What is the ruling on participating in an electronic lottery to obtain a sum of money without paying or buying anything?
Every contract into which a person enters with the potential for either gain or loss is considered forbidden gambling ( ). If participation in a lottery requires payment, it is gambling ( Maysir and Qimar).
However, if no money is paid for participation, then the nature of the competition is considered: - If it is in religious sciences or memorizing the Holy Qur'an, participation and receiving a prize are permissible. - If it is in anything else, then receiving the prize is not permissible, based on the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: "There is no prize except for a hoof, or a hoof-like object (i.e., a horse), or a projectile" (referring to racing and archery). Scholars have appended to this what is similar in meaning, such as learning religious sciences and memorizing the Qur'an, due to the religious benefit and strengthening they provide.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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