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Fatwa CenterA satanic trick under the cover of exchanging presents
Question
A game of exchanging presents called “Exchange gifts to foster love for each other” has spread among us. We play it in the following way: We write our names on slips of paper, mix the papers and each of us draws one out. Then, each brings a present to the person whose name was on the paper she drew out. To avoid embarrassment, sometimes we determine a certain price that no one should exceed. What is the Sharee‘ah ruling on this? Is there any possibility that it is prohibited?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His Slave and Messenger.
This process in the described manner is far from the required form of exchanging presents which causes love and mutual affection between the two parties. Regardless of the name, exchanging presents in such a way makes it more similar to compensation. Accordingly, if the mentioned presents are not equal in value, exchanging them in this way is a type of gambling concealed under that name. Drawing lots is sufficient proof of that. Had all the presents been equal in value or had every one of you been satisfied with receiving a present less in value than that which she offered, there would have been no need to draw lots. Consequently, drawing lots is a proof that indicates that there is an intention to get more by virtue of luck. If this is not real gambling, then it is very similar to it.
Allaah Knows best.
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