Al-Azhar, Egypt’s premier religious institution, issued a stern warning against the growing popularity of online betting apps and groups, labelling them as a form of “prohibited gambling.” This declaration follows the tragic suicide of a young man from Upper Egypt, who reportedly took his life after accumulating significant debts through online sports betting.

The Al-Azhar International Fatwa Center released a statement denouncing these betting platforms, emphasizing that “bets made on predicting sports match outcomes, goals, and other details via social media and apps—where participants pay money and only the winners profit—constitute forbidden gambling.” This form of wagering has become increasingly prevalent, drawing in young adults with the lure of easy money, but often leading to devastating consequences.

The most recent case involved a 23-year-old man from Minya Governorate, who tragically hanged himself at his home after falling deep into debt from online betting. This incident has highlighted a growing crisis in Egypt, where online gambling has become more accessible, leading to a surge in financial and psychological harm among young people, reported online news portal Al Ahram.

Egypt’s religious and social implications

Al-Azhar’s stance against gambling is rooted in Islamic law, which strictly prohibits any form of gambling, or “haram.” The institution warned that the consequences of gambling extend far beyond financial loss, posing significant threats to family stability and mental health. “Gambling and betting,” the statement said, “lead to family breakdown, rising divorce rates, and emotional distress for children.”

The rise in gambling addiction has been likened to alcohol and drug abuse. According to Al-Azhar, both can result in “moral decay and psychological disorders,” with addiction pushing individuals to commit crimes such as theft or fraud in a desperate attempt to recover their losses.

Call for Action

In addition to addressing the religious and moral implications of gambling, Al-Azhar urged society to take proactive measures to curb the rise of online betting. The religious body called on families, educators, and community leaders to raise awareness about the dangers of gambling addiction, particularly among the youth, who are often the most vulnerable.

Dr. Ahmed Karima, (pictured above), a professor of Islamic law, echoed Al-Azhar’s warning: “The harms of gambling are far-reaching. It not only destroys the individual but also the social fabric of our society.”

As access to online gambling platforms continues to expand, many fear that cases like that of the young man in Minya will become more frequent. To counter this, Al-Azhar is encouraging stricter regulation and stronger community efforts to prevent further tragedies. The institution stressed that protecting young people from the destructive consequences of gambling must be a collective responsibility.

In light of these developments, the debate over online betting in Egypt is expected to intensify, with more calls for legal action and community involvement to prevent further harm.

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