Bad news for Demirören in Friday sermon: 'It extinguishes hearths'

The General Directorate of Religious Services of the Presidency of Religious Affairs published a Friday sermon titled "Let Us Preserve Our National and Spiritual Values."

In the sermon, it was stated that one should stay away from traditions that are not in accordance with Islam, and it was specifically emphasized that lotteries and games of chance are "haram."

'GAMBLING THAT EXTINGUISHES HEARTHS'

The expressions in the sermon addressed the destructive effect of gambling on families, including the following sentences:

“Let us never forget this point: no entertainment or celebration, including New Year's celebrations, can make haram acts lawful or legitimate, such as alcohol, which is the mother of all evils; gambling, which extinguishes hearths; adultery, which shakes the foundations of family and society; drugs, which disable the mind and will; and lotteries and other games of chance, which bring nothing but unhappiness.”

EMPHASIS ON NON-ISLAMIC TRADITIONS

The sermon emphasized that non-Islamic traditions and customs harm society, stating, “Distributing gifts like them is contrary to our faith and is wrong.”

IMPLICATION TOWARDS MILLI PIYANGO

Following the transfer of Milli Piyango (National Lottery) by the Turkey Wealth Fund to the joint venture of Demirören Holding and the Italian Sisal S.p.A, criticisms regarding the lottery were indirectly expressed in the sermon.

The sermon called for the protection of the society's national and spiritual values, while underlining the need to stay away from haram for individual and family peace.