Is playing a lottery game using virtual currency/points halal or haram?
There’s a book website I am a member of, in which the community holds a lottery game each week, using virtual points that you don’t have to pay for. And you can’t earn real money either, just these virtual points.
Spending these points can give you access to more features. These points can be earned in lots of other ways as well, such as being active on the website and members often gift them to other members, especially new ones, as a friendly and welcoming gesture.
Seeing as there is no real money involved, only virtual points, is this kind of lottery halal or haram?
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
The information provided is not sufficient for us to issue a ruling. We require more details for us to issue a ruling.
You may send us the specific book website you are referring to in the query, also clarify whether one has to pay a membership fee or not.
Send your reply to admin@daruliftaa.net Reference: Mahmood Baig
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mirza Mahmood Baig
Student Darul Iftaa
Jeddah, KSA
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.
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For more details on lottery and gambling, see : 18361, 17897