The Kekeli Muslim Community (KMC), has said the appointment of Mohammed Abdul Salaam as the Managing Director of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) is ridicule to Islam.
The Muslim Community has therefore asked the President to revise the appointment with immediate effect.
A statement issued by the KMC Monday, January 20, 2025, indicated that Islam prohibits gambling and lottery therefore making it inappropriate for one of its own to be appointed to head the organisation that regulates same.
“The appointment of a Muslim as a Managing Director of the NLA is deeply troubling, and heartbreaking as Islam unequivocally prohibits gambling, betting, and lotto,” it portions of the statement contained.
According to the statement, the Holy Quran explicitly states: “O you who believe! Intoxicants and games of chance and idols and divining arrows are only an infamy of Satan’s handwork. “Leave it aside that you may succeed (Quran 5:90).”
It also indicated that the Prophet Muhammad Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated that “He who plays games of chance has disobeyed Allah and His Messenger,” (Hadith narrated by Abu Dawud.)
The KMC, has therefore pleaded with the President in its statement, to revise the appointment of Mr. Abdul Salaam as the NLA’s Managing Director “because it comes as a deliberate attempt to ridicule Islam.”
“The decision to revise his appointment will not only be a testament to your commitment to upholding Islamic values but also prevent the potential harm that this appointment may cause to the Muslims in general and the Muslim youth, who may be driven to engage more in these haram acts,” the statement continued.
The statement further contained that the Muslim leaders and clerics would engage the President as a matter of urgency to ensure things don’t become late.
“We believe that your prompt action in taking on this matter will strengthen the bond between your administration and the Muslim community, fostering greater trust and cooperation,” it stated.
