—through which (1) hearts are opened, Islam is strengthened, and its banners are raised—are even more deserving and more fitting.

This was likewise the view adopted by the followers of Abu Ḥanīfah (2) and by Shaykh al-Islam Abū al-ʿAbbās Ibn ʿAbd al-Ḥalīm (3).

The proponents of this position say: The gambling that is forbidden is the wrongful consumption of wealth; how, then, can the rightful taking of wealth be classed with it?

They add: al-Ṣiddīq never gambled—neither in the pre-Islamic era nor after the advent of Islam—and the Messenger of Allah ﷺ never approved any form of gambling, let alone granted permission for it.

Thus the arguments of the two groups have been set out.

Section

As for racing on foot, the scholars are unanimous that it is permissible so long as no stake is involved.