Q:
1. Is it permissible to take part in a lucky draw where the participant pays a fee for a ticket and thus enters themselves into the draw where the outcome would be such that they would receive a prize?
2. Is it permissible if the ticket is purchased for some event, (e.g. a dinner) and thus results in the person becoming part of the lucky draw?
A: This is not permissible as it enters under the definition of gambling. In gambling, one is required to pay some money and one stands a chance of winning or losing.
If the money one had given was to purchase a ticket for some event (e.g. a dinner) but the condition was put that one can win a prize as one has been entered into the competition, then this also enters under the definition of gambling and hence it will be ruled as impermissible.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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