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What is the ruling on continuing membership in pyramid schemes if the company enrolled the member in its pyramid system without his knowledge, some time after his initial subscription?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

It is not permissible to participate in pyramid schemes due to their inclusion of gharar (excessive uncertainty/risk), maysir (gambling), and consuming people's wealth unlawfully. If a company enrolls someone in such a system without their consent, it is not permissible for that person to continue in it, because continuing in a void contract is like entering into it from the outset. This is supported by the Prophet's (peace be upon him) abolition of riba (usury) from the pre-Islamic era, and Allah Almighty's saying: "So whoever receives an admonition from his Lord and desists, he may have what has already passed, and his affair is left to Allah. But whoever returns [to interest], those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide eternally therein." (Quran 2:275)

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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