Is It Permissible to Play Sports Sponsored by Betting Companies?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
Is it permissible in Islam to play sports sponsored by betting companies, such as darts?
Answer
In Islam, engaging in acts directly associated with gambling or promoting it is impermissible, as gambling (maysir) is categorically prohibited. Allah (Most High) says:
“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.” [Quran, 5:90]
Sponsorship by betting companies often involves promoting gambling, which normalizes and encourages sinful behavior. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) warned:
“Whoever calls to guidance will have a reward similar to those who follow it, without detracting from their reward at all. And whoever calls to misguidance will bear a burden of sin similar to those who follow it, without detracting from their sins.” [Muslim]
Conclusion
Participating in sports sponsored by betting companies, is not permissible in Islam due to its connection to gambling. Seek alternative sponsorships that align with Islamic principles.
And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Mohammad Abu Bakr Badhib
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. For the last five years till present, he has served as the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.