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?
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, Amina Inloes is originally from the US and has a PhD in Islamic Studies from the University of Exeter on Shi'a hadith. She is the program leader for the MA Islamic Studies program at the... Answered 5 years ago
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.