Non-monetary bet: is it haram?
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Question
Is betting where money isn’t involved haram? For instance, two friends play a sport and the looser has to drink espresso… or something silly like that (i.e. something that wouldn’t cause harm)?Answer
In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,
No, this type of dare would not fall into the definition of unlawful gambling or chancing, hence it would be permitted, provided there is no harm in the act one dares to undertake in case of losing.
Unlawful betting is where one places his wealth at stake (actually or by promising to pay later) in order to obtain the wealth of another and the transaction is contingent upon a future uncertain event, whereas in the said situation, one is merely vowing to drink coffee or carry out some act, if one lost the game. Thus, this is not a form of gambling.
However, if the loser was obliged to buy the winner a cup of espresso or something else, then that would constitute gambling, hence not permitted.
And Allah knows best
Muhammad ibn Adam al-Kawthari
Darul Iftaa, Leicester, UK
This answer was published by SunniPath and is preserved as written. Rulings can depend on circumstances; for your own situation, consult a qualified scholar.
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