Gambling today no longer happens only at card tables, cockfighting arenas, or casinos. Many forms of Maysir now appear in digital formats, from trading schemes, paid raffles, online betting, to investment platforms that rely solely on luck.
Many people are unaware that some of these activities fall into the category of Maysir, which is prohibited in Islam. So, what is Maysir and what is its ruling in Islam? Here is the explanation.
Definition of Maysir
Maysir comes from the Arabic word yasara, which means obtaining something easily without effort or without an equivalent contribution. In Islam, this term refers to gambling or betting practices that provide gain to one party while harming another.
In other words, Maysir includes all activities where someone risks property or value with the possibility of gaining large profit quickly, but also facing loss without any reasonable effort.
Characteristics of Maysir
An activity can be categorized as Maysir if it contains the following elements:
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The presence of stakes in the form of money, goods, or anything of value.
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Uncertainty in outcomes where the winner and loser are determined by luck instead of skill.
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Transfer of wealth from the losing party to the winning party without fair and beneficial effort.
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Negative social and psychological impacts such as addiction, stress, and even criminal behavior.
Islamic Ruling on Maysir
In Islam, the ruling on Maysir is haram because it harms both individuals and society. The prohibition appears in several Qur’anic verses, including Surah Al-Maidah verse 90, which states that Maysir is among the vile acts stemming from the deception of Satan. This prohibition is not merely a religious rule, but also a form of moral, psychological, and economic protection for Muslims.
Maysir can lead to addiction, criminal behavior, family breakdown, and financial loss. Due to these harmful effects, Islam strictly prohibits its practice.
In addition to being forbidden, Maysir also invalidates a transaction or contract. Wealth obtained from activities involving Maysir is considered unlawful (haram) and cannot be used or benefited from.
Difference Between Gharar and Maysir
Although both involve uncertainty and are forbidden in Islam, gharar and Maysir differ:
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Gharar relates to transactions with unclear objects, contracts, or outcomes. An example is buying an item whose quality or form is unknown.
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Maysir directly involves gambling or betting aimed at gaining profit without effort.
Gharar can be avoided by clarifying terms and conditions, while Maysir cannot be made permissible even with clear contracts because its core still relies on luck and betting.
Examples of Maysir in Daily Life
Some forms of Maysir may seem simple or normal but still count as gambling if they involve risk, stakes, and harmful uncertainty. Common examples include:
1. Gambling
All games involving wagers—such as dice, cards, cockfighting, or bets on competitions—are considered Maysir.
2. Buying Lotteries or Paid Raffles
Even if considered light entertainment, buying lotteries or paid raffles is Maysir because it involves risking money with hopes of a large reward without corresponding effort.
3. Gambling-Based Investment Schemes
Modern forms of speculative investment such as binary options, crash games, or trading systems without real analysis or assets fall into Maysir because they rely on pure luck.
4. Online Card Games or Gambling Platforms
Many online games offer rewards in the form of money or valuable items. If they involve wagers or luck-based prizes, they fall under Maysir.
5. Placing Bets
Any type of bet—big or small—is considered Maysir, such as betting money on games, sports matches, or competitions.
How to Avoid Maysir
Here are several ways to help avoid transactions that resemble or contain elements of gambling:
1. Understand the Forms of Maysir
Recognize both traditional and digital gambling activities to avoid them more easily.
2. Ensure Clarity in Contracts and Transactions
Make sure each transaction has clear, transparent terms without excessive uncertainty or betting elements.
3. Avoid Activities That Rely Solely on Luck
Islam encourages halal effort, not profit obtained through random chance or speculation.
4. Choose Financial Schemes With Real Value
Prioritize economic activities with tangible value—clear objects, clear benefits, and clear risks. Avoid platforms resembling gambling even if they claim to be investments.
5. Control the Desire to Bet
The urge to "try your luck" often becomes the gateway to Maysir. Maintaining self-control is essential.
6. Seek Guidance From Sharia Experts
If unsure whether a transaction is halal or contains Maysir, consult religious scholars or Islamic finance experts.
7. Develop a Habit of Earning Through Halal Means
Islam encourages earning through effort, hard work, and creativity. This helps prevent involvement in gambling-related activities.
Avoiding Maysir is not only an act of obedience to Islamic teachings but also a way to preserve the blessing of wealth, peace of mind, and harmony in life.
To support your efforts in building a business or fulfilling financial needs in a halal and secure manner, BFI Finance now provides Sharia Financing through its Sharia Business Unit (UUS), also known as BFI Finance Syariah.
All financing processes are licensed and supervised by the Financial Services Authority (OJK), ensuring safety, transparency, and alignment with Islamic financial principles.
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