Is it permissible to play board games such as Scrabble with ones wife? What about games that are played with a dice, such as Monopoly?

Assalaamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullaahi Wa Barakaatuhu

Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'Anything that distracts from Divine rememberance is void besides four things: Amusing oneself with one's spouse, training one's horse, moving between targets (archery or similar sports) and learning the art of swimming.' (Diraayah vol.2 pg.475; Deoband)

He (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) is also reported to have said, 'Anything that distracts from the Dhikr (rememberance) of Allah is Maysir (gambling, i.e. prohibited as is gambling). (Hidaaya vol.2 pg.475; Deoband)

On the basis of these Ahaadith and numerous others like them, the Fuqahaa (jurists) have derived a few principles:
1. Every game associated with gambling is prohibited.
2. Any pastime that is the object of such engrossment that induces negligence or laxity towards Deeni obligations is prohibited. 3. All amusements and pastimes having no worldly or spiritual benefits are prohibited.

Thus, anything not falling within the ambit of these e principles cannot be classified as impermissible.

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.