Is it possible to make a raffle halal?

[ketchupkisses]

I'm organising a raffle for the school. Its occurred to me that this might be problematic for Islamic children and parents who account for a sizeable proportion of the school. I was hoping to send home tickets with each child to sell to family and friends and I don't want to exclude anyone from this. But doing a quick search shows that raffles are seen as gambling and therefore not allowed.

Now I know that there is a similar thing with interest and mortgages but that there is such a thing as an islamic mortgage which is structured so that it is Sharia compliant. Does anyone know if it is possible to restructure a raffle in some way so that it is more acceptable? I have already got prizes donated by local restaurants etc. so I don't want to cancel the raffle entirely, but I'm also keen to be inclusive.

I don't know but that's the best thread title I've seen for weeks
Good luck with finding out. (Maybe repost in the Religion/spirituality section?)

I just googled "Sharia raffle" and this was the first result.

It seems to suggest that if there is a prize for every raffle ticket (like a tombola, instead) - they don't have to be of the same value - and it is for a good purpose like a charity, rather than advertising, then it is ok. But I am not an expert by any means.

Thanks! I didn't even know there was a religion section. I'll repost.

Rather than a raffle could you not have an auction?

Our school had a 'silent' auction where a piece of A4 paper was headed up with the item being auctioned and the approximate price it was worth as well as the amount that was required as a starting bid- then people could write down their names and the amounts they were prepared to pay. Also we stated the minimum increment for each bid e.g.

Dolls House approx. worth £80 start bid £10 increments of £1.

The dolls house went for £42 in the end - the 'winner' was delighted as she got a beautiful toy for her kids and the school got more money for the prize than via a raffle.