Is Chess Haram?

November 12, 2024

You might wonder, “Is chess haram in Islamic law?” While chess can sharpen the mind and encourage critical thinking, it can also lead to obsession, distraction from religious duties, or even become a source of conflict among contestants, all of which are concerns for morally driven individuals. Most importantly, though, it was associated with gambling in previous civilizations. And it is mentioned in traditions attributed to the Ahl al-Bayt (pbut) as being impermissible.

 Is Playing Chess Haram in Islam?

So is playing it haram? According to Ayatollah Sistani, playing chess is forbidden. The prohibition applies whether the game is played with traditional instruments or played digitally. In fact, even if one of the players is a computer, it should be avoided. So this is the answer to the question, “Is chess haram?”

Ayatollah Sistani’s ruling makes clear the importance of adhering to Islamic principles and avoiding activities that could lead to spiritual decline, even if those activities appear beneficial or entertaining on the surface.

 Why is it Haram? 

The question “Why is chess haram?” is another question a believer may have after asking “Is chess haram?” For this second question, we can look to the hadith that have helped Islamic scholars in their rulings. Chess, historically associated with gambling, has been mentioned in several hadiths as an activity to be avoided.

For example, in Al-Kafi, chess is directly equated with gambling (maysir), which is explicitly forbidden in Islam, “Chess is gambling, and backgammon is gambling” (See: Al-Kafi). Similarly, we read, “Backgammon, chess, and checkers are all the same. Whatever is used in gambling is maysir” (Al-Kafi). One might ask, “Is playing chess haram without gambling permissinle?” The answer remains “no,” as it is still considered haram. This provides a more comprehensive answer to “Is playing chess haram?”

The Quranic Perspective: Is Chess Haram In the Quran?

While the Quran does not explicitly mention chess, it provides clear guidance on gambling and activities that distract believers from their religious obligations. One of the most frequently cited verses in this context is, “O you who have faith! Indeed wine, gambling, idols, and the divining arrows are abominations of Satan’s doing, so avoid them, so that you may be felicitous” (Quran 5:90). This verse condemns gambling and advises believers to steer clear of it, attributing this reprehensible act to Satan. And since some hadith describe it as gambling, the logical conclusion is that chess is haram.

Ruling On Playing Chess

By now, the answer to, “Is chess haram?” has become clear. While some hadith might suggest that it is haram due to its association with gambling, other hadith prohibit it outright without providing a specific reason. Given the nature of these hadith, scholars such as Ayatollah Sistani have ruled that it is haram, even when gambling isn’t involved. 

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