Are Mystery Boxes Haram? An Islamic Perspective on Surprise Purchases

Mystery boxes are all the rage in online shopping, but many Muslims ask: are mystery boxes haram? The short answer is yes, most scholars consider them haram.

But let’s get into why.

The main reason mystery boxes are considered haram is gharar, which means excessive uncertainty in a transaction.

When you buy a mystery box, you don’t know what’s inside. That’s too much uncertainty for Islamic principles of fair trade.

Another issue is that mystery boxes can be considered as gambling or maysir. Islam strictly prohibits gambling and the element of chance in mystery boxes is very similar. You’re taking a risk with your money hoping to get something valuable.

Islamic teachings also discourage wasteful spending (israf). Mystery boxes can tempt people to buy things they don’t need just for the excitement of the surprise.

Some online marketplaces have been studied for their mystery box practices.

These studies found that such sales often don’t allow returns or complaints which goes against the Islamic concept of khiyar - the right to cancel a sale under certain conditions.

However, not all scholars agree on this. Some say if certain conditions are met, like guaranteeing a minimum value or allowing returns, then mystery boxes might be acceptable.

From my perspective, while mystery boxes can be fun, they do raise serious issues in Islamic law.

If you want to follow Islamic principles strictly, then it’s probably best to avoid mystery boxes and stick to purchases where you know what you’re getting.

Remember Islam encourages clear, fair and honest transactions. When in doubt always consult with a knowledgeable Islamic scholar who can advise based on your situation.