Friday Khutba of Tokyo Camii “Material And Spiritual Destruction: Gambling”

Dear Muslims!
Gambling is among the acts strictly prohibited by our sublime religion, Islam. Gambling involves an unjust gain, where one person’s victory comes at the expense of another’s loss. Gambling is a destructive habit that erodes feelings of love and brotherhood, while fueling hatred, enmity, and a desire for revenge. It is a disease that harms mental and spiritual well-being, disrupts peace in the family, and fosters selfishness and greed in individuals driven by the desire for gain.

Dear Believers!
In the 90th verse of Surah al-Ma’idah, Allah the Almighty (swt) declares gambling to be forbidden: “O believers! Intoxicants, gambling, idols, and drawing lots for decisions are all evil of Satan’s handiwork. So shun them so you may be successful.”¹ Immediately following this verse, Allah the Almighty (swt) explains one of the reasons why gambling is prohibited: “Satan’s plan is to stir up hostility and hatred between you with intoxicants and gambling and to prevent you from remembering Allah and praying. Will you not then abstain?”²

Dear Muslims!
Gambling is a material and spiritual destruction both for those who organize it and who participate in it. When people win at gambling, they harm others, and when they lose, they harm themselves. As with all addictions, the most effective way to protect oneself against gambling is to avoid starting in the first place and to steer clear of those who gamble or have others gamble. Therefore, let us distance ourselves from gambling, which has destroyed many homes, extinguished countless hearths, and caused innumerable disasters. To protect our youth and children from all forms of addiction, let us build relationships with them founded on love, affection, and trust. Let us strive to ensure they grow up surrounded by good friends and in safe environments. Let us never forget that gambling leads to grave sins, including drinking, lying, fraud, and even murder.

I would like to conclude this Friday’s khutbah with our beloved Prophet’s (saw) following hadith: “No one has ever eaten better food than what he eats from the work done by his hands…”³

[1] Ma’idah, 5/90.
[2] Ma’idah, 5/91.
[3] Bukhari, Buyu’, 15.

Friday Khutba of Tokyo Camii “Material And Spiritual Destruction: Gambling” PDF