Is betting on my own weight loss haram?
It depends on how the money works. If you and others each pay into a pot and the winners take the losers' money, most scholars say that is gambling (maysir), even though the goal is healthy. A reward someone offers you without you risking anything, or a challenge with no money at stake, is fine.
Why a weight-loss bet can be gambling
Gambling in Islam means each side puts money at risk and either wins the other's money or loses its own, depending on an uncertain outcome. A "£20 buy-in, biggest loser takes the pot" challenge at work, or an app where everyone stakes money and those who miss their target forfeit it to those who hit theirs, fits that description. The fact that you control your own effort doesn't change the structure: someone still gains from another person's loss.
The Quran admits gambling can have some benefit, and extra motivation is one. But that benefit doesn't make it halal. See Is sports betting haram?
Versions that are fine
- A one-sided reward: your spouse, a friend or your employer promises you a prize if you reach your goal, and you lose nothing if you don't. Scholars agree this is allowed.
- Wellness programmes: employers or insurers that pay you for steps or health targets, with no stake from you, are rewards, not bets.
- No-money challenges: leaderboards, shared progress photos or a group chat keep you accountable without any wager.
- Fees that go to charity no matter what: if everyone pays in and the whole pot is donated whoever wins, nobody profits from another's loss.
Watch out for "loser buys dinner for everyone". Many scholars count that as a wager too, because each person risks paying for the others.
Similar cases
The same reasoning applies to paid fantasy leagues and lottery-style games: what matters is whether people stake money against each other. See Is fantasy football haram? and Can I still buy lottery tickets as a Muslim?
Better motivation
Losing weight to stay healthy is a good goal, and your intention can make it an act of worship. Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, eating moderately and walking to the mosque all help without any bet. See Can Muslims diet to lose weight?
- Pots where losers pay winners are gambling, even for health goals.
- A one-sided prize from someone else is allowed.
- Pots given fully to charity aren't gambling.
- "Loser pays for everyone" is also a wager for many scholars.
People also ask
Are bonds haram in Islam?
Yes, conventional bonds are haram for most scholars because a bond is an interest-bearing loan. Sukuk are the asset-backed halal alternative.
Read the full answer →Are memecoins haram?
Yes, most scholars say memecoins are haram to trade: coins with no real use, driven by hype, work like gambling. Pump-and-dumps make it worse.
Read the full answer →Are stock trading apps like Robinhood halal?
Are stock trading apps like Robinhood halal? The app is a tool; avoid cash interest, margin, share lending and options, and screen your stocks.
Read the full answer →Can Muslims take an interest loan in an emergency?
Muslims may take an interest loan only in a real emergency under the necessity rule, after qard hasan, mosque funds and zakat have run out.
Read the full answer →Is travel insurance haram?
Is travel insurance haram? Scholars differ, but required cover (like for a Schengen visa) is allowed, and takaful travel options exist.
Read the full answer →