Prizes won at a dog competition

Q: A Muslim entered his dog into a dog competition. Based on the gait, size, alertness, general health and so forth of the dog, the dog was placed in the top three of the competition - in light of the other entered dogs. The owner was awarded some physical items as prizes. This person has given me such prizes as a gift. (1) May I keep such gifts? (2) If not, to whom must I return the prizes: the winner, or the dog association that ran the competition?

A:

1. Generally these competitions have an element of gambling, in that one enters the competition with some fee. Hence, it is not permissible.

2. Give it to some needy person without the niyyat of reward.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)