Indonesian scholars clarify when Independence Day games become gambling

As Indonesia gears up for its August 17th Independence Day celebrations, a common feature is the array of traditional competitions, from eating crackers to sack races. However, Islamic scholars are providing guidance to ensure these festive activities do not inadvertently cross the line into forbidden gambling.

“

Not every game or bet is considered gambling. At least there must be two parties or more to meet the condition of gambling.

KH Ahmad Sarwat Lc, writing for Rumah Fiqih, outlined four essential criteria that define a game or agreement as prohibited gambling (judi) under Islamic law. The first condition is the presence of at least two parties involved in a bet. If only one party stakes something, it does not qualify as gambling. For instance, if one person offers a prize for a challenge, but the challenger risks nothing, the activity is not considered gambling.

“

It is not considered gambling when what is at stake is not property. Property can take various forms. It can be in the form of money, valuables like gold, silver, watches, bracelets, necklaces, jewelry, houses, land, vehicles, securities. Even property includes services that have a certain value.

The second criterion is that the stakes must involve property or assets. This can include money, valuables like gold or jewelry, property, vehicles, or even services that hold monetary value. If the stakes are not material, such as a bet on who gets the front row in prayer by drawing lots, it is not classified as gambling. The third condition, known as 'mughalabah' in Arabic, involves a contest of winning and losing. This can be determined by chance, like a lottery, or by skill, intellect, or ability. The crucial element is the existence of a winner and a loser, regardless of the method used to determine them.

“

In the language of Arabic, the third criterion is called mughalabah, which is the existence of a bet of winning and losing. It can be in the form of a lottery that purely relies on fate, or it can be through things that involve thought, intelligence, intellectual ability, and so on.

Finally, the fourth and most critical condition is that the winner has the right to claim the stakes from the loser, and the loser must willingly relinquish their property. If all four conditions are met, the activity is officially deemed forbidden gambling according to Islamic law. This clarification aims to help the Muslim community participate in Independence Day festivities with joy and strengthen social bonds, ensuring that the celebratory spirit is maintained without engaging in activities prohibited by their faith.

“

Lastly, the goal in the law of gambling is this last criterion, namely the provision that the winner has the right to take the stakes of the loser. The loser must be willing and sincere to lose their property.