Reviewed by: Shakira Ahmed
Fact Checked by: Shahina Islam
Is Ludo Halal or Haram? One such debate surrounds the popular board game, Ludo. Is Ludo a harmless pastime or a potentially haram (forbidden) activity in the eyes of Islam? This question has sparked discussions and controversies among Muslims worldwide, highlighting the need for a nuanced understanding of Islamic principles in the context of contemporary leisure activities.
Nonetheless, this online sensation has ignited a thought-provoking discourse: Is Ludo permissible (halal) or prohibited (haram) in Islam? A multitude of controversies swirl around this game, and the time has come to bring this debate to a definitive resolution.
The Prophet صلی -اللہ -علیہ -وسلم forbade wine (khamr), game of chance (maysir), drum (kubah), and wine made from millet (ghubayrah), saying: Every intoxicant is forbidden. Abu Dawud said: Ibn Sallam Abu Ubaid said: Ghubairah was an intoxicant liquor made from millet. This wine was made by the Abyssinians. (Sunan abu dawood 3685)( sahih).
Is Playing Ludo Halal or Haram In Islam?
In light of the aforementioned hadith, the utilization of dice in games like Ludo, which predominantly rely on chance, may indeed raise concerns about their permissibility in Islam.
Games that divert individuals from their obligations to Almighty Allah can certainly be regarded as sinful and forbidden within the Islamic framework.
Nevertheless, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the hadith’s application might have been specific to its historical context. When interpreting cases of this nature, one must remain cognizant of the contextual nuances.
The criteria for classifying things as haram in Islam are based on their potential to obstruct one’s fulfillment of religious and worldly duties, preoccupy the mind excessively, and drain valuable time and energy without productive outcomes.
Consequently, any game that impairs one’s cognitive faculties and promotes excessive indulgence would warrant scrutiny.
Activities devoid of purpose and a waste of time, especially time that should be dedicated to remembering Allah, seeking forgiveness, and performing good deeds, must, at the very least, be discouraged and considered morally questionable, if not outright forbidden (haram).
It says in al-Mu‘jam al-Waseet (2/912):
Nard (dice) is a game of chance that is played using a box, a playing pieces and two dice, in which the pieces are moved according to the numbers shown on the dice. It is known to the common folk as backgammon. End quote.
It was narrated by Muslim (2260), Abu Dawood (4939), Ibn Maajah (3763) and Ahmad, from Buraydah (may Allah be pleased with him), that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said:
“Whoever plays with dice, it is as if he were dipping his hand in the flesh and blood of a pig.”
An-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
The scholars said: This hadith was quoted as evidence by ash-Shaafa‘i and others for the prohibition on playing with dice. End quote.
It was narrated by Abu Dawood (4938), Ibn Maajah (3762), Ahmad (19027), and al-Bayhaqi (21478) from Abu Moosa al-Ash‘ari that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said:
“Whoever plays with dice has disobeyed Allah and His Messenger.”
From az-Zawaajir, 3/246-248)
From the shar‘i texts quoted above it is clear that dice are haraam. There are many scholarly texts to this effect. The dice games that are known nowadays, such as backgammon, and all similar games in which dice are used, are similarly prohibited and must all be avoided. That includes the game of Ludo.
FAQs: Is Ludo Halal or Haram?
FAQ 1: Is playing Ludo considered gambling, and is gambling prohibited in Islam?
Answer: While Ludo does involve dice and an element of chance, it is generally not considered gambling in the conventional sense. Gambling, as explicitly prohibited in Islam, involves staking money or valuables on uncertain outcomes. Ludo is typically played for entertainment, and there’s no monetary wager involved.
FAQ 2: Does playing Ludo fall under the category of “games of chance” that are discouraged in Islam?
Answer: There’s a debate among scholars regarding games of chance. Some argue that any game involving dice or chance is discouraged, while others permit them as long as they don’t lead to sinful behavior or distract from religious obligations. The permissibility of Ludo may depend on individual interpretations and intentions.
FAQ 3: Can playing Ludo be a form of leisure and relaxation for Muslims?
Answer: Yes, many Muslims consider playing Ludo as a harmless form of recreation and relaxation. It can be enjoyed as a family or social activity without involving any form of gambling or sinful behavior, making it a permissible way to unwind.
FAQ 4: Are there any conditions or guidelines for playing Ludo without it being considered haram?
Answer: To ensure that playing Ludo remains halal, it’s essential to avoid any gambling elements, maintain good intentions, and prioritize religious obligations. Moderation is key; excessive or addictive behavior should be avoided as it can interfere with one’s duties towards Allah.
FAQ 5: Are there any scholarly opinions or fatwas regarding the permissibility of playing Ludo in Islam?
Answer: Different Islamic scholars may have varying opinions on games like Ludo. It’s advisable to seek guidance from a knowledgeable religious authority or scholar to understand their perspective on the matter and to make an informed decision based on your own beliefs and values.
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