Lottery

Groups who are led by or serve Muslim beneficiaries at some point in their existence will no doubt have a conversation about the permissibility of lottery funding and whether they should apply for money that has come from such sources.

We don’t profess to have all the answers to quite a sensitive topic. There are however varying views and we hope this page will be of benefit.

Some of the reasons why organisations tend to accept lottery money:

  • Argument 1: whilst the National Lottery is a form of gambling and without doubt prohibited in Islam, non-Muslims are not obligated by Shariah in their own lands. Therefore, the appropriation by the state of the 28 pence from every £1 spent in the purchase of Lottery tickets is not subject to the dictates of Shariah. When this is then distributed in what are referred to as ‘good causes’ the prohibitive nature of the Lottery is not carried through to the award of Lottery funding.

 

  • Argument 2: If non lottery makes up the majority of funds of a distributor (e.g. Sport England), then it is permissible for you to accept their funding.

 

Some of the reasons why organisations tend to stay away from lottery money:

  • Argument 1: The origin of the funding is the National Lottery and it is arguably bereft of any spiritual dimension and as such should be avoided by religious institutions and should not be actively sought out.

 

  • Argument 2: If the only source of funds the distributor (e.g. Arts Council) receives is from the Lottery or most of their funds, then it is not permissible for you to receive their funding unless you are a worthy charitable cause.

 

  • Argument 3: “Unlawful” money cannot be used for building a Mosque, building a place of worship, buying copies of the Qur’an, or any other similar noble cause.

All Ways Network ran an online session entitled: Is funding from the lottery permissible in Islam? As part of your research, we would encourage you to watch the session:

AWN Lottery Event - 'Is funding from the Lottery permissible in Islam?

Useful Additional Information

The funds from the lottery are awarded to 12 main distributors. 

  • Arts Council England
  • Arts Council of Northern Ireland
  • Arts Council of Wales
  • The British Film Institute
  • The National Lottery Community Fund
  • Creative Scotland
  • Heritage Lottery Fund
  • Legacy Trust UK
  • Sport England
  • Sport Northern Ireland
  • Sports Wales
  • Sport Scotland
  • UK Sport

We strongly advise your organisation to do your own research and discuss this with your ogranisation including the Board before you consider applying. Seek guidance from a trusted Imam/Mufti as well.

There is a wide consensus, Lottery funding cannot be used towards advancing the Islamic religion, this means towards Islamic institutions (mosques, Islamic schools), Qurans and any other means that is deemed to fall under advancing the Islamic religion.