What is the ruling on the TV competition "Win $1000 Daily" which requires answering a question by phone, given that the call charge is two riyals per minute while ordinary local calls are free?
Competitive contests, whether religious or worldly, are permissible if they are beneficial and their prizes are donated with the aim of motivation and seeking beneficial knowledge. However, if the prize provider intends commercial financial gain, it becomes prohibited gambling. If participation requires an expensive call, it is gambling because the caller either wins the large prize or loses the cost of their call, and they are sinful whether they win or lose. Therefore, it is not permissible to pay money to participate in them. Those in charge of such contests should fear Allah and seek legitimate means to develop their resources.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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Where this answer came from
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 32914
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy