Doing free ‘Umrah through multi-level marketing

9-4-2017 | IslamWeb

Question:

I want to know whether ‘Umrah is permissible or not using a MLM (multi-level marketing) system, like, for example, person A has to register first with such-and-such fees and then invite two other persons, say B and C. Now they both have to invite two others. Every person will invite two others, and that constitutes the first level. All member have to complete five levels, and by doing so, they get a free ‘Umrah. If another member is not able to complete five levels, then they get a trip to a country assured by the company. I want to know whether this is permissible or not because in this system poor people can also go for ‘Umrah and visit the Prophet's, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, grave.

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

It is clear that this marketing system is based on deceit and gambling; therefore, it is not permissible to participate in it.

Wanting to perform ‘Umrah or Hajj does not permit entering into what is forbidden, and a person has to fear Allah and desist from what Allah has forbidden.

The poor who do not have wealth should wait until they get lawful money from lawful earning, then they may perform 'Umrah if they are able to do so, otherwise Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity, and Allah is Tayyib (pure) and only accepts that which is pure.

Allah knows best.