I won in a competition organized by a British company although, as Allaah is my witness, I did not know anything about this company before, and I did not have anything to do with them whatsoever. But they chose random numbers from around the world and one of these numbers was mine. The purpose of these prizes that the company gives out, according to what they say, is to spread knowledge and culture around the world and to encourage health awareness in society. When I researched the company I found out that it is a lottery company. Is the prize regarded as haraam or halaal? I hope that you can advise me because I am confused. Can I take the money and buy a house for my family and donate the rest to the needy?.
If the matter is as you describe and you had nothing to do with the company and knew nothing about it, and if taking the prize does not involve advertising or promoting the company and the gambling it organizes, then there is nothing wrong with you taking it and benefiting from it.
See also the answer to question no. 20952.
And Allaah knows best.
