The Perlis Mufti, Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, has reiterated that while Islam strictly forbids gambling and alcohol consumption for Muslims, the religion does not impose the same prohibition on non-Muslims, stressing that their rights must be respected within a multi-faith society.
Clarifying his position, Dr Mohd Asri explained that since assuming office as Perlis Mufti on 2 February 2015, he has never issued a religious directive banning gambling in the state. He noted that the prohibition on gambling outlets in Perlis was a policy decision taken by the PAS-led Perikatan Nasional state government after it came to power following the 2022 general election, rather than a ruling issued by the mufti’s office.
According to him, Islamic law clearly categorises gambling, alcohol consumption and similar vices as forbidden acts for Muslims, with state enactments already outlining penalties for offenders. This, he said, is why reminders prohibiting Muslims from gambling are displayed at licensed gaming outlets. However, he emphasised that Islamic teachings do not extend the same ban to non-Muslims living under Islamic governance.
Dr Mohd Asri cited classical Islamic jurisprudence, particularly views associated with the Hanafi school of thought, to explain that items such as alcohol and pork are considered valuable property for non-Muslims and may be consumed lawfully by them, provided such activities are regulated and taxed by the authorities. From this perspective, he said, non-Muslims are allowed to participate in activities like alcohol consumption or licensed gambling without violating Islamic principles.
At the same time, the mufti made it clear that a government may still choose to eliminate gambling entirely, but such a move would be a political and administrative decision rather than a religious obligation. He stressed that Islam prioritises social harmony and public welfare, especially in plural societies such as Malaysia, where Muslims and non-Muslims must coexist peacefully.
He further argued that banning activities purely on moral grounds requires legal enactment by the ruling authority, noting that not every sin identified in Islam carries a worldly punishment unless it is legislated by the state.
However, Dr Mohd Asri’s views drew criticism from PAS Jabi assemblyman Dr Azman Ibrahim, who questioned whether merely placing warning signs was sufficient. Dr Azman argued that gambling harms society at large, including non-Muslims, and challenged the notion that gambling could be considered a legitimate right under any religion.
The exchange has reignited debate over the balance between religious doctrine, public policy and social responsibility in Malaysia’s diverse political and religious landscape.
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