Question:
Is playing ‘roll up the rim’ at Tim Hortons permissible for Muslims? Is it allowed islamicaly to participate in ‘Tims Rewards’ and the contest on their digital app? If so, is it permissible to use a winning ballot or digital credit to claim a prize of a coffee, doughnut or any other prize?
Answer:
Jazāk Allāh Khayr/ Thank you for your question.
“Roll up the rim” and “Tims Rewards” are a marketing scheme used by the restaurant, Tim Hortons, to promote products. Customers purchase beverages in paper cups. Some of these cups have winning rims. Customers who end up having the winning cups are rewarded with a food item or material commodity. The same is the situation, with their digital platform. Tim Hortons digital App and ‘Tims Reward Cards’ are also programmed to randomize coffee and hot beverage giveaways. Winning guests automatically are credited for their beverage at the time of purchase.
Since the beverages in the cups are purchased at their regular price, and customers are not charged an additional amount for the eligible cups, it will be permissible to play and participate in the competition. The client is receiving a product (beverage and cup) in exchange of their money. The eligible cups and or digital credits are only an incentive.
This is not considered the prohibited gambling which is referenced in the Qurʿān, Ḥadīth and Islamic Jurisprudence.
A client may also claim a prize if they happen to attain a winning cup or a digital credit on their app or rewards card. This will be considered a free gift to the customer.
It should be noted that, during purchase of the beverage, one’s intent should not merely be for the winning cup, credit and or prize only.
“The Messenger of Allāh (peace and blessings upon him) used to accept gifts and reward people for giving them.” (Bukhārī)
“Allāh’s Messenger (peace and blessings upon him) would partake of food which would be gifted to him.” (Tirmidhī)
“Whosoever presents you with a gift, [accept the gift and] recompense them with an act of kindness. If you haven’t an adequate gift to present, then keep them in your prayers.” (Musnad Aḥmad)
And Allāh Knows Best