Loser paying the winner a certain amount in a race

Q: I heard someone say that in Islam, it’s permissible to bet on yourself in a foot race against another person and whoever loses must pay the other the staked amount. This doesn’t sound right. Please advise. 

A: This is not permissible. This is a form of gambling.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)