QUESTION: Assalamualaikum. Is lucky draw permissible in Islam? Its almost similar to playing 4D I believe. When I say similar. . I mean both are actually game of chance
Please advice. – Anonymous, Singapore

ANSWER: Wa alaikum salam, lucky draw is only permissible if the prize given is solely from the sponsor and there are no contribution from the participants at all. It is merely a gift from the sponsor to them using the element of chance.

For example if the employer of a company wanted to give one of his workers a gift. He then drew lots to see whose name will appear for the entitlement for the prize given. In this case, the workers do not contribute anything for the prize itself. This type of lucky draw is permissible as the prize is given here in a form of a gift.

But on the other hand, if the prize given is taken from the amount collected from the workers, it falls under gambling which is haram.

Another example will be buying a coupon of a specific amount for the purpose of entry in a draw for a car. This is not permissible as it is also considered as gambling.

This is the same as the case of playing 4D. Participants pay a certain amount of money for the purpose to win the prize.

As for the evidences of the prohibition of gambling, Allah most high said in the quran:

“O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), and gambling, and Al Ansaab, and Al Azlaam (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of Shaytaan’s (Satan’s) handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) in order that you may be successful.

1. Shaytaan (Satan) wants only to excite enmity and hatred between you with intoxicants (alcoholic drinks) and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allaah and from As Salaah (the prayer). So, will you not then abstain?”

[al-Maa’idah 5:90-95]

Wallahu a’lam
Contributor: Ask Ustaz Team
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