Exclusive: Muslim scholar calls for nationwide ban on gambling in Nigeria, backs move by Brazil

A Muslim scholar, Dr. Sanusi Lafiagi, has called for a nationwide ban on gambling, urging Nigerian authorities to follow the example of Brazil in addressing the growing problem.

In a chat with the Muslim Parrot, the lecturer at the Department of Islamic Studies, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Nigeria, highlighted the dangers of gambling, particularly for the youth, and how it contributes negatively to the nation’s economic and social fabric. “Gambling is neither a trade nor an investment,” he said, describing it as a futile attempt to gain riches without effort, relying solely on luck.

Lafiagi stressed the alarming rise of gambling among Nigerian youth, despite its prohibition in Islam. He lamented how many young Muslims in the country have turned to gambling, ignoring the clear injunctions of the Sharī’ah.

“It’s rather unfortunate that in spite of the clear injunctions of the Sharī’ah prohibiting gambling, the average Muslim youth in Nigeria is involved in this despicable vice,” he remarked.

Citing Brazil’s recent crackdown on gambling as a commendable move, Lafiagi urged Nigerian authorities to take similar action. He pointed to the billions of naira wasted on betting, which could have been invested in job creation and infrastructure.

“There are more Nairabet shops than there are industries in this country,” he noted, stressing the need for urgent regulation to curb the spread of gambling outlets.

He further underlined the moral and economic consequences of gambling, stating that it is a grievous sin in Islam. He explained that gambling not only leads to financial ruin but also tarnishes an individual’s reputation in society.

“No person of high moral standing in society considers a gambler to be a responsible person,” he said, adding that gamblers are less likely to be trusted in positions of responsibility.

In his final remarks, Lafiagi advised Muslim youths addicted to gambling to seek professional help from counselors and scholars.

He reiterated that the prohibition of gambling in Islam is meant to protect both wealth and honor, and warned that gambling is one of the “footsteps of Shaytān” that believers must avoid.