Rahan: the wager (its senses, the contest in horse-racing and archery, and what may be staked)

الرهان

Rahan means a wager or stake. In the sense of risk, it is forbidden by consensus among Muslims and dhimmis, because it takes the form of gambling. The jurists differ on a wager between a Muslim and a belligerent non-Muslim: the majority forbid it, and Abu Hanifa permits it. ¹ It also means a race in horses or archery, which is permitted under conditions; a pledge held against a debt; and the prize stipulated in a race, which is lawful by consensus. ^{1 2} The jurists differ on which animals may race: the Shafi'is include horses, camels, elephants, mules and donkeys (the more likely view), the Malikis only horses and camels, and the Hanafis horses, camels and runners on foot. Permission requires knowing the starting point and the goal, equal conditions, the ability of each to win, and identified mounts; a prize that both sides stake on each other is not valid unless there is a third party whose horse is equal to both. ²