Maysir
ميسر
Pronunciation: MAY-sir
Gambling or games of chance — one of the three major prohibitions in Islamic finance.
Definition
Gambling or games of chance. One of the three major prohibitions in Islamic finance (alongside riba and gharar). Financial transactions that resemble gambling — with speculative, chance-based outcomes rather than genuine economic activity — are considered maysir.
This prohibition extends to derivative instruments and speculative trading strategies where the outcome depends primarily on chance rather than productive economic activity. Conventional insurance is also considered by many scholars to contain elements of maysir.
Related Terms
Ghararغرر
Excessive uncertainty or ambiguity in a contract — one of the three major prohibitions in Islamic finance.
Ribaربا
Interest or usury — the most strictly prohibited practice in Islamic finance.
Haramحرام
Prohibited under Islamic law — in finance, includes interest-based products and investments in prohibited industries.
Takafulتكافل
Islamic cooperative insurance based on mutual assistance and shared risk among participants.
Further Reading
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Quick Answer
Maysir (ميسر) — Gambling or games of chance — one of the three major prohibitions in Islamic finance. Gambling or games of chance. One of the three major prohibitions in Islamic finance (alongside riba and gharar).
Key Takeaways
- Gambling or games of chance — one of the three major prohibitions in Islamic finance.
- Category: Prohibitions
- Related: Gharar, Riba, Haram, Takaful
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Last reviewed: 2026-03-06
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