What is the ruling on participating in competitions that require a paid call at a higher than usual cost, and what should the winner do with the prize?
Competitions conducted via the 700 number are a form of gambling and forbidden (games of chance) according to Islamic law, due to the financial risk involved. Allah has prohibited maysir in the Holy Quran, associating it with intoxicants, idols, and divining arrows, because it causes enmity, hatred, and turns people away from the remembrance of Allah and prayer. Maysir is more severely prohibited than usury (riba) as it encompasses two corrupting aspects: consuming wealth unjustly and corrupting the heart and mind. The organizing body of these competitions sins by spreading evil and unjustly consuming people's wealth. A Muslim must avoid these competitions, and whoever has received anything from them must dispose of it by spending it on charitable causes. Likewise, it is not permissible to call to request or dedicate songs, as they are forbidden by Islamic law.
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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