Is it permissible to play board games?
Question
Is it permissible to play board games?
Answer
It will be permissible with the provision that the following conditions are fulfilled:
The activity should not contain any Haraam elements. (e.g. Gambling)
The entertainment/activity should not distract one from the Sunan Mu’akkadah Ibadah and obligatory duties. (e.g. Salah, obedience to parents, attending to ones chores).
The activity (games or entertainment) should not cause one to become unmindful and inconsiderate to others. (e.g. using abusive language, belittling others etc).
It should not have a negative impact on one’s daily responsibilities.
The entertainment/game should not be of such a nature that one becomes obsessed with it nor should there be over indulgence.
There should be no extravagance or imitation of the salient features of the Kuffaar.
(Adapted from: Ahkaamut Tarfeeh wal Al’aab)
And Allah knows best
- Answered by
- Suhail Tarmahomed (Mufti)
- Checked & approved by
- Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Where scholars differ, it’s safer to take the more cautious view.
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Source: Jamiatul Ulama KZN — https://jamiat.org.za/is-it-permissible-to-play-board-games/
Fatawa SA: https://fatawa.co.za/fatwa/jamiat-330
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