Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

Salaam Brother Burhan,

I have a little money invested in sharia compliant Islamic bond in Dubai. This fund does not invest in stocks or shares. They only buy property and sell it later to reap the new price. The fund sends all its members monthly profits made in nominal values and also announces weekly lottery draws which are very huge in value.

Since, their investments are sharia compliant and if I were to win their lottery, would the winning amount also be halal? I remember the story of the Shepard who lent his pair of 2 goats to someone. In time, new offspring of these goats were reproduced and the generation went on. When the borrower asked on what he should return, our prophet (saws) had instructed that all the offspring originally came from the 2 pair of goats of the Shepard and therefore the entire herd of goats must be returned to the Shepard.  The Islamic banks say that the follow this same concept and invest only in sharia compliant ways, and also that their lotteries are like gifts for investing in halal form of investments.

My doubt is that if I win a sharia lottery, I don't think I can consider that as part of my lawful earning? Can I consider it as a halal gift? I wish to refrain from anything to do with Riba.

Also, I pray that Allah grant you strength and wisdom to continue guiding the Muslims around the world in the righteous path.

(There may be some grammatical and spelling errors in the above statement. The forum does not change anything from questions, comments and statements received from our readers for circulation in confidentiality.)

Answer:

Shariah lottery

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

If one specifically buys or purchases a ‘lottery’ ticket which would enable them to enter into a draw with a chance to win some prizes….that would constitute a manifestation of ‘gambling’, which is absolutely and categorically prohibited in Shariah.

But if one makes a purchase at a store, or one invests in a particular scheme, etc.….and that purchase or investment entitles them to enter into a draw which entails them to some gifts or prizes….the majority of the scholars are of the opinion that such promotions by the company are within the boundaries of Shariah. And Allah Alone Knows Best.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me alone. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

Burhan