The mystery box or blind box phenomenon is currently growing in popularity across various platforms, from online marketplaces to social media. Many people are drawn to purchase them out of curiosity about what lies inside, further fueled by trending content from influencers, viral videos, and television programs. The “surprise” sensation they offer has left some people addicted to buying them repeatedly. However, behind all the excitement, it is important to understand how this practice is viewed through the lens of Islamic law, particularly for anyone who wishes to conduct transactions ethically and in accordance with the Sharia.

The Fundamental Principles of Trade in Islam

In Islam, buying and selling is not solely profit-oriented — it must also fulfill the principles of justice, honesty, and clarity. Every transaction must be carried out on the basis of mutual consent (an-taradin), free from any form of coercion. Furthermore, the seller is obligated to be honest and transparent (ṣidq and amānah) by fully disclosing the condition of the goods, including any defects or shortcomings. Islam also prohibits riba (interest) in transactions, meaning all forms of trade must be free from usurious practices. Beyond that, transactions must not contain gharar — ambiguity regarding the goods being traded, whether in terms of form, type, quality, or value. The goods sold must also be lawful (halal) and legitimately owned by the seller. On the buyer’s side, there exists the right of khiyar — the freedom to proceed with or cancel a transaction after evaluating the condition of the purchased goods. All of these principles serve to uphold justice and protect both parties involved in the transaction.

Why Is the Permissibility of Mystery Boxes Questioned in Islam?

1. Contains Gharar (Ambiguity)

The primary issue with the mystery box practice is the ambiguity surrounding the contents of what is being purchased. The buyer pays a sum of money without knowing precisely what item they will receive — neither its type, quality, nor value. In Islamic law, this condition falls under the category of prohibited gharar, as it has the potential to harm one of the parties. This prohibition is affirmed in a hadith of the Prophet Muhammad, narrated by Abu Hurairah:

“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ forbade the pebble sale and the sale that involves gharar (uncertainty).” (HR. Muslim No. 1513)

This hadith illustrates that any form of transaction in which the object is unclear or involves uncertainty is prohibited in Islam, as it gives rise to injustice.

2. Contains Elements of Maysir (Speculation/Gambling)

Beyond gharar, mystery boxes also carry elements of maysir, or speculation resembling gambling. This is because the outcome of the purchase depends entirely on luck. A buyer might receive an item of high value, or they might end up with something of very low value or no practical use at all. This uncertainty makes the transaction more akin to a game of chance than a fair exchange. In Islam, all activities containing elements of gambling are prohibited, as they can harm one party and create an imbalance in the transaction.

3. Absence of the Right of Choice (Khiyar)

In an ideal transaction, the buyer has the right to choose the desired goods and evaluate whether the price aligns with the quality received. This right is known as khiyar, which gives the buyer the opportunity to proceed with or cancel the transaction. However, in a mystery box purchase, this right is practically non-existent, as the buyer has no knowledge of the contents from the outset. All control lies in the hands of the seller, leaving the buyer without an equal standing in the transaction. This condition runs contrary to the principle of justice that Islam upholds.

Scholarly Perspectives

According to the Shafi’i school of jurisprudence, clarity regarding the object of a transaction is an essential condition for its validity. The goods being traded must be clearly known to both parties — either through direct inspection or a detailed, comprehensible description. Excessive ambiguity can render a contract invalid due to the presence of significant gharar. For this reason, practices such as mystery boxes — which provide no clarity about the item being purchased — are considered problematic from the perspective of fiqh muamalah.

Real-World Case Examples

In several reported cases, buyers paid a set price for a mystery box only to receive items of significantly lower value — such as used or unusable goods, for instance, old plastic bottles. These situations highlight the imbalance inherent in such transactions and reinforce the presence of gharar and maysir. The buyer does not receive value proportionate to the amount paid, while the seller retains full control over the contents of the package delivered.

Conclusion

The principle of justice in transactions is affirmed in the Qur’an, particularly in Surah An-Nisa, verse 29:

“O you who have believed, do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly but only through lawful trade by mutual consent. And do not kill yourselves. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful.”

This verse affirms that every transaction must be conducted fairly, transparently, and without causing harm to any party. Based on the discussion above, it can be concluded that the practice of buying and selling mystery boxes tends to be impermissible — or at the very least, strongly discouraged — in Islam. This is due to the presence of gharar (ambiguity), maysir (speculation), and the failure to meet the principle of justice in transactions. Islam teaches that a sound transaction is one that is clear, honest, and mutually beneficial to both parties. It is therefore important for every individual to exercise greater wisdom when following trends, and to ensure that their economic activities remain aligned with the values of the Sharia.

– Written by Naflah –

References

Hasan, F., Niu, F. A. L., & Sumanta, M. J. (2025). Mystery box transactions in the perspective of fiqh muamalah: A validity analysis based on gharar and maysir principles. Al-Aqdu Journal of Islamic Economics Law, 5(1), 56. https://doi.org/10.30984/ajiel.v5i1.3856

Zahra Trust. (n.d.). Sell and purchase in Islamic commercial law. Retrieved April 30, 2026, from https://zahratrust.com/islamic-resources/ahkam/sell-and-purchase-in-islamic-commercial-law/

AIMS Education. (n.d.). Key principles of business in Islam. Retrieved April 30, 2026, from https://aims.education/key-principles-of-business-in-islam/

Pejabat Mufti Wilayah Persekutuan. (n.d.). Al-Kafi #1757: The ruling of selling and purchasing mystery box. Retrieved April 30, 2026, from https://www.muftiwp.gov.my/en/artikel/al-kafi-li-al-fatawi/4649-al-kafi-1757-the-ruling-of-selling-and-purchasing-mystery-box