[katetomson]

Question

Monopoly is a game played for amusement in the United States. This game simulates dealing in real estate, United States style. It is not played for money, so there is no gambling. Simulated mortgages (riba) are part of the play, but there is no real money involved. Is playing Monopoly permissible? Please explain your answer.

Answer

Hazrat Mufti Mahmood Saheb, the former Grand Mufti of India, mentioned the following principle by which games could be judged:

That game would be permissible which is not an exclusive symbol (Shi-'aar) of the Kuffaar or Fussaq, there is no condition of money being wagered on winning or losing and furthermore, by playing the game Deeni obligations are not left out, and there is nothing contrary to Shari'ah in it.

Those games and sports whereby a person's health is maintained and increased and the intention thereby is to become able-bodied against the enemies of Islâm and to acquire skills for Jihaad then by this intention, such sports and games will, in fact, be encouraged like in the case of horse riding and swimming. Mahmoodiyah (Vol. 15 Pg. 364-365)

From this it could be understood that playing games like monopoly would be permissible, however spending ones valuable time on more fruitful pursuits would be preferred.

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
Ml. Husain Kadodia
STUDENT: Darul Ifta
CHECKED & APPROVED:
Mufti Ebrahim Desai