Receiving a gift for sharing personal information of others

QUESTION:

At the local gym, a “promotion” is run whereby the gym requests its clients to provide names and contact details of a stipulated amount of people. After filling out these contact details, one will be entitled to receive a free gift from the gym. The gifts generally consists of flasks, cups, etc. I’d like to know if participating in such a promotion is permissible, and if it is permissible to accept and utilize the gifts given by the gym? (As a side note: all, or most of the contact details of the individuals provided to the gym, are done so without the consent of the individual).

ANSWER:

We do not find any restriction in Shariah which restricts one from sharing the name and contact details of other individuals. Yes, ettiquette demands that one informs the other party that he will be sharing his information with a particular company or organization. It is possible that some individuals are not happy with their information being shared with others, hence it is better that their consent is taken.  However, there isn’t any Shari’ee implications (such as it being Haraam) for sharing the information without consent. Hence, accepting the stipulated gift will be permitted.

Please note: It is Haraam to go to gyms where music is played, intermingling of sexes takes place, people are dressed inappropriately where the Satr is exposed, etc. Furthermore, if the information submitted to the gym is to recruit new members, than this is tantamount to assisting in the disobedience of Allah Ta’ala.

ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Mohammed Desai

Date:- 22 Muharram 1445 / 10 August 2023