Is Chess Haram Or Halal In Islam? (Yes/No)

As a devout Muslim, I have often come across the question of whether chess is halal or haram in Islam.

This debate has been ongoing for centuries and continues to be a topic of discussion among Muslims around the world.

In this blog post, I am going to answer is chess haram or halal in Islam with proof from the Quran and Hadith. So let’s clear the doubt today.

Is Chess Haram?

Yes, chess is haram in Islam. The reason for the prohibition of chess in Islam is due to its association with gambling, betting, and time-wasting.

Not only this, also the element known as a Knight in Chess resembles a horse which is forbidden to be used for entertainment or sports purposes in Islam.

Moreover, chess also falls under the category of “idle talk” which is discouraged in Islam. The game involves moves and strategies that are considered to be a waste of time and can distract one from their religious duties.

Every Muslim including Sunni and Shia sects agrees that playing chess is haram considering Islamic teachings.

Also, Saudi Arabia’s grand mufti, Sheikh Abdul-Aziz Bin Abdullah Al-Sheikh has issued a fatwa (religious ruling) declaring that chess is forbidden in Islam.

They said: “Chess is ascribed to gambling, and it is a waste of time and money.

Also, in today’s time, the well known Islamic knowledge sharer Mufti Menk and DR. Zakir Naik also stated that chess is haram in Islam.

Lastly, note that playing chess is even haram in a private place whether it’s online or offline, and is not allowed even just for fun.

If you play dice game, you must learn is ludo haram.

Why Is Chess Haram With Proof?

There are multiple reasons why chess is considered haram in Islam, and these can be supported by evidence from the Quran and Hadith.

Firstly, gambling and betting are strictly prohibited in Islam. The game of chess involves a form of gambling, where players bet on the outcome of the game or put money on it. This goes against one of the fundamental principles of Islam, as it promotes greed and a desire for material gain.

In the Quran, Allah (SWT) says in Chapter 5, verses 90-91: “O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alter [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful.

Satan only wants to cause you animosity and hatred through intoxicants and gambling and to avert you from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer. So will you not desist?”

Secondly, as mentioned earlier, the element of a Knight in chess resembles a horse, which is forbidden to be used for entertainment or sports in Islam. This can be found in Sahih Bukhari, Book 34, Haadith 356.

Furthermore, playing chess can lead to time-wasting and neglect of one’s religious obligations. In a Hadith narrated by Imam Ahmad, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “There are two blessings which many people lose: health and free time for doing good.” This highlights the importance of utilizing one’s time in beneficial activities.

A Fatwa from the Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta states that playing chess is haram due to it being a form of ‘idle talk’, which is discouraged in Islam.

This is backed by a Hadith where the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent.” [Bukhari].

This implies that one should refrain from engaging in activities that do not bring any benefit.

Also, there is a hadith that stated that once Hazarat Ali saw someone playing chess, he said: “What are you doing? Are you worshipping idols?” and “Chess is gambling of the Ajam people (non-Arabs)”. [Bukhari].

Overall, the prohibition of chess in Islam is based on multiple reasons and can be supported by evidence from the Quran and Hadith. Muslims are advised to avoid playing chess and instead engage in activities that will bring the pleasure of Allah (SWT).

Also learn is bingo haram.

Tips To Avoid Chess And Seek Allah’s Pleasure

If you’re addicted to chess and struggling to avoid it, here are some tips that can help you seek Allah’s pleasure and stay away from the game:

1. Remind yourself of the prohibition of chess in Islam and its negative effects on one’s spiritual well-being.
2. Use your free time to engage in beneficial activities such as reading the Quran, learning Islamic knowledge, or doing volunteer work.
3. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who also avoid playing chess for the sake of Allah (SWT).
4. Seek guidance from a knowledgeable scholar or seek support from online Islamic forums.
5. Make dua (supplication) to Allah (SWT) for strength and guidance in avoiding activities that are displeasing to Him.
6. Find alternative hobbies or sports that do not involve any elements of gambling or time-wasting.
7. Keep yourself busy with productive work and avoid idle talk.
8. Remember the reward promised by Allah (SWT) for those who refrain from engaging in prohibited activities.

By following these tips, we can strive towards seeking Allah’s pleasure while also avoiding activities that go against the teachings of Islam.

You can also learn is football Haram.

FAQs

Q. Is playing chess haram?

A. Yes, playing chess is considered haram in Islam due to its association with gambling, betting, and time-wasting.

Q. Is chess haram without gambling?

A. Yes, even if chess is played without gambling or betting, it is still considered haram due to its resemblance to gambling and potential for time-wasting and idleness.

Q. Is chess haram In Sunni?

A. Yes, playing chess is considered haram in both Sunni and Shia sects of Islam. Both agree that it goes against Islamic teachings and should be avoided.

Q. Is chess haram in Islam Hanafi?

A. Yes, the Hanafi school of thought also considers chess to be haram in Islam. This is based on the evidence from Quran and Hadith mentioned earlier in this blog post.

Q. Is online chess haram?

A. Yes, playing chess online is also considered haram in Islam as it involves the same elements of gambling and betting as traditional offline chess.

Conclusion

In conclusion, playing chess is considered haram in Islam due to its association with gambling, betting, and time-wasting. This ruling has been supported by evidence from the Quran and Hadith.

Muslims are advised to avoid playing chess and instead engage in activities that bring the pleasure of Allah (SWT).

By following the tips mentioned above, we can strive towards seeking His pleasure and avoiding activities that go against the teachings of Islam.

I hope till now your query is chess haram or halal in Islam has been resolved and you have gained a better understanding of this topic. May Allah (SWT) guide us towards righteousness and keep us away from all that is forbidden in His religion.