Forwarding an advert to enter a competition

Question:-

I send out an advertisement on social media stating that all those who will forward my advert to their friends and groups, will enter a prize draw. The winner will be announced and will receive a prize. Is this not a form of gambling or is it allowed?

Answer:-

It will be considered as gambling which is Haraam. To enter the competition, one has to offer a service by forwarding the advert to friends and groups. If the advertisement is not forwarded to friends and groups, then one does not qualify to enter. Hence, this is tantamount to paying a fee to enter the competition. When entered into the competition, there is no guarantee of receiving a prize, instead, there is a possibility of either winning of losing, hence it will be considered a gamble.

ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Mohammed Desai

Date: 20 Shabaan 1444 / 13 March 2023