Gambling and lotteries have unfortunately become common practice in Muslim societies. Some Muslims have become so accustomed to gambling that they are unaware of the great sin they are actually committing and that any earnings from it are undoubtedly unlawful (haram).

Allah the Most High says:

“They will ask you about alcohol and gambling. Say: In both is great sin, and also some good for mankind. But the sin in them is greater than the benefit in them.” (Quran, 2:219)

In the above verse, the prohibition of gambling is not explicit and unambiguous. However, several companions (may Allah be pleased with them) understood this to be a prohibition and thus refrained from consuming alcohol and gambling. Others, however, continued to do so and engage in these activities until Allah the Most High revealed the following verse:

“O you who believe, alcohol, gambling, sacrificial stones and divination are an abomination and the work of Satan. Avoid them, that you may prosper. Satan only desires to sow enmity and hatred between you by alcohol and gambling, and to keep you away from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer. Will you not then desist?” (Quran, 5:90-91)

The prohibition against intoxicants and gambling is clearly mentioned in the verses above. Several scholars in the field of exegesis, tafsir, of the Quran have pointed out that this is emphatically declared unlawful.

It was narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurayra (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “Whoever invites others to play games of chance should give money in charity (regardless of whether he took part in the game or not, since inviting someone to play games of chance is a sin in itself). (Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 4579)

Imam Abu Bakr al-Jassas (may Allah be pleased with him) has said:

There is no disagreement among scholars regarding the prohibition of gambling. (Ahkam al-Quran, 1/329)

The harms of gambling and lotteries are obvious and easy to understand for those who reflect. It is a means of creating monopolies and creating economic imbalance in society, which Islam forbids. It is a form of hidden taxation and leads to much evil in society.

So, it is totally illegal to take part in any type of game of chance including the national lottery. Likewise, it would be illegal to benefit from and use money received through lottery funds. Firstly, from a religious perspective, the money would be considered dirty and impure, and secondly, it is a form of support for the lottery system.

The ruling on money earned by playing the lottery is the same as when the money is earned illegally. This money should be given to poor people without the intention of receiving reward from Allah.

And Allah knows best!

Translated by Javaria T. source: sunnipath.com