National Savings and Investments Premium Bonds in the UK
Question
In the U.K., the Government runs the National Savings and Investments Premium Bonds and encourages citizens to purchase Premium Bonds. Instead of paying interest, monthly prize draws are held and cash prizes can be won. The scheme is backed by HM Treasury and one can be confident that all the money invested in Premium Bonds is 100% secure whether or not one wins a prize. One can cash the Bonds at any time at get the money invested back. I would like to know whether it is permissible to purchase these Premium Bonds and can any cash prizes won be deemed halaal?
Answer
It is impermissible since the element of qimaar (gambling) is found in it.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
References (Arabic / Urdu sources)
( والملامسة ) للسلعة ( والمنابذة ) أي نبذها للمشتري ( وإلقاء الحجر ) عليها وهي من بيوع الجاهلية فنهى عنها كلها عيني لوجود القمار فكانت فاسدة إن سبق ذكر الثمن
قال الشامي: قوله ( لوجود القمار ) أي بسبب تعليق التمليك بأحد هذه الأفعال ا هـ ح (رد المحتار 5/66)
- Answered by
- Mufti Zakaria Makada
- Checked & approved by
- Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)
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