Drawing lots
Is it permissible to draw lot to take a décision ? Ex : drawing lots to know which destination to go on holiday?
If yes, what is the status of the draw that comes out? Is it compulsory to follow ? Or can
we then decide contrary to it ?
Djazaakumullah.
Answer
Wa’alaykum as Salam wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuhu,
Yes, it is permissible to draw lots to reach a decision.
If the lots were not agreed as a compromise between two individuals with differing opinions, it is does not matter whether a person follows the outcome or not.
However, if two people contradicted each other and mutually agreed that they would draw lots to reach a decision, then it is compulsory.
Together with drawing lots, one should not forget and disregard the important practices established from Aḥādīth;
- Istikhārah
- Mashwarah (mutual consultation)