Forex Trading and Poker Games
I would like to know what the ruling on Forex trading is given the interest free account. E.g., trade ZAR for Dollars etc., by watching the markets and buying at the correct moment.
I would also like to know what the ruling is on playing poker? How different is this from gambling and since poker is just a game, can one compare this to say playing golf for a monetary prize or partaking in Olympics for a monetary prize?
Jazak Allah khayr.
Regarding Forex trading, please read Is Forex Trading Permissible?
Regarding poker, it is forbidden in the Qur’an:
“They ask you about wine and gambling. Say: ‘In them both lies grave sin, though some benefit, to mankind. But their sin is more grave than their benefit.’” (Sura al-Baqara 2:219)
O believers, wine and gambling, idols and divining arrows are an abhorrence, the work of Satan. So keep away from it, that you may prevail. Satan only desires to arouse discord and hatred among you with wine and gambling, and to deter you from the mention of God and from prayer. Will you desist?” (Sura al-Maida 5:90-91)
It is different to sports in that it relies largely on chance. See also My Brother Gambles to Support Us. What Should We Do? and Is It Permissible to Play Board Games With Dice? [Video].
I pray this helps.
Farid
Checked and approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani.
