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NLA Appointment: An Open Letter to Mr. Mohammed Abdul Salam
By Dr. Abdul-Muhsin Baafi (Islamic Scholar)
The Islamic Perspective on Lottery and Games of Chance
Assalamu alaikum, dear brother Mohammed Abdul Salam,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. As a fellow Muslim, I wanted to take a moment to discuss your recent appointment as the boss at the National Lottery Authority (NLA)
While I understand the potential benefits of this role, I strongly believe that it contradicts the principles of Islam. As you may know, the Quran and Hadith explicitly condemn lottery and games of chance.
The Quranic Perspective
In the Quran, Allah (SWT) says:
“Maisir” (gambling) is a grave sin and leads to many evils. (Quran 5:90)
This verse clearly prohibits gambling and games of chance, labeling them as a grave sin.
The Hadith Perspective
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also warned against participating in games of chance:
“The Prophet (SAW) said, ‘Whoever plays with dice, it is as if he has dipped his hand in the flesh and blood of a pig.'” (Sahih Muslim)
This hadith illustrates the severity of engaging in games of chance, likening it to an act that is considered impure and forbidden in Islam.
The Islamic Rationale
So, why does Islam prohibit lottery and games of chance? There are several reasons:
1. _Unlawful gain_: Lottery and games of chance involve acquiring wealth without effort or productivity, which is considered unlawful in Islam.
2. _Exploitation_: These activities often exploit people’s desires for easy wealth, leading to financial and emotional distress.
3. _Addiction_: Games of chance can be addictive, causing individuals to spend excessive time and resources, neglecting their responsibilities and relationships.
4. _Inequality_: Lottery and games of chance can create unequal distributions of wealth, exacerbating social and economic disparities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dear brother Mohammed Abdul Salam, I urge you to reconsider your appointment at the NLA. Feeding yourself and your family on haram wealth will surely do more harm than good.
I humbly plead that you decline this appointment and seek a better, halal opportunity that aligns with the principles of Islam.
May Allah guide us and protect us from the evils of lottery and games of chance. Ameen.
