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Chapter on the Rulings of Competitive Racing

Masābaqa (competitive racing) is the mutual contest between two parties, whether involving animals or otherwise; the term likewise applies to competitions in archery.

Such contests are permissible by evidence from the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and the consensus of the scholars. Allah the Exalted says, “And prepare against them whatever force you can muster” (Qur’an 8:60). The Prophet ﷺ clarified, “Indeed, force is in shooting.” Allah also says, “We went off racing one another” (Qur’an 12:17), meaning: we were either shooting arrows or running on foot.

Abu Hurayrah reports—traced back to the Prophet—“No prize is to be awarded except in a camel race, an archery contest, or a horse race,” a report related by the Five. This ḥadith is proof of the permissibility of racing for a staked reward.