Colombo Mayor A. J. M. Muzammil could find himself in serious trouble from both religious quarters and political supporters, after several photographs which show him gambling at a night club, went viral on social media.

 

Muzammil came to the limelight recently due to his controversial decision to allow street vending on pavements in Colombo. He received a considerable amount of flak for this decision. 

 

Muzammil, a Muslim, is strictly prohibited by his religion to indulge in gambling. Gambling is expressly forbidden in the Qur’aan. Furthermore, his digression from religion is more significant since this is the Holy month of Ramadan. Islamic teachings called Hadhees say that it is a double sin to commit a major sin during the month of Ramadan.

 

A veteran politician, Muzammil is undoubtedly used to political gambling. His recent decision to allow street vending is one such gamble which could give him some political mileage in his electorate. However, gambling at a casino could prove too much of a transgression to defend on the political stage.