This makes clear what the scholars have stated: contests are of three kinds.
Those that help fulfil what Allah has commanded in His words:
“Prepare against them whatever strength you can muster, and horses ready for battle”
are permissible with or without a prize. Those that lead to what Allah has forbidden, such as backgammon and chess, are prohibited with or without a prize. Those that may offer benefit without any overriding harm, such as racing and wrestling, are permissible without a prize.
The Third Argument
The claim that gambling was prohibited solely because it involves wagering is an unsupported assertion. The plain meaning of the Quran and Sunnah, together with rational consideration, demonstrates its falsity.
Allah Most High says:
“Satan only seeks to stir up enmity and hatred among you through wine and gambling, and to turn you away from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer.”
He thus draws attention to the reason for the prohibition: the harm these things cause and the loss of benefits associated with obligatory and recommended acts. The arising of enmity and hatred is among the gravest harms. Likewise, turning the heart away from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer—each of which may be obligatory or recommended—is among the gravest harms.
It is well known that this occurs when playing chess, backgammon, and similar games, even when no monetary stakes are involved. It is more pronounced in chess: a player becomes so absorbed, in heart, mind, and thought, in what his opponent has done, what he himself intends to do, and the consequences of those moves and their further consequences, that he is unaware of his hunger or thirst, of anyone greeting him, of his family’s circumstances, or of other essential matters concerning himself and his property—let alone remembering his Lord or thinking of prayer.