Aarif Farooq Najar
Online gambling refers to the act of placing bets or wagering on games of chance or skill through the internet. This includes activities such as sports betting, casino games, online poker etc. Online gambling has become increasingly popular in recent years, with the growth of technology and internet access making it easier for individuals to participate.
Gambling is not only a grave sin among believers of Allah but also a forbidden act.
The noble Quran has also chided believers to refrain from it. “O believers, wine and gambling, idols and divining arrows are an abhorrence, the work of Satan. So keep away from it, that you may prevail”. (Quran 5:90-91).
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “Whosoever says to his companion: ‘Come let us play a game of chance or gamble’, should give charity (as atonement)” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Gambling makes a person rely on accidents, luck and wishful thinking for his earnings, instead of hard work & paying respect to the ways authorized by Allah & legalized by the law of the land. In contemporary times not only boys but unfortunately girls are also involved in such practices & not only this but some elderly people have become addicted to it.
Online gambling games like Dream11, Teenpati etc can have negative effects on individuals. Firstly, they can lead to addiction as users may become engrossed in the thrill of winning and keep playing excessively, neglecting other responsibilities and daily activities like Salah, classes, offline outdoor games etc. Secondly, such games mostly fuel financial problems as players bet beyond their means, leading to substantial losses. Additionally, they can contribute to psychological issues, like anxiety and stress, especially when players experience consistent losses. Moreover, the allure of easy money can lead to a skewed perception of reality, fostering a gambling mindset that may spill over into other aspects of life.
For common people playing cards with huge bets is the only single way to gamble but the situation Is the opposite. In contemporary times new online gambling has taken this cancer to our homes.
Online gambling can hurt families as well. When a family member becomes addicted to gambling, it can cause a strain on relationships and lead to financial problems for the entire family. The individual may be preoccupied with gambling, neglecting their responsibilities and duties to their loved ones. This later causes a breakdown in communication and trust, leading to conflicts and tension within the family, friends & other close relatives.
Furthermore, when an individual is struggling with a gambling addiction, they may turn to their family for financial assistance. This can put a strain on the family’s finances and can cause them to fall into debt. In some cases, the addicted individual may even steal money or valuables from their family to fund their gambling habits.
The children in the family may also be affected, as they may feel neglected or abandoned by the addicted parent. They may also feel the financial burden caused by the addiction and may have to do without things that they need or want. Moreover, the spouse of the addicted individual may also suffer from emotional and psychological effects, such as depression, anxiety, and stress. It is not uncommon for the spouse to also develop their addiction as a coping mechanism.
Overall, online gambling addiction can have a wide range of negative effects on the family, and families need to recognize the signs of addiction and seek help if necessary.
Online gambling can have serious consequences for young people, leading to addiction, financial struggles, and risky decision-making. It often exposes them to inappropriate content and can take a toll on their mental health, causing anxiety, stress, and isolation. These negative effects can also disrupt their education and relationships, making it harder for them to build a healthy future.
Now is there any way out of this extensive burning fire of online gambling? Yes, there are various ways to curb this evil but the condition is that we must come forward & show willingness & dedication to purify our homes & society as well as the negative effects of gambling. Let the parents keep their vigil eyes on the children and make their siblings aware of the ill effects of the issue. Let the Imams deliver sermons about it & make the believers aware of how to protect Aakirah. Let the social media users produce such content that the victims feel it is immoral.
The writer is a BALLB Student in Central university of Kashmir(Reach me at :- aariffarooqnajar@gmail.com)
