Is it Permissible to Play in a Recreational League? 

Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel

Question

Is it permissible to play in a men’s recreational league where you pay an entry fee to play a tournament-style sport? Every competing team has to pay an entry fee, and the top three teams split prize earnings.

Part of the entry fee is paid to the winners, and the other is to support the organization in keeping it going. A previous post touched on the topic slightly, but I am unclear.

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.

It will be permissible to play in a tournament like this. Ideally, a third-party sponsor would pay for the prizes. However, the money can be used, and the prize can be considered gift money.

The entry fee is for participation, support for the running of the tournament, and organization. This is not betting but a tournament based on costs and charges for the above. Teams are receiving a service in lieu of the entrance fees. Scholars say the prize money should not be from the fees. It should be voluntarily given by a third party, sponsor, etc., then it will be permissible and better. However, as the tournament is based in a non-professional capacity, the money can be used, and the prize can be considered a gift.

“Gambling” is owning wealth while risking its loss. [Jassas, Ahkam al-Quran]

I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction in sha Allah.

Check the related links:
Is It Permissible To Take Money From Winning Sports Competitions? – SeekersGuidance
Is Competing in Tournaments for Prizes Permissible? (seekersguidance.org)
Gambling and Football Tournaments (daruliftaa.com)

Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersAcademy (seekersguidance.org)?

I pray this helps with your question.

[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Mawlana Ilyas Patel has received traditional education in various countries. He started his schooling in the UK and completed his hifz of the Quran in India. After that, he joined an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied secular and Aalimiyya sciences. Later, he traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, and other Middle Eastern countries to further his education. Mawlana has served as an Imam in the Republic of Ireland for several years and taught the Quran and other Islamic sciences to both children and adults. He also worked as a teacher and librarian at a local Islamic seminary in the UK for 12 years. Presently, he lives in the UK with his wife and is interested in books and gardening.