What do the Muslim classical scholars say about gambling?

In a Nutshell Gambling, known as "Qimar" in Arabic, is strictly prohibited in Islamic law. This consensus is based on its negative impacts on individuals, families, and society. Classical Fuqaha (Islamic jurists) have provided extensive reasoning from the Quran, Hadith, and Ijma (consensus) to underscore the impermissibility of gambling in all its forms. Background Islamic jurisprudence has consistently viewed gambling as a detrimental activity. Prominent classical Fuqaha have elaborated on its prohibition, drawing on textual evidences and logical arguments. Their teachings emphasize the moral, social, and spiritual harms associated with gambling. Opinions of Classical Fuqaha on Gambling Imam Abu Hanifa (d. 767 CE): Viewed all forms of gambling as impermissible (haram). Argued that any competition involving chance is gambling, forbidden in the Quran. Imam Malik ibn Anas (d. 795 CE): Denounced all forms of gambling as grave sins. Held that gambling invalidated ablutions and worship until purification. Imam Shafii (d. 820 CE): Declared gambling unequivocally forbidden. Cited Hadith attributing severe consequences to gambling. Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (d. 855 CE): Equated gambling with major sins like alcohol consumption and illicit relations. Advocated for stringent punishment for gamblers. Al-Ghazali (d. 1111 CE): Described gambling as a manifestation of greed, detrimental to spiritual health. Ibn Taymiyyah (d. 1328 CE): Opposed gambling as a despicable act, contradicting Islamic tenets of honesty and charity. Key Quranic Verses and Hadith Narrations Quranic Verses: Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:90): "O you who believe! Intoxicants, gambling, stone altars for idols, and divining arrows are an abomination of Satan's handwork. So avoid them, that you may prosper." Surah Al-Baqarah (2:219): "They ask you concerning wine and gambling. Say, 'In them is great sin, and some benefit for people. But the sin is greater than the benefit.' They ask you how much they are to spend; Say, 'The surplus.'" Hadith Narrations: Sahih Bukhari (Book 72, Hadith 773): Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, "Whoever plays with dice, it is as if he dipped his hand in the flesh and blood of a pig." Sunan At-Tirmidhi (Book 42, Hadith 2825): "Whoever gambles has disobeyed Allah and His Messenger." Sahih Muslim (Book 32, Hadith 6252): "We used to play with arrows during the lifetime of Allah's Messenger seeking guidance from them. Thereupon Allah's Messenger said, 'This is closer to ignorance than knowledge.'" Riyad us-Salehin (Book 1, Hadith 1): Hadrat Ali (RA) relates, "The Prophet (SAW) said, 'When a person accustoms himself to gambling and betting, and when he begins to drink wine, the angel of death snatches away his soul.'" Misconceptions about Gambling in Islam Misconception: Gambling is Only Forbidden if Large Sums are Involved Reality: Islamic teachings prohibit all forms of gambling, regardless of the amount staked. Misconception: Modern Forms of Gambling are Permissible Reality: All forms of gambling, including modern ones like online betting, are considered haram in Islam. Misconception: Gambling is Permissible as Entertainment Reality: Gambling for entertainment is also prohibited, as it goes against the principles of Islamic finance and ethics. Conclusion - Gambling is categorically haram The uniform agreement among classical Fuqaha on the prohibition of gambling reflects a deep concern for the well-being of individuals and society. Their views, supported by Quranic verses and Hadith narrations, highlight the moral and spiritual implications of gambling and the importance of adhering to Islamic principles for a harmonious society. FAQs - Gambling Why is gambling prohibited in Islamic law? Gambling is prohibited due to its harmful effects on individuals, families, and societal values, as well as its contradiction to Islamic principles of morality and financial ethics. Did all classical Fuqaha agree on the prohibition of gambling? Yes, there is a unanimous agreement among classical Fuqaha on the prohibition of gambling, supported by strong textual evidences from Islamic sources. What are the consequences of gambling in Islam? Gambling leads to moral and spiritual decline, family disruption, and is considered a major sin with severe repercussions in this life and the hereafter. How do classical scholars interpret the Quranic verses on gambling? They interpret these verses as clear prohibitions of gambling, emphasizing the greater sin and harm it brings compared to any potential benefit. Is there any form of gambling considered permissible in Islam? No, all forms of gambling are considered impermissible in Islam, as outlined by classical Fuqaha and supported by Quranic injunctions and Hadith.