It consists of two questions

Q 1: What is the ruling on buying a newspaper to win a competition that is published in it? A sum of money will be given to the lucky winner. (Part No. 15; Page No. 183) It should be noted that the competition includes general cultural questions mixed in with some religious questions.

A: The purpose behind the competitions that are published in some newspapers is to increase the circulation of these newspapers and to promote them; the purpose is not to publish knowledge. It is, therefore, not permissible to participate in these contests, as this falls under consuming people’s money unlawfully because they involve gambling. These newspapers and magazines that run competitions include evil ideas that they want to propagate. It is, therefore, obligatory to beware of them and not to participate in their competitions. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.