Question:
Salaam,
There is a poetry contest where you pay an entry fee of $20 or so, and the judges will read all of the poems and the 1st place winner gets $50,000. Is it halal to enter a poem?
Similarly, are game-shows in which you win money based on your knowledge halal or haram?
May Allah Bless and Reward you
Answer:
wa `alaykum salam,
If you have to pay any entry fee in any contest you are not allowed to participate in it as it is a kind of gambling. But if you participate in a contest free of obligation to pay any fee and you win you are allowed to receive a gift from the organizer of the contest.
Imam Senad Agic
Head Imam (IABNA)
The Islamic Association of Bosniaks in North America
American Islamic Center – Chicago
