Fatwa: Prize contests by mobile SMS are gambling

A prominent Saudi Muslim scholar has issued a Fatwa (Islamic edict) banning Muslims from taking part in prize contests promoted by telecommunications firms and other companies, saying they amount to gambling.

Sheikh Salman bin Fahd al Aoudeh, assistant secretary general of the International Muslim Scholars Union, was reacting to local newspaper reports about the widespread of prize-winning contests promoted through SMS texts.

The Saudi Arabic language daily Ajel said it asked Sheikh Al Aoudeh on whether these contests are accepted in Islam.

“These contests promoted by telecom companies and other firms are prohibited in Islam…tempting Muslims to win luxury cars and jewellery is a sort of gambling since people pay money for their participation,” he said.

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