Is Gaming Haram In Islam? Everything You Should Know [2023]

Reviewed by: Shakira Ahmed
Fact Checked by: Shahina Islam

Is Gaming Haram: Sheikh Dr. Haitham al-Haddad, one of the most prominent preachers of Islam, guided his audience on the query, Is gaming haram in Islam? His clarification pointed at the fact that Gaming is halal unless it interferes with your obligations of prayers (namaz), believes in the almighty Allah, or hampers your vision of thought in any kind of disrupting means.

Is Gaming Haram In Islam?

However, some of the popular games are seen as haram (forbidden) in Islam as they involve gambling or games of chance. Any games that involve betting with money or other valuable items will be deemed haram.

Additionally, games with an element of luck, such as cards and dice games, are also forbidden in Islam. This is because these games involve betting, and games of chance are seen as forms of gambling which are haram.

Some games that involve strategy and skill can also be considered halal. These games would include chess or go, where the outcome is determined by player decisions rather than luck. In Islam, these games are halal because they are seen as a form of mental skill development, which is perfectly allowed.

All the games that involve physical activity and games that have an educational or constructive purpose are permissible in Islam are games. For example, games such as football, basketball, and even video games can be considered halal (permissible) if there is no gambling or luck involved.

Ultimately, it is up to the individual to determine what games are acceptable and which ones should be avoided. Therefore Muslims need to understand the difference between games of chance and games of skill and abide by Islamic principles when choosing games. As long as games do not interfere with religious obligations, Islam does not prohibit them.

What Makes Gaming Haram?

As explained in “Is Gaming Haram“, any games that involve betting with money or other valuable items, element of chances or luck, and are addictive enough to make you forget the track of time will be deemed forbidden. Additionally, other key features that make a game haram, are-

1. Games with the depiction of wars, violence, crime, and games with inappropriate language or images games are the major component of prohibition in Islam. You should always refrain from getting addicted to them.

2. Games that are based on superstition Games that involve games of chance, such as poker or blackjack are strictly haram. No exchange of money or jewelry or property should be involved in gaming.

3. Games that support or validate the witchcraft magic/ black magic or the glorification of any such entity that was never created by Allah (the forgiver) are also not permissible.

4. Games that spread anti-Muslim thoughts or convince their audience to depict Islamic people as bad guys are forbidden.

5. Additionally, games that involve interaction with members of the opposite gender in an intimate fashion can also be considered haram. Therefore, games should not be used for any immoral activities.

Games should be used for constructive and recreational purposes, not as a medium to indulge in sinful activities or earn money through betting and gambling. Muslims need to be mindful of Islamic principles and stay away from games that are prohibited in Islam.

This will keep them away from any sins and maintain their faith in Allah and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Read Also:-

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Is Earning Money From Gaming Youtube Is Haram?

Is Gaming Haram: As long as the games being played and streamed are halal and do not entail gambling or betting, making money from a gaming-related YouTube channel is not seen as haram in Islam. 

It is crucial to check that the videos’ content does not advocate for or contain haram components, such as indecent music or nudity. Islamic scholars have said that making money on YouTube is acceptable, and some have even recommended donating some of the profits to charity.

However, it’s important to strike a healthy balance and avoid letting YouTube or gaming commitments, like prayer, conflict.

Which Games Are Permissible For Money Exchange In Islam?

The basic principle of halal games does not involve any money exchange but a lot of confusion is created due to a common phrase that once was preached by prophet Mohammad (may peace be upon him), where he said:

“There should be no (money) prizes for competitions except in archery, camel-racing, and horse-racing.”

Narrated by at-Tirmidhi, 1700; Abu Dawood, 2574. Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani.

Many believers started imposing claims to their way of money involvement in games by taking reference to these quotations. This misconception can be cleared if you know the detail behind what kinds of transactions are still allowed and what isn’t.

1. Any sort of money distribution over the competition is not permissible except for these games i.e. archery, camel-racing, and horse-racing as they are contributed to jihad for Allah in Islam.

2. The prize money should not come from both parties of any sort as it will be gambling, not a prize.

3. If a competition involves a prize from a third party it is permissible as it is not a gamble between two.

As An-Nawawi said:

“….rather it is gambling if it is stipulated that money be paid by one of the two parties. But if one of them is offering to give money (to his opponent) if he is defeated, and will keep it if he defeats him, then it is not gambling, but it is an agreement to a contest that does not involve fighting skills, so it is not valid”

End quote from Rawdat at-Taalibeen, 11/225

So, these were the details about “Is Gaming Haram”.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Words

So, is gaming haram in Islam? The answer is not straightforward as different people may have different opinions on the matter. However, if you’re still unsure after reading this post and would like a clearer answer, feel free to ask an Islamic scholar or another expert on the topic.

Gaming can be a fun activity, but it’s important to make sure that it doesn’t interfere with your religious obligations. If you can balance your gaming time and responsibilities accordingly, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy this popular pastime.

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