Football fantasy, is that jaaiz?. Its for a school and we have a registration fee of £3.50 this money goes towards the schools and you will only win trophies and recognition of manager of the month etc.
 

In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.

Answer

The definition of gambling is stated in the famous book of jurisprudence as follows:

‘Gambling is a dealing in which the chance of gain and loss are indefinite’ (Raddul Muhtar p.577 v.9)

All the companions and scholars hold the unanimous view that gambling is haraam and unlawful.  Saaiduna Ibn Abbas Radiallahu Anhu has said “Mukhatarah (something on stake) falls under Qimar.”

Mukhatarah is a deal which revolves between profit and loss that there may be a chance that one gains something and also a chance that one gets nothing.

Prize awarding crossword puzzles and commercial lotteries will also fall under this category.  However, should there be a prize offered by one side only then this will be permissible.  The reason being is that the deal does not hang between benefit and harm, but between benefit and non-benefit.  (Maariful Quran p.548 – p.552 v.1)

In the Hoy Quran Allah (SWA) has said:

‘O believers!  Wine and gambling and idols and arrows are all works of Shaitan, so avoid them so that you may get salvation. Shaitan only wants hostility and hatred to come between you through wine and gambling, and to prevent you from remembering Allah (SWA) and Salah.’  (Surah Al Maaidha v.90 –v.91)

If a fee is necessary for enrolment and the winners will receive a prize from the money collected, then it will be impermissible.  It can be derived from the above information that there is a chance of gaining profit on the enrolment fee and the chance of losing it.  This falls under the definition of gambling.   (Jawahirul Fiqh p.342 v.2)

If a fee is not required then it is not gambling because there are no conditions on both side and the chance of profit and loss is not on either side.  (Raddul Muhtar p.578 v.9)

Although this is not gambling it is still disliked to play fantasy football because the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam said “Everything with which a man amuses himself is vain, except his shooting with his bow, his training of his horse and his playing with his wife, for they pertain to what is right.”  (Mishkaatul Masabeeh p.337)

With regards to your question, if the trophy and the recognition to the manager are being purchased from the enrolment fee, then it will be impermissible.  However, if it is being paid from a third person then it will be permissible.

Only Allah Knows Best

Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham