Maisir

Definitions

Both qimar and maisir refer to games of chance, but qimar is a kind (or subset) of maisir. Author Muhammad Ayub defines maisir as "wishing something valuable with ease and without paying an equivalent compensation for it or without working for it, or without undertaking any liability against it by way of a game of chance", Another source, Faleel Jamaldeen, defines it as "the acquisition of wealth by chance (not by effort)". Ayub defines qimar as "also mean[ing] receipt of money, benefit or usufruct at the cost of others, having entitlement to that money or benefit by resorting to chance"; Jamaldeen as "any game of chance".

In scripture

It is stated in the Qur'an that games of chance which include money, including maisir, are a "grave sin" and "abominations of Satan's handiwork". It is also mentioned in the ahadith.

They ask you about wine and gambling. Say: 'In them both lies grave sin, though some benefit, to mankind. But their sin is more grave than their benefit.'

O believers, wine and gambling, idols and divining arrows are an abhorrence, the work of Satan. So keep away from it, that you may prevail. Satan only desires to arouse discord and hatred among you with wine and gambling, and to deter you from the mention of God and from prayer. Will you desist?

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "Whoever swears saying in his oath. 'By Al-lāt and al-‘Uzzá,' should say, 'None has the right to be worshipped but God; and whoever says to his friend, 'Come, let me gamble with you,' should give something in charity."

Sahih Bukhari, Book 78 (Oaths and Vows), [[hadith]] 645

References

References

1. (Sep 21, 2021). "Islamic Finance. Q&A. What is the Difference Between Qimar and Maisir?".
2. (2007). "Understanding Islamic Finance". Wiley.
3. Jamaldeen, Faleel. (2012). "Islamic Finance For Dummies". John Wiley & Sons.
4. {{cite quran. 2. 219
5. {{cite quran. 5. 90