Fatwa no.
19546
All praise be to Allah alone, peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad the seal of all prophets. The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta' has read the question no. 1/2/52 that was sent to His Eminence the Grand Mufty from His Excellency the Minster of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Da‘wah and Guidance and the head of World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY). (Part No. 15; Page No. 187) This question was sent on 1/19/1418 A.H. It was sent to the Committee by the general secretary of the Council of Senior Scholars with reference no. 673 in 2/4/1418 A.H. The text of the question:
"WAMY has prepared a pamphlet about a comprehensive scientific competition.
This pamphlet informs about the Assembly and other Islamic projects and entities in
the Kingdom.
It contains a number of legal issues. I have read these issues and found that they are suitable and useful. Moreover, distributing them will bring financial revenue that supports the activities introduced by WAMY for Muslim youth all over the world. The general secretary of WAMY asked me to support this competition and to urge rich people to contribute in it in order to spread its benefit. I will send you a version of the pamphlet that we intend to issue. May Allah protect you and make your knowledge and efforts useful for Muslims!"
A: After studying the question, the Committee says that
this kind of competition is not permissible as it contains gambling, Jahalah sale (sale with lack of knowledge) and Gharar sale (fraudulent transaction where details about the sold item are unknown or uncertain). This is because the person who pays money to buy this book, does so, in order to participate in the competition. He hopes to receive one of these rewards, but he may not win. (Part No. 15; Page No. 188) Allah (Exalted be He) says:
...but do not help one another in sin and transgression.
And
O you who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves unjustly
Benevolence must be through legal earnings because Allah is Good and accepts only what is good. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.
WAMY has prepared a...
