Darul Iftaa Mahmudiyyah

Is playing chess/checkers haram? If yes, why?

· 11 Jumada II 1425 AH1 min readFatwa 96English

Question

I have heard that it is haram because of lut (addiction). If that is so, then wouldn't other addictive things be haram also (i.e. internet, video games, stocks, etc.). And what if one doesn't find it addictive? Is it still haram then?

Answer

A: Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'Whosoever plays chess, it is as though he soiled his hands in the blood of swine.' (Nasbur-Raayah Vol.4 Pg.274).

The prohibition is general. However, chess and games of its like are generally addictive and in addition to it are a complete waste of valuable time.

And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai

Answered by
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
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Source: Darul Iftaa Mahmudiyyah — https://askimam.org/public/question_detail/96
Fatawa SA: https://fatawa.co.za/fatwa/askimam-96

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