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The competiton is entered by SMS'ing the answer to a number that is provided by those who are hosting the competiton. The SMS's are charged at R3 an SMS. The winner is determined by a draw of all the entrants

· 28 Shawwal 1426 AH1 min readFatwa 13726English
Finance and Commerce

Question

Mr X has heard of a competition that is being held by company. The competiton is entered by SMS'ing the answer to a number that is provided by those who are hosting the competiton. The SMS's are charged at R3 an SMS. The winner is determined by a draw of all the entrants and one lucky person will win. The prize is a brand new car (not money). Mr X enters the competiton.

First Question: Has Mr X gambled ? (Remember the competion costs R3 an entry)

Assume Mr X wins the competiton.

Second Question: Is the prize haraam as result of the manner in which it has been won?

Answer

The condition for entering the competition is to SMS the answer. It is not a condition to pay money to enter the competition.

The answer being sent by SMS and the SMS costing R3 is a different issue. Therefore, Mr X did not gamble. If Mr X won the competition, the prize will be permissible for him.

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai

Answered by
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
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