What is the ruling on money earned from television competitions that rely on calling in and answering questions that are drawn? Is it permissible to donate this money or use it to pay car installments and university fees? Is this money considered gambling?

If the value of calls for competitions during the call time is higher than usual, then it is gambling (qimar), and the money obtained from it must be disposed of by spending it on the general welfare of Muslims, such as the poor and the needy. However, if its value is the same as outside of call time, then there is no harm in taking the money and owning it.