Why is chess haram? Chess is an intellectual game which has been around for thousands of years. It was born out of war and evolved with the changing nature of warfare. In chess, one can learn about strategy and tactics through many different levels – from beginner to master-level play.
But, why is chess haram? The answer is in this article.
why is chess haram? :The evidence of the Qur’aan is the words (interpretation of the meaning):
“O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), and gambling, and Al-Ansaab [stone altars set up for sacrifices to idols etc], and Al-Azlaam (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of Shaytaan’s (Satan’s) handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) in order that you may be successful.
Shaytaan (Satan) wants only to excite enmity and hatred between you with intoxicants (alcoholic drinks) and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allaah and from As-Salaah (the prayer). So, will you not then abstain?”
[al-Maa’idah 5:90-91]
why is chess haram? ‘This aayah indicates that playing dice or chess, whether it involves gambling or not, is haraam, because when Allaah forbade alcohol He explained the reason for that being ‘Shaytaan (Satan) wants only to excite enmity and hatred between you with intoxicants (alcoholic drinks) and gambling,’ and to hinder you from remembering Allaah and from As-Salaah (prayer).'” All forms of gaming in which a little amount grows to large amounts and causes animosity amongst those who participate and keeps them from remembering Allah and praying are analogous to consuming alcohol, which suggests that they are both prohibited by Islam. (al-Jaami’ li Ahkaam al-Qur’aan, 6/291).
With regard to the views of the Sahaabah:
why is chess haram? Allah be pleased with him was said to have passed by some folks who were engaged in chess. When I asked him what you were obsessed with, he said, “These images.” There is [cf. al-Anbiya’ 21:52] ” ‘Ali (may Allaah be pleased with him) offered the best chess statement, according to Imaam Ahmad.
Said was questioned about chess and responded, “It is worse than dice,” and he may Allaah be pleased with him.
In modern backgammon, the term “dice” refers to the pieces of the game, which are placed on a particular table. Ahadeeth said that it is forbidden.
According to Abu Dawood, the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever plays dice has disobeyed Allaah and His Messenger.” In the Saheeh Abi Dawood, 4129, al-Albaani describes this as saheeh (authentic).
“Whoever plays dice is like one who has dipped his hand in the flesh and blood of a pig,” the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) reportedly remarked (2260). Playing dice is haraam, according to Al-Nawawi (may Allaah have compassion on him), and the majority of scholars agree with him. Using the analogy “dipped his hand in the flesh and blood of a pig” shows that this is prohibited because of the prohibition on eating it.
What some of the scholars have said about the prohibition of chess:
“Chess is like dice,” remarked the Prophet (peace be upon him) Ibn Qudaamah. When it comes to the terrible repercussions of chess, the evil effects of dice are worse than those of chess, according to Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have pity on him, 14/155).
Chess should be outlawed for the same reasons that dice should be prohibited. To put it another way, this is what Maalik and his comrades believe, as do Abu Hanifah and Abu Ahmad, as well as a majority of the Taabi’een. It’s unknown whether any of the Sahaabah approved of it or took a role in its creation. That didn’t happen to them.
If any of them is assigned to have any role in any of these stories, they are all lies against the Sahaabah and are rejected by anybody who understands how the Sahaabah truly were and has the expertise to study the tales seriously. This generation, the best of mankind since Allah’s Messenger, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him),
could allow themselves to engage in a form of entertainment that prevents people from remembering or praying to Allah and is actually worse than drinking alcohol when the player becomes fully immersed in it? Even if chess is much more dangerous, how could the Lawgiver allow dice? All of the above are from al-Furoosiyah.
Why Do Some Islamic Scholars Consider Chess To Be Haram?
why is chess haram? Playing chess is considered haram by certain Islamic scholars for a variety of reasons.
One of these reasons would be because they believe it is distracting.
These experts argue that if a player becomes completely absorbed in the game, it is worse than binge drinking because it hinders Muslims from remembering their daily prayers, their societal duties, such as their jobs, and their relationships to their family.
In Al Furoosiyah, Ibn al-Qayyim (May Allah have pity on him) said that chess has more ill effects than dice, and those who oppose chess mention this.
Shirk, according to some scholars, is the practise of ascribing partners to Allah, and so playing chess is prohibited at all times.
As a result of this notion, they argue that the game has the capacity to make the player completely unaware of their obligations and to wreak havoc on the Muslim family’s life (source).
Another reason some scholars believe it is haram is because of its resemblance to idol worship.
Scholars have likened playing chess to concentrating on pawns, queens, knights, and other chess pieces.
Is Chess Haram If You Don’t Gamble?
Playing chess may be hated by certain academics (makruh), but it is not considered haram as long as there is no financial benefit or loss involved. (source)
why is chess haram? In the view of certain scholars (who perceive chess to be a type of gambling), even when there are no stakes involved, it is haram to play chess since Muslims should not play with items used in gambling of any kind.
Why Do Some Islamic Scholars Consider Playing Chess To Be Halal?
Chess may be allowed for Muslims under specific circumstances, according to certain authorities.
Among them are the following: refraining from using vulgar (unacceptable language) while playing; making sure that the game does not interfere with their daily prayers; not playing for financial (or similar) gain or loss; not becoming addicted to the game; and utilizing the game as a tool for intellectual stimulation rather than merely as a way to waste their time.
Join our Quran Courses to learn Quran Arabic and Tajweed online
