Islam Guidance

Horse racing and Archery

It is undoubtedly permissible for participants (and not for spectators) in horse racing and archery to bet among themselves. The winner can rightfully own the amount he wins. Islam has permitted these two competitions because such sports contribute to the overall capabilities of a warrior, and a Muslim well versed in these is better equipped to challenge his adversaries. The details could be pursued in the books of legal rulings.
Shahīd Thani in his book “Masalik” quotes the unanimous verdict of the Mujtahids. Three traditions are recorded in the book “Al-Wafi” from Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) which state that except for horse racing and archery whenever a game is played for stakes, the angels are infuriated and curse the people who lay the bet.

It is recorded that the Holy Prophet (S) said:

“Angles are present when a competition of horse and camel racing or archery is held. Except for these Three, every competition is gambling and (also) Harām.”

(Al-Wafi)

In another tradition, the Holy Prophet (S) has prohibited all types of competitions except these Three.

“Except for horse racing, camel racing and archery, no contest is proper.”

(Al-Wafi)

An authentic tradition by Muhammad Ibn Qays related from Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) says:

“Amir ul-Mu’minīn ‘Ali (a.s.) issued a verdict against a man who had wagered with his friends on the maximum consumption of sheep’s meat. Issuing the judgement Imam (a.s.) said, ‘If you have already eaten the sheep, it is yours. But if you have only laid a bet and have not commenced eating, then you have to pay a penalty. This penalty is equal for all the participants and has no connection with who ate more or less. However, he refrained the loser to bear any loss (of money etc.). The one who ate the least and lost the bet will not incur any loss because the bet is invalid.’”

Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) concludes that Amir ul-Mu’minīn (a.s.) has decreed such a deal to be Harām.

(Makasib, quoted from al-Kāfi and Tehzīb)

Hazrat Jabir (r.a.) narrates from the report of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) who has quoted from the Holy Prophet (S):

“Every competition is gambling where the loser has to pay a certain amount. Even if it consist of a cashew-nut or wager dung.”

To employ any article for the purpose of taking a bet is gambling even if such an article is not generally associated with gambling.

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