Fatawaa

Subject : Ruling on Sales Conducted through an Application Based on a Lottery System
Fatwa Number : 3998
Date : 25-08-2025
Classified : Transactions & Marketing
Fatwa Type : Search Fatawaa

Question :

I intend to create an application for promotional purposes, where the number of participants is limited to 20 individuals. Each participant contributes a share of 5 dinars. A primary product, such as a mobile phone, is advertised, and a lottery draw is conducted for that phone. Once the promotional period concludes or all participations are filled, a draw is held for the primary product (the mobile phone). Moreover, secondary products—such as a charger, headphones, or a phone case—are awarded to those who do not win the primary product, as compensation for their participation. It should be noted that there are no specific games or activities influencing the draw for the primary product. A single individual may participate multiple times to increase their chances of winning. What is the Islamic ruling on this practice?


The Answer :

All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.

Having examined the Islamic jurisprudential framing of the sales model described in the application, it has been determined that it involves elements resembling gambling (Qimār). This is because each participant in the auction faces the risk of either winning the item or losing their contribution. Furthermore, obligating these individuals to purchase specific secondary products constitutes an unjustified financial imposition.

In conclusion, selling goods through the method described in the above question is prohibited. And Allah The Almighty Knows Best.






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