Answered by Shaykh Yusuf Weltch
Question Summary
What is the ruling regarding watching sports events that are commonly sponsored by alcohol or gambling organizations?
Question Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate
It is permissible to watch sports events even though they made be sponsored by companies involved in prohibited (haram) activities.
This is because your assistance or patronage of these companies, in this case, is indirect – and indirect assistance is not strictly prohibited (haram), even though it may be disliked. [Zayla’i; Tabyin al-Haqa’iq Sharh Kanz al-Daqa’iq]
Assistance in Sin
Allah Most High tells us in the Qur’an, “…Cooperate with one another in goodness and righteousness, and do not cooperate in sin and transgression. And be mindful of Allah. Surely Allah is severe in punishment.” [Qur’an; 5:2]
From this verse, it is clear that assisting others in sin is strictly prohibited (haram). That said, the scholars made a clear distinguishment between direct assistance in sin and indirect assistance.
Direct assistance is strictly prohibited by consensus. However, indirect assistance, although not ideal and encouraged to perform caution therein, is not strictly prohibited, according to Imam Abu Hanifa. [Zayla’i; Tabyin al-Haqaiq Sharh Kanz al-Daqaiq]
Indirect Assistance
Your watching the sports event that is sponsored by sinful corporations is in some way assisting them in spreading and continuing to spread their sinful activities. For this reason, to the extent one can, one is recommended to abstain therefrom and look for more wholesome avenues of entertainment. [Ibid.]
However, since you are not directly assisting these corporations in their sin by investing in them, buying their stocks, encouraging their behavior, etc…, you are not directly accountable for their actions. This is called indirect assistance. [Ibid.]
Hope this helps
Allah knows best
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani