why is gambling a sin?

[sentient]

well thats the question - why do religions count gambling as a sin?
I cannot think what reason this could be

[RELAYER]

Many reasons, one it is a waste of money that could be spent helping others, it is also an addiction that ruins peoplees lives just as bad as mind numbing drugs do.

[kar33m]

that's what I hate about this religion. when something could be potentially dangerous it is immediatly abolished. Gambling and alcohol are two good examples.If used in moderation and responsabily alcohol and gambling probably wouldnt cause any harm. Instead of giving us the opportunity to choose religion immediatly classifies it as a sin.
:(

[RELAYER]

that's what I hate about this religion. when something could be potentially dangerous it is immediatly abolished. Gambling and alcohol are two good examples.If used in moderation and responsabily alcohol and gambling probably wouldnt cause any harm. Instead of giving us the opportunity to choose religion immediatly classifies it as a sin.
:(
I think it has more to do with one not wasting their time and being seen as foolish, like people are when drinking or gambling. :)

[BlackBillBlake]

Many reasons, one it is a waste of money that could be spent helping others, it is also an addiction that ruins peoplees lives just as bad as mind numbing drugs do.
If you won, you'd have more to give away.

But in my view, a religion which bans gambling and drink and allows punishment by mutilation is completely off the wall. To say they have their priorities wrong has to be a serious understatement. I also wonder if folks like the saudi royal family don't own shares in oil companies etc? And are happy to take the profits when they roll in? Because that is gambling for the rich - There is no real difference between that and speculating on horse racing or buying a lottery ticket.

[Grewviness]

I think it's a waste of money too. People blow their entire life's savings just because they were "feeling lucky".

If you believe in karma or even Heaven, then go spend your money on people who really need it, and you will definitely get something good back in return.

[hotdiva]

I think almost all potentially addicting things and behaviors are banned in all major religions. Religions should not concrete, they should be guidelines on how to live life. Many times when I have a problem I reach for the wisdom the religious texts. There is great power in all of the religious teachings.

Some people may actually grow up not even realizing gambling and alcohol are potentially problematic if such declarations were not made somewhere.

We are very sophisticated people and we are exposed to so much diversity. Many of us take for granted the knowledge we have. In some parts of the world people are much more sheltered and naive to these dangers.

The path you choose to walk will always be unique, it will eventually lead you to wisdom and peace. Enjoy the journey.

[Hippali]

[QUOTE=sentient]well thats the question - why do religions count gambling as a sin?

All sins in someway or another hurt another human being, animal or the World if you dig deep enough. In some cases it is very obvious that murder is a sin. In other cases one has to dig a bit deeper. Gambling makes effortless profit to a few gamblers at the expense of many who lose what they had earned through hard work. It is a form of stealing, without being sly. It is a form of robbery without using force. Everyone knows who took your money (or who you got it from) without working for it. Thus gambling is a way of perpetuating injustice which is contrary to peace and acceptance.

[Rayan]

Gambling is a sin in Islam because:

1) You cannot spend your money on wasteful activities if there is someone else in the world who is starving, unsheltered or hungry.
2) Anything that is addictive is not allowed, hence same as Alcohol & Cigerettes & Drugs
3) The potential of losing money, then chasing it with more money to recover it is dangerous.

Kar33m, its classified as a sin because thats how it becomes disallowed! Pretty easy to understand philosophy

[Ali_bin_Abi_Talib]

This is to Kar33m


"that's what I hate about this religion. when something could be potentially dangerous it is immediatly abolished. Gambling and alcohol are two good examples.If used in moderation and responsabily alcohol and gambling probably wouldnt cause any harm. Instead of giving us the opportunity to choose religion immediatly classifies it as a sin."

It says in the Qu'ran (I'm going to paraphrase, I can't find the verse number but I know its in Surah 2) " drinking and gambling have its benefits. But verily the sin far outweights the good".

Gambling ruins peoples lives, their money, and their relationships. Same can be said with Alchohol. I think drunk driving is the number one killer of teens in the US? Alcohol is a HUGE problem. Sure, a glass of wine a day might be good for you, but the Qu'ran explains it perfectly.