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Online gambling is destroying Kashmiri youth

Online gambling is destroying Kashmiri youth
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By: Dr. Aftab Jan

A dangerous disease is quietly spreading in the beautiful land of Kashmir — the disease of online gambling. It is entering homes not through alcohol or drugs, but through smartphones and apps. It hides behind fancy names like fantasy sports, online Ludo for cash, rummy games, cricket betting, casino apps, and even fake crypto trading platforms made to look like games.

Many young people think it’s just fun, or a clever way to make quick money, but in truth, it is a deadly trap that is stealing their time, money, peace, faith, and future — both in this world and in the life to come.

What begins as harmless curiosity often turns into addiction. A young boy tries a gambling app once and wins a small amount. Excited, he tries again — and loses. Then he wants to win back what he lost. Soon he is caught in a cycle of playing, losing, borrowing, lying, and stealing.

Some even sell their phones, empty their parents’ wallets, borrow from friends, or steal just to play another round. Their hearts become restless. They lose focus on studies, start skipping prayers, avoid family, and live with anxiety, regret, and depression. Some youth even think of ending their lives when they fall deep into debt or shame. What was called “just a game” turns into a silent poison killing them from inside.

From the Islamic point of view, this is not just a bad habit — it is a major sin. Gambling in Islam is called Maisir or Qimār, and it is completely forbidden (haram). It is mentioned clearly in the Holy Qur’an, where Allah says: “O you who believe! Intoxicants, gambling, sacrificing to idols, and divining arrows are an abomination of Satan’s handiwork. So avoid it that you may be successful.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:90).

This powerful verse places gambling in the same category as alcohol and idol worship. That alone shows how serious this matter is in the eyes of Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) further warned that even saying “come let’s gamble” is a sin that requires giving charity as a way of repentance. So imagine how serious the sin is for the one who runs gambling apps, promotes them, or plays them regularly.

Gambling is harmful in every way — financially, mentally, socially, and spiritually. It destroys the soul. It feeds the disease of greed and impatience. It teaches people to chase easy money instead of working hard for halal income. It kills the value of honesty and effort. It makes a person trust in “luck” instead of putting tawakkul (trust) in Allah. It weakens the heart and takes away barakah (blessing) from time and wealth.

Many gamblers lie, cheat, miss prayers, ignore Qur’an, and forget death and the Hereafter. Their hearts become dry and disconnected from Allah. They waste hours chasing money that was never written for them. In the end, they are left with regret, guilt, and a broken life.This is a trap of Shaytan (Satan).

And the saddest part is that many youth are falling for it while their parents and elders are unaware. Some parents don’t even know that their child is gambling on their phone, thinking he is just playing a game. Some teachers and imams avoid talking about it, thinking it’s not a big issue. But we must speak up now. We must act before it’s too late.

O dear youth of Kashmir, don’t ruin your future chasing empty promises. Know that halal risk (earning) may be slow, but it brings peace, barakah, and respect. Real success is not in betting, but in honest effort and obedience to Allah.

Gambling may give a short thrill, but it always ends in shame. Don’t let a phone screen pull you away from your family, your faith, and your purpose. Turn to Allah before your heart becomes hard. Pray, work, and dream big — but the halal way.

And to the parents: Be close to your children. Talk to them with wisdom and love. Watch what they are doing on their phones. Teach them about halal and haram. And to the scholars and teachers: Please speak clearly about this rising danger. Address it in sermons, schools, and public talks. This is no longer a small issue — it’s a spiritual crisis.

Remember what Allah says: “Indeed, Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d, 13:11). We must make the change — in our homes, our hearts, and our habits.

Online gambling is not just a game. It is a test. It is a war on the soul. And only those who hold firmly to faith, prayer, and halal living will win this battle.

(The author is a columnist and a regular contributor to ‘Kashmir Vision’)

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