In recent years, sports betting has emerged as a widespread practice, particularly among the youth in Malawi. For many young Malawian Muslims, it has become a seemingly harmless pastime, offering the allure of easy money and instant rewards. However, what many fail to realize is that betting and gambling, in all forms, pose not only economic risks but also spiritual and ethical dilemmas, especially from an Islamic perspective. As we navigate the pressures and temptations of modern society, it is crucial to remind ourselves of the principles outlined in the Qur’an and the Hadith that clearly discourage gambling and any form of chance-based games.

This recurring discouraged practice needs to be addressed with utmost zeal and strength. It is important to recognize how Islam views wealth and the means through which it is earned. Islam strongly emphasizes hard work, diligence, and lawful earnings (Halaal Rizq). Anything that contradicts this principle, including gambling and betting, is considered forbidden (Haraam) in Islam.

The Qur’an explicitly mentions gambling (referred to as “Maysir”) in several verses. In Qur’an 2:219, Allah warns: “They ask you about wine and gambling. Say, ‘In them is great sin and [yet, some] benefit for people. But their sin is greater than their benefit.’ “

This verse makes it clear that while gambling may appear to have some benefits—such as the promise of quick riches—the harm it causes far outweighs any perceived good. Gambling leads to addiction, disrupts family life, erodes moral values and may ultimately lead to suicidal thoughts. The appeal of betting often blinds individuals to the long-term consequences, including financial ruin and spiritual degradation. This is evident in the recent surge of suicide cases that resulted from betting as reported by various local media outlets in the country.

In Qur’an 5:90-91, Allah further elaborates: “O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful. Satan only wants to cause between you animosity and hatred through intoxicants and gambling and to avert you from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer. So will you not desist?”

This verse offers a stark warning: gambling is from the handiwork of Satan, whose goal is to create enmity, hatred, and division among people. The lure of easy money often leads individuals to neglect their duties toward Allah, including prayer (Salah) and the remembrance of Allah (Zikr). By engaging in betting, one risks damaging their spiritual connection with their Creator and their fellow human beings.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also spoke against gambling in the Hadith. In Sahih Muslim, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said: “He who says to his friend: ‘Come, let us gamble,’ must give charity (as an atonement for the sin).”

This Hadith underlines the seriousness with which gambling is viewed in Islam. Even suggesting or inviting someone to gamble is considered sinful, and one must atone for such an act by giving charity. This emphasizes the destructive nature of gambling, both on an individual and social level.

Another relevant Hadith found in Sunan Abu Dawood warns against earning through unlawful means:  “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) cursed ten kinds of people in connection with alcohol: the one who distils it, the one for whom it is distilled, the one who drinks it, the one who carries it, the one to whom it is carried, the one who serves it, the one who sells it, the one who profits from the sale of it, the one who buys it, and the one for whom it is bought.”

While this Hadith primarily refers to alcohol, the principles of engaging in any haram trade—whether through alcohol, gambling, or betting—are equally applicable. It shows that both the direct participant in gambling and those who enable it, such as companies or individuals running betting platforms, are engaging in a practice that is detestable in Islam.

For Malawian Muslim youths, the rapid rise of sports betting poses significant challenges. Betting companies target the youth with promises of instant wealth, often leading them down a path of financial instability. Many young people, driven by desperation or the desire for quick gains, invest their hard-earned money into betting. Unfortunately, the odds are heavily skewed against the bettor, and most end up losing more than they gain.

In some cases, the addiction to betting escalates, leading young people to steal from their families or even borrow money, sinking deeper into debt. This cycle of despair harms the individual and their loved ones, causing emotional and financial stress. What starts as a seemingly harmless activity soon spirals into a destructive habit.

Furthermore, the obsession with betting often distracts youths from more productive and beneficial activities. Time that could be spent in education, skill development, or community service is wasted chasing the elusive win. Islam encourages Muslims to use their time wisely, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said in a Hadith reported by Sahih Al-Bukhari: “There are two blessings which many people lose: health and free time for doing good.”

Betting squanders both time and wealth, two precious resources that should be used for the betterment of oneself, one’s family, and the wider community. It is, therefore, advised to every Muslim to abstain from it in a quest to maintain their good relationship with the creator.