Authored by: Saudi Fatwa Committee
What is the ruling in Islam regarding purchasing lottery tickets? These tickets often involve a large set of numbers, and a draw is conducted to determine winners. Some people gain profit while others incur loss. Often, a person purchases these tickets for a small amount but can gain substantial profit or suffer loss. Can the profit obtained from such means be given as charity to the poor and needy?
“O you who have believed, indeed intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful.”
[Surah Al-Ma'idah: 90]
Therefore, gambling in any form is not permissible. Whether it is through this method or any other, it is undoubtedly considered gambling, which is prohibited. Gambling is associated with alcohol consumption, idolatry, and divining arrows in terms of its evil nature.
The profit obtained from gambling cannot be used for charity because it is earned through unlawful and impure means. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“Indeed, Allah is Pure and only accepts that which is pure.”
[Sahih Muslim: 1015/65]
However, if a person repents from this action, they should dispose of the earnings derived from it. This can be done by spending it on public welfare or charitable causes, but the intention must solely be to rid oneself of the unlawful wealth, not to seek reward. This is because the only way to absolve oneself of such wealth is to part with it. Allah says:
“So fear Allah as much as you are able.”
[Surah At-Taghabun: 16]
If the intention behind the charity is to seek closeness to Allah, it would imply that the wealth is still considered as their rightful property, which is not permissible. Such a donation would neither absolve the individual nor be accepted, as it originates from impure and prohibited earnings. Allah only accepts what is pure.
Reference: Ibn Uthaymeen - Noor 'ala Al-Darb: 8/253
Lottery
Question:What is the ruling in Islam regarding purchasing lottery tickets? These tickets often involve a large set of numbers, and a draw is conducted to determine winners. Some people gain profit while others incur loss. Often, a person purchases these tickets for a small amount but can gain substantial profit or suffer loss. Can the profit obtained from such means be given as charity to the poor and needy?
Answer:
This practice and approach are prohibited in Islam. Allah Almighty has equated it with shirk (associating partners with Allah) and alcohol consumption, as it falls under maysir (gambling). Allah says in the Quran:“O you who have believed, indeed intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful.”
[Surah Al-Ma'idah: 90]
Therefore, gambling in any form is not permissible. Whether it is through this method or any other, it is undoubtedly considered gambling, which is prohibited. Gambling is associated with alcohol consumption, idolatry, and divining arrows in terms of its evil nature.
The profit obtained from gambling cannot be used for charity because it is earned through unlawful and impure means. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“Indeed, Allah is Pure and only accepts that which is pure.”
[Sahih Muslim: 1015/65]
However, if a person repents from this action, they should dispose of the earnings derived from it. This can be done by spending it on public welfare or charitable causes, but the intention must solely be to rid oneself of the unlawful wealth, not to seek reward. This is because the only way to absolve oneself of such wealth is to part with it. Allah says:
“So fear Allah as much as you are able.”
[Surah At-Taghabun: 16]
If the intention behind the charity is to seek closeness to Allah, it would imply that the wealth is still considered as their rightful property, which is not permissible. Such a donation would neither absolve the individual nor be accepted, as it originates from impure and prohibited earnings. Allah only accepts what is pure.
Advice to Fellow Muslims:
I advise my Muslim brothers to adopt Taqwa (piety), as Allah has commanded His servants to do. Abstain from all forms of activities that involve deception and gambling, regardless of their name or appearance. Altering the form or giving it an appealing name does not change its reality. With permissible transactions such as trade, leasing, and others that Allah has made lawful, there is no need for such unlawful practices.Reference: Ibn Uthaymeen - Noor 'ala Al-Darb: 8/253