What is the Islamic ruling on playing the lottery or scratch off tickets?

In a Nutshell: The playing lotteries or scratch tickets is prohibited by Muslim scholars. Some regard it as prohibited because of its association with gambling and potential harm. Playing Lottery or Scratch Cards The permissibility of playing lotteries or scratch tickets in Islam is generally prohibited but is a subject of debate among some Islamic scholars. Most regard it as prohibited because of its association with gambling and the potential damage it inflicts on individuals and families, while some argue it may be permitted if the funds are won legally and used for legal purposes and there is no harm. Islam requires people consider the potential consequences of their actions and adhere to the principles of fairness, justice and non-harmfulness to others. The cultural and legal context, as well as the individual circumstances, must also be taken into account. A review of the sources and scholarly opinion however suggests it is forbidden for Muslims to participate in gambling, even if the money from it should be used for pious or other works. The reason for this prohibition is that it is a unanimously prohibited vice and a means of seeking gain that must be banned and avoided. Allah is the guarantor of rizq. Islamic Evidences “They ask you (O Muhammad) concerning alcoholic drink and gambling. Say: ‘In them is a great sin, and (some) benefits for men, but the sin of them is greater than their benefit.’” [al-Baqarah 2:219] يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِنَّمَا الْخَمْرُ وَالْمَيْسِرُ وَالْأَنْصَابُ وَالْأَزْلَامُ رِجْسٌ مِنْ عَمَلِ الشَّيْطَانِ فَاجْتَنِبُوهُ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ إِنَّمَا يُرِيدُ الشَّيْطَانُ أَنْ يُوقِعَ بَيْنَكُمُ الْعَدَاوَةَ وَالْبَغْضَاءَ فِي الْخَمْرِ وَالْمَيْسِرِ وَيَصُدَّكُمْ عَنْ ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَعَنِ الصَّلَاةِ فَهَلْ أَنْتُمْ مُنْتَهُونَ O ye who believe! Intoxicants and gambling, (dedication of) stones, and (divination by) arrows, are an abomination,- of Satan’s handwork: eschew such (abomination), that ye may prosper. Satan’s plan is (but) to excite enmity and hatred between you, with intoxicants and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah, and from prayer: will ye not then abstain? (Qur’an 5:90-91) عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ مَنْ قَالَ لِصَاحِبِهِ تَعَالَ أُقَامِرْكَ فَلْيَتَصَدَّقْ (رواه البخاري) On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (ra): The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: “Whoever says to his friend: ‘Let’s go gamble’ should give charity.” (Sahih al-Bukhari) Conclusion In conclusion, the Islamic ruling on playing lotteries or scratch tickets is predominantly against such activities, rooted in the prohibition of gambling. However, the nuances within scholarly opinions and the emphasis on charity as per the Hadith provide a nuanced perspective. It is essential for individuals to consider these aspects and make informed decisions aligned with Islamic principles. References Qur'an, 5: 90 Qur'an, 2:219 Bukhari