Is it permissible to participate in free programming competitions that offer financial prizes or trophies, given the Hadith: "There is no prize money except for archery, camel racing, or horse racing"? And is it permissible to participate and decline the financial prize if taking the money is not permissible?

The majority of jurists do not permit taking a prize in permissible matters that are not in the category of hoof, arrow, and sword, while some scholars have permitted it. This aligns with the resolution of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy, which permits competitions with a prize if their objectives and means are lawful, provided that the prize is not collected from all participants, that it achieves a legitimate Islamic purpose, and that it does not lead to neglecting an obligation or committing a forbidden act. Therefore, there is no objection for the questioner to participate in this competition or to take its prize.