What Islam Says About Gambling
In today’s world, gambling is everywhere from casinos and sports betting to lottery tickets and online poker apps.
It might seem like just a fun game or a harmless thrill.
But when we turn to Islam, we find a clear and powerful message: Gambling is strictly forbidden.
So, what exactly does Islam say about gambling? Why is it haram? And how can Muslims avoid falling into this trap?
Let’s explore this topic from an Islamic perspective using the Quran, Hadith, and the wisdom of scholars while keeping it real and relevant to our daily lives.
What Is Gambling in Islam?
Gambling, known in Arabic as “Maisir” or “Qimar,” refers to any game of chance where money or valuables are staked, and the outcome depends largely on luck rather than skill.
This includes:
- Betting on horse races or football matches
- Playing cards or dice for money
- Buying lottery tickets
- Casino games like roulette, slots, or blackjack
- Online gambling and sports fantasy leagues with money involved
In short, gambling is any transaction where one party gains at the expense of another without fair work or value exchange and that’s why Islam calls it unjust.
Is Gambling Haram in Islam?
Yes, gambling is clearly haram (forbidden) in Islam.
There’s no difference of opinion among scholars on this.
The Quran mentions it explicitly, and the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) strongly condemned it in various hadiths.
Let’s look at what the Quran says:
Quranic Evidence
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِنَّمَا ٱلْخَمْرُ وَٱلْمَيْسِرُ وَٱلْأَنصَابُ وَٱلْأَزْلَـٰمُ رِجْسٌۭ مِّنْ عَمَلِ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنِ فَٱجْتَنِبُوهُ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُو
O believers! Intoxicants, gambling, idols, and drawing lots for decisions are all evil of Satan’s handiwork. So shun them so you may be successful.
This verse doesn’t just tell us gambling is wrong it puts it in the same category as alcohol and idolatry.
Allah calls it “rijs” impure, filthy and a work of Shaytan (Satan).
Another verse explains the reason:
إِنَّمَا يُرِيدُ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنُ أَن يُوقِعَ بَيْنَكُمُ ٱلْعَدَٰوَةَ وَٱلْبَغْضَآءَ فِى ٱلْخَمْرِ وَٱلْمَيْسِرِ وَيَصُدَّكُمْ عَن ذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ وَعَنِ ٱلصَّلَوٰةِ ۖ فَهَلْ أَنتُم مُّنتَهُونَ
“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, 5:91)
These verses show us that gambling:
- Creates hatred and enmity
- Distracts from Salah and dhikr (remembrance of Allah)
- Is a tool of Shaytan to break families, friendships, and society
Hadiths on Gambling: What the Prophet (ﷺ) Said
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned against gambling in various ways.
Narrated by Abu Hurairah (RA):
“The Prophet forbade two kinds of business transactions: amasa and Munabadha.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 2144)
These were forms of uncertain trade, where the outcome was unknown similar to modern gambling.
Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) also said:
“Maisir (gambling) refers to all games of chance.”
(Tafsir Ibn Kathir)Even if it seems like a friendly bet or a game of cards, if there’s a prize involved based on chance it’s gambling, and it’s haram.
Why Gambling Is Haram in Islam
There are several reasons why gambling is forbidden in Islam, and each one is backed by logic, experience, and divine wisdom:
1. Unjust Wealth
In gambling, one person gains money without working, while another loses money for no reason.
Islam promotes fairness and earning through hard work.
وَلَا تَأْكُلُوٓا۟ أَمْوَٰلَكُم بَيْنَكُم بِٱلْبَـٰطِلِ وَتُدْلُوا۟ بِهَآ إِلَى ٱلْحُكَّامِ لِتَأْكُلُوا۟ فَرِيقًۭا مِّنْ أَمْوَٰلِ ٱلنَّاسِ بِٱلْإِثْمِ وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ
“Do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly…”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:188)
2. Creates Addiction and Financial Ruin
Gambling is addictive. It’s designed to make you chase losses, risking more and more, and losing everything in the process wealth, family, and mental health.
3. Leads to Social Problems
Gamblers often lie, steal, or borrow to fund their habit. It leads to:
- Divorce
- Debt
- Crime
- Depression
- Broken families
4. Destroys Tawakkul (Trust in Allah)
Gambling shifts our belief from Allah’s qadr (decree) to random chance. Instead of working hard and trusting Allah’s provision, a gambler relies on luck.
Gambling Is Among the Major Sins (Kabair)
In Islam, sins are divided into minor (saghair) and major (kabair).
Gambling falls under major sins, as it:
- Is clearly forbidden in the Quran
- Involves injustice
- Leads to societal harm
- Is tied to Shaytan’s influence
Ibn Hajar and other scholars include gambling among the grave sins like theft, murder, and zina because of its destructive nature.
Can Gambling Affect Your Marriage?
Absolutely. Gambling doesn’t just affect your bank account it affects your relationships.
Here’s how:
- Trust is broken when one partner gambles away family money
- Financial instability leads to stress, arguments, and resentment
- Neglect of responsibilities (like providing for the family) is a major red flag in marriage
In severe cases, gambling could even be grounds for divorce in Islam if it leads to harm, abuse, or neglect.
Is It Haram to Marry a Gambler?
While Islam doesn’t prohibit marrying someone who has sinned as long as they have repented a person actively involved in gambling may not be a suitable spouse.
Here’s why:
- They are committing a major sin knowingly
- They are likely to bring financial and emotional harm
- Their actions can corrupt the family environment and affect children
Islam encourages Muslims to look for spouses who are pious and righteous.
As the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“A woman may be married for four things... but choose the one who is religious and you will prosper.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 5090)
And this applies both ways for men and women.
How to Avoid Gambling in Islam
Avoiding gambling might seem hard, especially with online games and betting so easily accessible.
But Islam gives us tools to stay strong:
1. Strengthen Your Faith (Iman)
- Pray regularly
- Read the Quran with reflection
- Keep good company
2. Stay Away from Triggers
- Uninstall gambling apps
- Avoid websites or sports groups that promote betting
- Block gambling-related ads if possible
3. Seek Halal Entertainment
Not all games are haram only those that involve chance and money. Enjoy halal alternatives like:
- Physical sports
- Strategy games without betting
- Productive hobbies like art or coding
4. Make Dua and Seek Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, don’t lose hope. Make sincere dua, ask Allah for strength, and seek counseling or support groups if needed.
وَٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا فَعَلُوا۟ فَـٰحِشَةً أَوْ ظَلَمُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَهُمْ ذَكَرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ فَٱسْتَغْفَرُوا۟ لِذُنُوبِهِمْ وَمَن يَغْفِرُ ٱلذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ وَلَمْ يُصِرُّوا۟ عَلَىٰ مَا فَعَلُوا۟ وَهُمْ يَعْلَمُونَ ١٣٥
“And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves by transgression, remember Allah and seek forgiveness…”
(Surah Aal Imran, 3:135)
What About Lottery Tickets or Charity Raffles?
Even if the money goes to a good cause if there’s a chance-based win involved, it’s still gambling.
The intention might be good, but the method is haram. Islam teaches us that both the intention and the means must be pure.
“Indeed, Allah is pure and accepts only that which is pure.”
(Sahih Muslim 1015)
Choose Trust in Allah Over the Temptation of Gambling
In a world that promotes quick money, instant wins, and luck-based success, Islam calls us back to hard work, fairness, and faith.
Gambling is not just a personal sin bit’s a trap of Shaytan, a destroyer of families, and a poison to the soul.
Islam doesn’t ban things without reason Allah wants to protect us, not restrict us.
If you’ve ever struggled with gambling or are tempted by it, remember: Allah’s doors are always open.
Leave what’s harmful, and Allah will bless you with something better.
“Whoever gives up something for the sake of Allah, He will replace it with something better.”
(Musnad Ahmad 22565)
Final Thought
Let’s remind ourselves and others about the harms of gambling.
Talk about it in your family, share this message, and support those trying to change.
When we stand together with faith and wisdom, we protect not just ourselves but our entire community.
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