FatwaFederal TerritoriesTransactions & Finance
AL-KAFI #1757: HUKUM JUAL BELI “MYSTERY BOX”
Is it permissible for Muslims to buy or sell a "Mystery Box" on online platforms when the buyer does not know what item will be received?
Short answer
Selling a "Mystery Box" is not permitted and the sale is void, because the item sold is not known or specifically identified, and the transaction involves gharar (excessive uncertainty) and a chance-based element resembling gambling.
A reference, not a fatwa. First sentence of the summary below — read the original fatwa and consult your state authority before acting.
- Authority
- Federal Territories Mufti Office
- Date
- Status
- Opinion (irsyad)
- Series
- Al-Kafi li al-Fatawi
- Topic
- Transactions & Finance
No evidence of gazettement in the source — this is not a gazetted fatwa.
Summary
Selling a "Mystery Box" is not permitted and the sale is void, because the item sold is not known or specifically identified, and the transaction involves gharar (excessive uncertainty) and a chance-based element resembling gambling. The buyer must return the goods and the seller must refund the money received. If returning is difficult because the item has been used, both parties may make a new contract, provided the buyer is satisfied with the item and the seller is satisfied with the payment.
Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.
Jual beli sebegini tidak diharuskan dan terbatal di sisi Syarak kerana tidak menepati rukun dan syarat asas jual beli iaitu barang jualan mestilah diketahui dan ditentukan jenis barangannya secara spesifik yang diterima uruf.
Read the full fatwa on the Federal Territories website (new tab)
How to cite
Cite the original fatwa and its authority. Rujuk Fatwa is only where you found it.
Federal Territories Mufti Office. “AL-KAFI #1757: HUKUM JUAL BELI “MYSTERY BOX””, 12 January 2021. https://muftiwp.gov.my/ms/artikel/al-kafi-li-al-fatawi/4649-al-kafi-1757-hukum-jual-beli-mystery-box. Found via Rujuk Fatwa: https://rujukfatwa.com/en/fatwa/ruling-on-mystery-box-sales/