What is the ruling on taking part in an online contest to win a prize of 100,000 dollars in return for answering thirty questions in different fields of knowledge and science? Knowing that there is no drawing of lots; only one or two cards are purchased to commence the contest.
Praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.
This is a form of gambling, which is impermissible to participate in, because the people in charge of this online contest increase the value of the calls to compensate for the value of the prizes. And Allah The Almighty Knows Best.
Is the one who doesn`t offer prostration of recitation during Quranic recital considered sinful?
Prostration of Quranic recital is a Sunnah due on whosoever recites a verse that contains a prostration. It is also a Sunnah for the reader and the listener. However, none of them is considered sinful for not offering it, but they deprive themselves from a great reward. It is obligatory to offer the prostration of Quranic recital in congregational prayer following the lead of the Imam.
When is Istikharah (guidance prayer) Du`a offered, before Tasleem (saying asalamu alikum warahmatu allah wa barakatuh to end the prayer), or after it?
It is offered after Tasleem.
Should the Zakah (obligatory charity) giver tell the poor recipient that this is the Zakah of his money?
No, he shouldn`t. But, the Zakah giver should make an intention in his heart that it is the Zakah of his money when paying it to the poor. And Allah Knows Best.