A person who won a lot of money from a state lottery always intended to give some amount to the Islamic center to pay off its debt. Are we allowed to donate this way (i.e. from lottery money)? And should the center accept it if they know it is money won in lottery?
It is not permissible to take part in lotteries with the intention of personally earning a profit or a prize. On the other hand, it is permissible to give money won in a lottery to an Islamic center to pay off its debt. However, it is recommended that this process is coordinated/supervised through the marj’a or his representative to ensure that all religious dues are fulfilled on that money prior to it being given to the Islamic center as a religious financial support from the marj’a.