[Q-ID0321] Can I join a competition to win prizes if there is an entry fee?
Question
Is it permissible to enter sporting or any other competitions where you have to pay an entry fee and are eligible for prize money if you get to certain stages of the competition? If you don’t win you lose your entry fee. Questioner: Ashraf from UK
Answer
بسم اللہ الرحمن الرحیم
الجواب بعون الملک الوھاب اللھم ھدایۃ الحق والصواب
If the participants pay the fee and the winner will get the money, then it is impermissible to participate in such competitions as it is gambling.
However, if they pay the fee for the services to the person who is not a competitor and he gives them any kind of prize, then this is fine. But they should abide by the rulings for these games or sports.
واللہ تعالی اعلم ورسولہ اعلم صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم
Answered by Muftī Syed Owais Ali
