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Using money donated from the lottery fund which is backed by gambling

Question

Is it ok (by Shariah) to apply for funding from A fund set up by lottery Money (gambling) to run a community business centre helping Muslims back to work through training programs. The activities run are not of religious character (mainly careers guidance, job search, it trying, etc... It is worth mentioning that this business centre is a part of a Mosque and community Centre. Can you please advise on the matter?

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

If all the money of this fund is from gambling then it is not permissible to ask for help from this fund. However, if this fund's money is mixed with lawful and forbidden money then it is dislikeable and not forbidden to ask for assistance, as dealing with a person whose money is mixed with lawful and forbidden money is dislikeable. We advise the people in charge of the mosque and community centre to stay away from gambling money and all sorts of forbidden money. The blessing is in lawful money even if this money is but little. Allaah says (which means): {And for those who fear Allaah, He (ever) prepares a way out and he provides for him from (sources) he never could expect.}[65:2-3]. Whoever, gives something up for the sake of Allaah, Allaah will compensate him with something better. The people in charge should set a good example for others in righteous deeds. In addition to this, if they take money from this fund they may distort the image of Islam in the eyes of the non-Muslims because they represent Islam and appear as people who say that which they do not do.

Allaah knows best.

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