I am not an Islamic scholar nor do I claim to be one. However, in the interest of and justice for all and in the hope that one day a government which is clean and accountable would guide Malaysia, I hope Islamic scholars, whether from PAS or independent academicians, would be able to answer my query.

While certain judgments on Muslims are clear, such as the ruling to either pardon, pay back or cut off the hands of thieves, based on the victim's decision, I would like to ask the ruling on gaming or any other Muslim-deemed vices with regard to non-Muslims.

It is clear that Muslims should not be allowed to gamble, I would like to pose the question if non-Muslims should also not be allowed to gamble.

Many non-Muslims are also against gambling due to the ill-effects such as losing money, debt accumulation and related family quarrels, but what is the Muslim ruling regarding non-Muslims' right to continue indulging in this vice?

If, for instance, the Terengganu state government can allow non-Muslims to drink in private, why is it wrong then to allow non-Muslims to gamble in private, i.e. the Genting casino?

Can any Muslim scholar provide an answer to my query together with the 'dalil' or 'proof' according to the Quran and the hadith?

In my humble and ill-educated opinion regarding Islam, there is no difference between allowing non-Muslims to drink or allowing non-Muslims to gamble, but that is just my opinion.

If non-Muslims could not be prosecuted for zina (adultery) or stealing according to Islamic laws, is it right to prevent them from gambling in private? I am using logic only, but I want to know the actual Islamic ruling.