Muslims do not play the lottery because Islam desires to protect human beings from all worldly temptations that lead to dangerous addictions and divert attention from the remembrance of God. Millions of dollars every year are wasted on lotteries which have resulted in financial bankruptcies, disintegration of families and even suicide (1). Lottery is a ‘lawgh’ (wasteful) act which is akin to gambling and the Holy Quran teaches us to keep away from all such things (2). In chapter 5, verse 91, God states:

“O ye who believe! wine and the game of hazard and idols and divining arrows are only an abomination of Satan’s handiwork. So shun each one of them that you may prosper.”

Islamic teachings are critical in preventing social ruin because they teach human beings to forsake all vain and wasteful acts.