The Kekeli Muslim Community (KMC), has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to revise the appointment of Mr Mohammed Abdul Salaam as the Managing Director of the National Lottery Authority (NLA).
“The appointment of a Muslim as a Managing Director of the NLA is deeply troubling, and heart breaking as Islam unequivocally prohibits gambling, betting, and lotto,” it stated.
The KMC in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency said, the Quran explicitly states: “O you who believe! intoxicants and games of chance and idols and divining arrows are only an infamy of Satan handwork. “Leave it aside that you may succeed (Quran 5:90.”
The statement said similarly, the 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.)
It said in the light of the foregoing, the KMC respectfully urged the President to reconsider the appointment of the NLA Managing Director “because it comes as a deliberate attempt to ridicule Islam.”
The statement pointed out that, “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.”
It expressed the hope that the various Muslim leaders and clerics would also engage the President as a matter of urgency before it is too 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.
GNA