Author: Dr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rahman Azmi رحمه الله
Ruling on Certain Other Games
Question:
What is the ruling on playing games like dominoes (a type of game played with square wooden or plastic tiles, one side of which is blank and the other side has various black dots), chess, marbles, “Narunj”, “Dhol” (Ludo), bead-stringing, and Joker cards?
Answer:
All the games mentioned are impermissible to play. If played with conditions and an agreed-upon stake, they become major sins and fall under the category of gambling. Imam Abu Umar bin Abd al-Barr stated:
"The scholars are unanimously agreed that playing chess for a wager is gambling, which is not permissible."
Similarly, if playing these games results in the neglect of any obligatory duty, they are also prohibited. Examples include delaying prayer beyond its time, neglecting the rights of parents, spouse, or household members, or if these games lead to prohibited acts like enmity, disputes, fighting, or abusive language—even if there is no wagering involved, they are still forbidden.
However, even if these games are kept away from all these harmful consequences, according to the correct opinion, they remain impermissible. It is authentically reported that ʿAli رضي الله عنه once passed by a group of people playing chess and said:
"What are these idols around which you are gathered?"
By saying this, he likened them to those who serve idols.
It is also reported that ʿAbdullah bin ʿUmar رضي الله عنه and other companions forbade playing it. Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Malik, Imam Ahmad, and their respective followers also considered it prohibited, because such games can later lead to those played for wagers and stakes, even if they are currently played without any wager.
Additionally, these games usually distract from obligations, cause fights, abusive speech, foster enmity, and prevent one from prayer and the remembrance of Allah.
If a person holds a position of leadership—such as a da’i (caller to Islam), a Hisbah committee member, a mosque Imam or preacher, or any higher or lower official—it is even more essential for him to avoid such wrongdoing and fulfill his duties diligently, as he is seen as a role model and an example to be followed.
[Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta: 4010]
Ruling on Certain Other Games
Question:
What is the ruling on playing games like dominoes (a type of game played with square wooden or plastic tiles, one side of which is blank and the other side has various black dots), chess, marbles, “Narunj”, “Dhol” (Ludo), bead-stringing, and Joker cards?
Answer:
All the games mentioned are impermissible to play. If played with conditions and an agreed-upon stake, they become major sins and fall under the category of gambling. Imam Abu Umar bin Abd al-Barr stated:
"The scholars are unanimously agreed that playing chess for a wager is gambling, which is not permissible."
Similarly, if playing these games results in the neglect of any obligatory duty, they are also prohibited. Examples include delaying prayer beyond its time, neglecting the rights of parents, spouse, or household members, or if these games lead to prohibited acts like enmity, disputes, fighting, or abusive language—even if there is no wagering involved, they are still forbidden.
However, even if these games are kept away from all these harmful consequences, according to the correct opinion, they remain impermissible. It is authentically reported that ʿAli رضي الله عنه once passed by a group of people playing chess and said:
"What are these idols around which you are gathered?"
By saying this, he likened them to those who serve idols.
It is also reported that ʿAbdullah bin ʿUmar رضي الله عنه and other companions forbade playing it. Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Malik, Imam Ahmad, and their respective followers also considered it prohibited, because such games can later lead to those played for wagers and stakes, even if they are currently played without any wager.
Additionally, these games usually distract from obligations, cause fights, abusive speech, foster enmity, and prevent one from prayer and the remembrance of Allah.
If a person holds a position of leadership—such as a da’i (caller to Islam), a Hisbah committee member, a mosque Imam or preacher, or any higher or lower official—it is even more essential for him to avoid such wrongdoing and fulfill his duties diligently, as he is seen as a role model and an example to be followed.
[Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta: 4010]
