A prize for solving the Shama puzzle

Question

Question: (1) Nowadays the puzzle of the magazine Shama (“The Candle”) is issued from Delhi. Its conditions are that you submit as many entry forms as you like at the rate of one rupee each, and a token of the Shama puzzle must be in it. Then it is your luck: if the first prize or some prize comes out, what is the ruling on taking this money — is it permissible or impermissible? (a) If it is permissible, then there is nothing to discuss. (b)

Answer

(1) This is qimar (gambling); taking it is not permissible. Ownership is not established by it, no disposal of it is permissible, and there is no right to give it to anyone either; the one to whom it is given will not acquire ownership either, and his dispositions will not be valid either.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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