Fatwa #1372630 November 2005South Africa
The competiton is entered by SMS'ing the answer to a number that is provided by those who are hosting the competiton. The SMS's are charged at R3 an SMS. The winner is determined by a draw of all the entrants
Question
Mr X has heard of a competition that is being held by company. The competiton is entered by SMS'ing the answer to a number that is provided by those who are hosting the competiton. The SMS's are charged at R3 an SMS. The winner is determined by a draw of all the entrants and one lucky person will win. The prize is a brand new car (not money). Mr X enters the competiton.
First Question: Has Mr X gambled ? (Remember the competion costs R3 an entry)
Assume Mr X wins the competiton.
Second Question: Is the prize haraam as result of the manner in which it has been won?
Answer
The condition for entering the competition is to SMS the answer. It is not a condition to pay money to enter the competition.
The answer being sent by SMS and the SMS costing R3 is a different issue. Therefore, Mr X did not gamble. If Mr X won the competition, the prize will be permissible for him.
and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai