during Ramadan or any other time. (Quran 5:90-91)
Deliberately engaging in sinful behavior, such as gambling, while fasting can diminish the reward of fasting and may render the fast unacceptable to Allah. While the fast itself is not invalidated by such actions, the spiritual benefits of fasting are compromised. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned against persisting in sinful behavior while fasting, as it undermines the purpose of fasting. (Sahih al-Bukhari)
As for the specific case of gambling through mobile video games where virtual currency is used for betting, the ruling depends on whether the activity mimics actual gambling. If the betting involves real money or simulates gambling behavior, it is considered forbidden and should be avoided. However, if it merely serves as a form of competition without real monetary stakes, it may be permissible.
Scholars’ Opitions in Gambling During Ramadan:
The rulings and interpretations are based on Islamic jurisprudence as derived from the Quran, Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad), and the opinions of Islamic scholars.
However, specific references to scholars were not provided in the Arabic content. Here are some commonly referenced scholars whose opinions and interpretations are often relied upon in matters of Islamic law:
Ibn al-Muneer said in the hashiya: Rather, it is a metaphor for non-acceptance, as the one who is angered says to the one who responds to his request but does not fulfill it, “I have no need for this.” So, the intended meaning is the rejection of fasting that is tainted with falsehood and the acceptance of it.
Ibn al-Arabi said: The implication of this hadith is that whoever does what was mentioned is not rewarded for their fasting. Its meaning is that the reward for fasting does not exist in balance with the sin of falsehood and what is mentioned alongside it.
Al-Baydawi said: The purpose of the legitimacy of fasting is not merely hunger and thirst, but rather what follows it in breaking desires and disciplining the soul to achieve contentment. So, if that is not achieved, Allah does not regard it with acceptance. This concludes with a brief act.
Is It A Sin To Gamble In Islam?
Yes, gambling is considered a sin in Islam. It is explicitly prohibited in the Quran, where Allah says, “O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone altars [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful” (Quran 5:90).
The prohibition of gambling extends to any form of wagering or betting where there is an element of uncertainty or chance involved, and it includes activities such as playing card games, betting on sports events, or engaging in games of chance.
Islam teaches that gambling leads to many negative consequences, such as addiction, financial ruin, and social discord. It encourages believers to earn their livelihood through lawful and ethical means and to avoid anything that may lead to harm or injustice.
Therefore, engaging in gambling is not only a sin but also goes against the principles of Islam, which promote fairness, justice, and the preservation of one’s wealth and well-being.
Is Gambling A Major Sin In Islam
Yes, gambling is considered a major sin in Islam. It is listed among the major sins due to its harmful consequences on individuals and society. The Quran explicitly prohibits gambling, along with other vices, stating, “O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone altars [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful” (Quran 5:90).
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also emphasized the gravity of gambling, warning that it leads to many evils and vices. He said, “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should not sit at a table where gambling is practiced” (Sunan Abu Dawood).
Additionally, engaging in gambling contradicts the Islamic principles of justice, fairness, and the responsible use of wealth. It often leads to addiction, financial ruin, and social problems, which are all harmful to individuals and society.
Therefore, due to its detrimental effects and clear prohibition in Islamic teachings, gambling is considered a major sin in Islam.
Punishment For Gambling In Islam
In Islamic jurisprudence, the punishment for gambling is not explicitly specified in the Quran or the Hadith literature. However, the severity of gambling as a sin is emphasized, and scholars generally agree that it is a major sin with harmful consequences.
The punishment for engaging in gambling may vary depending on the legal system in place in a Muslim-majority country. In some Islamic legal traditions, gambling may be subject to discretionary punishments determined by Islamic courts, such as fines or imprisonment. These punishments aim to deter individuals from engaging in gambling and to protect society from its harmful effects.
Additionally, Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of seeking forgiveness for sins, including gambling. Repentance (Tawbah) is encouraged for anyone who has engaged in gambling or any other sinful behavior. By sincerely repenting, seeking forgiveness from Allah, and resolving not to repeat the sin, Muslims believe they can be forgiven for their transgressions.
Overall, while the specific legal punishments for gambling may vary, it is universally recognized as a serious sin in Islam, and individuals are encouraged to refrain from it and seek forgiveness if they have engaged in it.
Types Of Gambling In Islam:
Thre are various types of prohibited activities in Islam, including gambling and deception. The Quranic verses provide interpretations by scholars to elucidate the rulings regarding these practices:
1. Gambling (قمار):
The Quranic verse (Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:90) categorically prohibits gambling along with intoxicants, divining arrows, and sacrifices to idols, declaring them as abominations from Satan’s handiwork.
Gambling involves risking money with the possibility of either gaining or losing. Some scholars further classify gambling into two types: gambling for leisure (لهو) and gambling involving money (قمار).
The former includes activities like dice games, chess, and other forms of entertainment, while the latter involves staking money with the prospect of winning or losing.
2. Deception (نصب):
Deception is condemned in Islam, especially when it involves unlawfully consuming people’s wealth. The text emphasizes the severity of deception, equating it with diverting attention from the remembrance of Allah and prayer.
Scholars, including Imam Malik, categorize deception into two types: deception for leisure (لهو) and deceptive gambling (القمار). Deception for leisure encompasses activities that distract from remembering Allah and prayer, such as idle talk or frivolous pursuits. On the other hand, deceptive gambling involves risking money unlawfully.
Overall, the prohibition of gambling and deception in Islam and their detrimental effects on individuals and society. The Islamic jurisprudence and scholars’ interpretations to clarify the rulings on these practices.
Is Football Betting Haram In Islam”
The ruling on financial betting in sports competitions, according to the late Sheikh Faisal Maulawi, Deputy Head of the European Council for Research and Fatwa, distinguishes between permissible competitions and prohibited gambling. Permissible competitions involve two competing sports teams, where the winning team receives a prize for its success in the matches. This form of competition is permissible.
Prohibited gambling, on the other hand, involves spectators placing bets among themselves unrelated to the sports competition. This occurs when two spectators wager against each other, promising a certain amount of money if a particular team wins. This type of betting is considered gambling and is prohibited.
The late Sheikh Faisal Maulawi referenced the Quranic verse (5:90-91) which prohibits intoxicants and gambling, stating that gambling is a major sin. He also referred to the interpretation of scholars such as Ibn Abbas, Qatadah, Muawiyah bin Salih, Ata, Tawus, and Mujahid, who equated “al-maisir” mentioned in the Quran with gambling.
Additionally, the late Sheikh Faisal Maulawi cited other Quranic verses (4:29-30 and 2:188) which prohibit consuming one another’s wealth unjustly and using it to bribe authorities. These verses reinforce the prohibition of gambling.
The late Sheikh Faisal Maulawi further referenced the consensus among Muslims regarding the prohibition of gambling. He highlighted that any activity involving risking money where the outcome depends solely on chance is considered gambling.
He also mentioned the Hanafi school of thought’s position that any activity involving the risk of money, leading to gain or loss solely based on chance, is considered gambling. This includes contracts where ownership is contingent upon uncertain events, such as gifts, donations, and sales contracts. The late Sheikh Faisal Maulawi stated that the Hanafi scholars invalidated such contracts.
In conclusion, the late Sheikh Faisal Maulawi emphasized that the comprehensive prohibition of gambling in Islam is due to the significant harms associated with it, including financial loss, ruin of families, and engagement in criminal activities. Therefore, any form of financial betting, including betting on sports competitions, is considered haram (forbidden) in Islam.
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Conclusion:
In conclusion, gambling is strictly forbidden in Islam, including during Ramadan. It contradicts Islamic principles, undermines the spiritual objectives of fasting, and is considered a major sin due to its harmful effects on individuals and society. Muslims are urged to abstain from all forms of gambling and seek forgiveness if they have engaged in such behavior.
