In the Name of Allāh, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate
Purchasing Raffle Tickets is Gambling
Question:
Is purchasing this raffle ticket for $5 permissible?
Answer:
الحمد الله رب العالمين والصلاة والسلام على رسوله الكريم
Allāh Taʿālā proclaims:
“O you who believe! Intoxicants and gambling … are repugnant acts- from the work of Satan- shun them so that you may be successful. (90) With intoxicants and gambling, Satan seeks only to incite enmity and hatred among you and to prevent you from remembering Allāh and praying. Will you not then abstain?” (91) {Sūrah Al-Māʾidah}
Our beloved Nabī ﷺ said:
“Verily Allāh has prohibited (deemed ḥarām) alcohol, gambling, drums, and lutes.” [Abū Dāwūd #3996, Ahmad #6547]
Purchasing raffle tickets is ḥarām as this constitutes gambling. Any prize won from it will be ḥarām. If you have purchased a ticket, rip it up. It is not permissible to gift it to anyone, not even a kāfir (disbeliever). If you have already dropped it in the box, ask for a refund. If they do not refund you, do not take any gifts you may win. Seek Allāh’s forgiveness and repent.
Organising and sponsoring such raffles is absolutely ḥarām and a graver sin for which one will be accountable on the Day of Qiyāmah. One must cancel this game of chance, repent and never initiate such in the future.
And tawfīq (divine ability) is solely in Allāh Taʿālā’s Hands.
And Allāh Taʿālā knows best
| Ibn Suleman
Dārul ʾIftāʾ wal ʾIrshād, Sirājul ʿUlūm Institute 28th Rajab 1447 17th January 2026 |
Reviewed and concurred by:
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