What is the ruling on participating in raffles for prizes offered by some commercial stores?
Awards that have a basis in Islamic law can be summarized as those designated to encourage beneficial knowledge or righteous deeds. As for commercial store prizes, they aim to attract customers and take three forms:
1. Purchasing a coupon to participate in a draw: This type is absolutely forbidden because it is gambling. Allah Almighty says: "O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing to] stone altars, and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful." (Al-Ma'idah: 90).
2. Purchasing a product and receiving a draw coupon: This type wavers between resembling gambling and being a valid sale. The preponderant opinion is that it is permissible under certain conditions: The buyer intends to purchase the product because they need it. The buyer purchases the product at its market price or less. The product itself and its benefit must be permissible.
3. Purchasing a product and receiving a known item (not a draw): This is more likely to be permissible, such as receiving a free service or a certain quantity in exchange for coupons, especially if the buyer needs the product.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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