By Issah Olegor
The Director-General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Alhaji Mohammed Abdul-Salam—popularly known as “Alhaji Lotto”—has publicly defended his role at the helm of the state lottery body, insisting that his religious beliefs as a devout Muslim do not conflict with his professional responsibilities.
His remarks, made during an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Channel One TV program ‘Face2Face’, come at a time when the NLA boss is facing mounting scrutiny—not only over governance and financial allegations—but also over moral and religious questions surrounding his leadership of an institution widely associated with game of chance.
Faith Versus Public Duty
Responding to questions about whether his Islamic faith contradicts his role in the gambling game, Alhaji Abdul-Salam maintained that he does not mix religion with his professional obligations.
“I don’t apply religion to the work that I do,” he stated, suggesting that personal faith and public service can exist independently.
He argued that everyday life involves actions that may not always align perfectly with religious ideals, noting that even minor unintended acts could be considered wrong, yet are part of human existence.
Drawing from Islamic teachings, he emphasized that what ultimately matters is intention, stating that God judges individuals based on their intentions rather than solely on their actions.
Justification Through Good Deeds
To support his argument, the NLA boss pointed to what he described as the positive impact of his position.
He revealed that within a month, he personally supported a family to send their child—less than two years old—to India for life-saving heart surgery.
According to him, such interventions would not have been possible without his current role, raising the question of whether such outcomes could be considered contrary to the will of God.
He further noted that some socially beneficial activities previously associated with the NLA are currently on hold, but his position still enables him to assist individuals in need.
Religious Interpretation Sparks Counter-Arguments
However, his comments have triggered a broader theological debate, particularly among Islamic scholars and observers who disagree with his interpretation.
Critics argue that while he correctly referenced Qur’anic teachings about the gravity of idol worship (shirk), he may have overlooked other serious prohibitions within Islamic doctrine.
They point to passages such as Qur’an 4:93, which warns against grave sins like intentional killing, to illustrate that accountability in Islam extends beyond shirk alone.
Additionally, some scholars have challenged his reliance on the well-known Hadith that “actions are judged by intentions,” arguing that this principle applies only to lawful (halal) acts and cannot be used to justify activities explicitly considered forbidden (haram), such as gambling.
Concerns Over Public Justification
A key concern raised by critics is not merely the personal choice of employment, but the public defense of such a role. Referencing sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, some argue that openly justifying actions considered sinful elevates the issue from private conduct to public endorsement.
They further contend that in Islamic ethics, noble outcomes—such as funding medical care—do not legitimize questionable means.
The principle that both the method and the outcome must be lawful remains central to mainstream Islamic jurisprudence.
NLA Under Pressure
The religious debate adds another layer to the already complex situation surrounding the NLA, which has in recent weeks been under intense public scrutiny over allegations related to rent payments, salary adjustments, and financial management practices—claims the Authority has consistently denied.
The convergence of governance concerns and moral debate has placed Alhaji Abdul-Salam at the centre of a national conversation that cuts across accountability, leadership ethics, and personal belief systems.
