Competitions, prizes, and drawing lots for them. . . What is the criterion for what is lawful and what is forbidden among them? We are in a state of confusion because they have multiplied beyond imagination.
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The questioner : A questioner says: “O honorable Shaykh, regarding competitions, prizes, and drawing lots for them, what is the criterion for what is lawful and what is forbidden? We are in a state of confusion because they have multiplied beyond imagination.”
The Shaykh : Yes. The criterion is this: if a prize is set for whoever buys an item for a specific amount, and the one who set the prize did not increase the price because of the prize, then there is no harm. However, if the buyer does not want the item but bought it only for the prize, then it is forbidden for him, because he intended the prize rather than the item. So we have two perspectives: The first perspective is regarding the one who sets the prize; we say there is no harm in setting it, provided that he does not increase the value of the goods in his possession.
The second perspective is regarding the buyer; there is no harm in buying and taking the prize if it comes to him, provided that he has a purpose in the purchase. He should not buy solely to obtain the prize, as we have heard that some people buy cans of milk for the prize inside. When he opens it, he pours the milk on the ground. He has no purpose for it, so this is forbidden and not permissible. This is the criterion.
The sisters. The sisters.
The questioner : Peace be upon you and Allah's mercy.
The Shaykh : Please go ahead.
The questioner : Very well.
The Shaykh : And upon you be peace. A question. When a question.
The questioner : ... .
The Shaykh : Please go ahead.
The Shaykh : Yes. The criterion is this: if a prize is set for whoever buys an item for a specific amount, and the one who set the prize did not increase the price because of the prize, then there is no harm. However, if the buyer does not want the item but bought it only for the prize, then it is forbidden for him, because he intended the prize rather than the item. So we have two perspectives: The first perspective is regarding the one who sets the prize; we say there is no harm in setting it, provided that he does not increase the value of the goods in his possession.
The second perspective is regarding the buyer; there is no harm in buying and taking the prize if it comes to him, provided that he has a purpose in the purchase. He should not buy solely to obtain the prize, as we have heard that some people buy cans of milk for the prize inside. When he opens it, he pours the milk on the ground. He has no purpose for it, so this is forbidden and not permissible. This is the criterion.
The sisters. The sisters.
The questioner : Peace be upon you and Allah's mercy.
The Shaykh : Please go ahead.
The questioner : Very well.
The Shaykh : And upon you be peace. A question. When a question.
The questioner : ... .
The Shaykh : Please go ahead.