Football predictions are not directly considered a sin in contemporary Islam. However, when these predictions are used for betting, gambling, or the purpose of making money, the religious perspective on the matter changes. Under what circumstances can football predictions be considered haram and sinful in Islam?
On the topic, theologian Əkrəm Həsənov told Medianews.az that regardless of the type, betting games have recently become one of the most meaningless entertainments where people lose the most money: “If it can be called entertainment, some people risk their lives with their own hands in such cases. This causes a great loss in a person's life.”
According to Ə.Həsənov, there is no direct ruling in the Quran and hadiths about sports competitions: “These games emerged in later periods. In Islamic law, such matters are evaluated based on their essence and purpose. In other words, the ruling of an act is mostly determined by its result and purpose rather than its form.
In the Quran, Allah Almighty says: "O you who have believed! Intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful." The main issue prohibited in this verse is the acquisition of material gain through games based on chance, aimed at effortless earning. People take such huge risks as if they will make a profit from it. No wise person should invest money in betting games. Instead, investing the available resources in trade is more beneficial, and Allah has presented this as a lawful way to earn. Classical Islamic scholars have defined gambling as the acquisition of profit by risking one’s wealth at the expense of the other party. This principle is explicitly mentioned in the works of Imam Nawawi, Ibn Qudamah, Ibn Hajar, and other scholars.”
Ə.Həsənov noted that if football predictions are related to betting companies, money is placed, and the chance of profit or loss is connected to this, then the matter is no longer just a simple prediction but carries the nature of gambling:
“In such cases, most contemporary Islamic scholars do not consider it permissible. Because here, a person’s profit depends not on effort, but on an uncertain outcome. However, the issue is not only about this. It is a completely different matter when specialists, journalists, or fans express opinions about the result based on statistical indicators, the team's condition, player form, and other factors. This is considered sports analysis and analytical approach. Just as an economist gives market forecasts, a meteorologist predicts the weather, and a political scientist makes election estimations, a sports commentator can share their opinion about a game's result. The main point to pay attention to here is that it is not correct to claim to know the future definitively. The Quran states: “Say: None in the heavens and earth knows the unseen except Allah.” This verse indicates that all information about the future is only within Allah’s knowledge. A person can only propose probabilities and estimations based on the available data. Therefore, predictions given about football results should be accepted as statistical likelihood assessments, not claims of knowing the unseen. In a hadith narrated from Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his family), it is said: “Actions are judged by intentions.” This hadith establishes the fundamental criterion of the topic. If the purpose is to conduct sports analysis, share information, or provide professional analysis, there is no religious problem involved. But if the purpose is to attract people to betting games, encourage them to gamble, or gain profit from it, the ruling changes.”
The theologian added that psychological and sociological studies conducted in the modern era also show that betting and gambling activities can cause addiction in some people:
“Research published in recent years in international scientific journals confirms that sports betting activities can be associated with financial problems, family conflicts, and psychological stress. From this perspective, the restrictions that Islam places on gambling have not only religious, but also social and psychological wisdom.
Islam approaches many issues based on their essence rather than form. The same act can receive different rulings depending on different intentions and goals. Football prediction is one such matter. Analysis conducted simply as sports analysis and activities that drive people to gamble are not the same thing. As modern Islamic scholars state, making predictions based on statistical data about football games is not inherently haram or sinful. However, if such activities are associated with betting, gambling, random profit, or involving people in financial risks, then serious religious problems arise. For a Muslim, the main criterion is both that the intention is correct and that the activity benefits individuals and society. Placing money on betting leads a person to loss, and staying away from such games is a healthier path.”
Oğuz Ayvaz,
Medianews.az