1. Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims
  2. Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims

Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims

10 Questions

Is chess forbidden in Islam and if so why?
Zoheir Ali Esmail

Bismillah

Thank you for your question. Jurists have come to different conclusions on the permissibility of playing chess based on traditions that indicate its impermissibility. For those that allow chess, the main thrust of the arguments I have seen is that while at the time these scriptural sources were proclaimed and recorded, chess was a tool for gambling and that is no longer the case. So chess was not forbidden as a game in itself, but that it was associated with gambling. 

May you always be successful 
Is playing chess Haram even if there is no gambling involved?
Zaid Alsalami

Bismihi ta'ala

In regards to chess specifically, and playing it of course with no gambling, this is a fiqhi matter, where our esteemed Maraji' have different verdicts. 

For example, A.U. Seyid Sistani (may Allah prolong his life) says that it is absolutely haram. 
As for A.U. Seyid Khamenei (may Allah prolong his life), he says if it is commonly seen in the custom of people ('urf) as a gambling instrument, then it is haram, and if not, then it is halal. 

You must refer to your Marja' taqleed for this fatwa. 

And Allah knows best. 
I understand that playing any game that involves placing a bet is Haram in Islam. But why is chess considered Haram even when played without a bet? Is there a difference of opinion on this matter among the scholars?
Amina Inloes

It is because there are hadith specifically prohibiting chess.

Ayatollah Khamene'i allows chess if it is not being used for gambling, but in general the traditional view is that it is not allowed.

God knows best.
Is playing chess permissible according to Shia Islam?
Abbas Di Palma

as salam alaikum

there are many ahadith forbidding playing chess for the believers and that is why most of the scholars have forbidden it. Other scholars have deduced that the prohibition is related to gambling and not to all cases of playing chess. There are relatively lengthy discussions on the topic and opinions are different in this regard.

In such cases, precaution is the safest option and more in harmony with the apparent meaning of many ahadith. And Allah knows the best.

With prayers for your success.