Question:-
Are we permitted to participate in the Vodabucks programme?
Answer:-
We understand that to acquire Vodabucks one is required to participate in the Vodabucks loyalty programme at no charge. Each time a prepaid user purchases voice minutes, data or integrated bundles (at standard rates) from Vodacom, then he qualifies for Vodabucks. Postpaid customers will earn Vodabucks on payment of their monthly bill. One Vodabuck is earned for every R10 collected from their monthly bill.
Accrued Vodabucks may be utilized to purchase various items from the Vodabucks store. One also qualifies to play one unlock game daily free of charge and stands a chance of winning a price.
In the above scenario, it will be permissible to use the Vodabucks (that were accrued free of charge) to purchase items from the Vodabucks store. Similarly, if one plays the free unlock game and wins a prize then it will be permissible for him to keep the prize.
However, if one purchases Vodabucks to play the unblock game so that he stands a chance to win a prize then it will not be permissible as this will be tantamount to gambling.
This is our understanding of Vodabucks. If the reality is any different to what we have explained above, then you may revert to us with the correct explanation.
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ – صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ – «نَهَى عَنْ بَيْعِ الْغَرَرِ»
ويطلق القمار في الاصطلاح الفقهي على كل لعب يشترط فيه غالبا أن يأخذ الغالب شيئا من المغلوب.
وحقيقته مراهنة على غرر محض (فقه المعاملات ص128 ج4)
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date: 06 Jumadal Ukhra 1445 / 19 December 2023
