I have noticed that some Muslims set a part some prizes in the competitions. Would you shed some lights on this topic?

There is no wrong if competitions were for free as long as they were based on legislative topics whether they were spiritual exercises or athletics.

On the other hand, if these competitions have been for money, they will be permissible as long as this money has been set a part by a third party but not by the competitors themselves. However, if this money has been set a part by the competitors, they will not be permissible/ prescribed.

It will be prescribed if there is a competitor who has participated without paying any money so that he may win or fail without losing anything. Also, the field of the competition should be one of the fields stated in the Hadith which are archery, horse or camel racing.

These fields are a kin of the preparation of fighting or jihad for the sake of Allah (holy war by Moslems). This can be taken as a basis for analogy for what is similar, because the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: {there is no sabaq except in archery, horse-racing and camel-racing}. Al-Sabaq, (a stake in a race) is the money which is set a part for competitors. Al- Nasl is archery and this can be taken as a basis for analogy for all contemporary archery types. The competition of horse or camel racing also can be taken as a basis for analogy for the competition of bikes, boats, cars and whatever can be use in fighting currently.

Moreover, scientific competitions can also be taken as a basis for analogy as for Al-jihad in Islam has been achieved by swards and arrowhead/spearhead it can also achieved by science. Because Allah the almighty has said, {but strive against them with the utmost strenuousness, with the (Qur`an)} and He has said{O Prophet! strive hard against the Unbelievers and the Hypocrites}.

It is understood that Jihad against the hypocrites is achieved through science and revealing doubt. Therefore there is no objection to set a part Al-ja’eelah(price offered) among competitors in scientific competitions if they were good and useful. And Allah the Almighty knows best.