💰 Family finances · #43
What is the ruling on buying lottery tickets, entering lucky draws or paid contests?
Lotteries and any draw that requires payment for a chance to win are gambling (maisir) and forbidden; free draws, or prizes from ordinary purchases with no extra payment, are permitted.
Allah calls intoxicants and gambling an abomination of Satan's work and commands that they be avoided (al-Ma'idah 5:90–91). The mark of gambling is that every participant pays, most lose, and one wins from the others' money. Permitted examples: a lucky draw at an event where the ticket is free, or a supermarket prize for an ordinary purchase without paying extra. In married life, a habit of "trying one's luck" can grow into an addiction that destroys the family's maintenance. If your spouse is already addicted, get help. See the question on a spouse addicted to gambling.
Allah calls intoxicants and gambling an abomination of Satan's work and commands that they be avoided (al-Ma'idah 5:90–91). The mark of gambling is that every participant pays, most lose, and one wins from the others' money. Permitted examples: a lucky draw at an event where the ticket is free, or a supermarket prize for an ordinary purchase without paying extra. In married life, a habit of "trying one's luck" can grow into an addiction that destroys the family's maintenance. If your spouse is already addicted, get help. See the question on a spouse addicted to gambling.
Sources
Surah al-Ma'idah 5:90Surah al-Ma'idah 5:91Surah al-Baqarah 2:219