The ruling on competing with an agreed prize (*Sabq*) when no third party contributes to the stakes
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Racing and Archery
Primary text
If two individuals compete, and the prize is between them, and each contributes their stake, the competition is impermissible and constitutes gambling (*qimār*). This is because each participant is certain to either win or lose their contribution, regardless of whether the amounts staked are equal or unequal.
Supporting text
The agreement is also invalid if the exchange involves different kinds of stakes, such as one promising ten units of currency upon winning and the other promising a measure of wheat upon winning. This is due to the same principle that ensures a certainty of gain or loss for one party.