Cricket in Islam

21-1-2002 | IslamWeb

Question:

The Muslim community here in Panama in Central America is mainly from India; you should know that Indians love cricket. In recent months several "Muftis" from India have came here and they say that cricket is forbidden in Islam because of gambling. Here we have our local tournament but without any kind of gambling; all the clubs have parties but without any alcoholic drinks and we don't have any type of gambling and women are not allowed to go to cricket matches or clubs parties and activities. The muftis who came here, made this statement (that cricket is forbidden in Islam) because of mainly international matches include gambling and offenses to the women in those matches. I will like to receive and know your thoughts about this issue.

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

The game (cricket) itself does not include any prohibitions in the Sharee’ah. Therefore, participating in it is permitted as long as it does not involve any forbidden matter.

On the other hand, it becomes forbidden if it includes any prohibition in the Sharee’ah such as gambling, mixing with opposite sex, using intoxicants, wasting time, neglecting prayers or other obligations, etc.

Allah knows best.