Chess And Islam | Darul Uloom Bury | Article | www.inter-islam.org/Prohibitions/Chess - DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate

**Mqcawkzd** · 09-08-2011, 06:23 AM

Bismillahirahmaniraheem
Assalamu alaykum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh
Wednesday 7 September 2011 | 9 Shawwaal 1432 AH

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'Whosoever plays chess, it is as though he soiled his hands in the blood of swine.' (Nasbur-Raayah Vol.4 Pg.274).

The prohibition is general. However, chess and games of its like are generally addictive and in addition to it are a complete waste of valuable time.

And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Chess and Islam

Source - Inter-Islam Website

'Whomsoever guides towards a goodness, will get virtues equal to the one who performs that goodness.' [Muslim]

http://www.inter-islam.org/Prohibitions/Chess.html

Some people claim that the game of chess increases ones wit and intelligence, and it assists one in learning the ways of battles. This claim is unreasonable. Chess has nothing to do with wit or intelligence; on the contrary intelligence suffers a derangement by this game. The player of chess becomes so absorbed in this game that he has no care or concern for anything else. Yes there is no surprise in the fact that by constant playing, ones ability to manoeuvre the various ways and moves of the game improves. But then what is the benefit of this gain? Similarly this game has no relationship with the strategies of battle or war. The act of the game is limited to its technical or ordinary manoeuvres e.g. the knight moves so and the elephant moves so. In true and real battles these are not the moves to be found. The manoeuvres of war are totally distinct and separate. In short both these claims are absurd.

Many of the great Muslim scholars have clearly stated the prohibition and non-permissibility of chess. Imam Malik RA said that it is worse than the game of nard (backgammon, which is also haram) and more destructive than gambling.

Hadhrat Ali also said:
“Chess is gambling of the Ajam people (non Arabs)”

The prophet said:
He who plays Backgammon has disobeyed Allah Ta’ala and His (Rasool) .”

The playing of chess is Haraam. If the playing of chess is accompanied by gambling than its prohibition is unanimous. If it is played without gambling then there is a difference of opinion in its prohibition. Where Allah Ta’aala declared alcohol and gambling as forbidden, he explained the reason for this prohibition. Allah says in the Holy Quran that Shaytan desires to create an ill feeling amongst you. He desires to create hatred among you, and to direct your attention from Salaat and Allah Taa’las remembrance. So wherever this is present, the prohibition will come into force, and that practice will become Haraam. All are aware of the degree of absorption in these games.

Absorption in this game (chess) is so much, that we seek the protection of Allah Ta’ala. The truth of the matter is that when someone becomes rooted in some practice and this practice penetrates his very blood and veins, then until death it remains overpowering, and in this very practice a man finally dies.

Source - Inter-Islam Website

Click The Following Link:

Beautiful Sunnats Of The Beloved Nabi | Online Book | 37 Pages | Free Download |FREE!
http://www.sunniforum.com/forum/show...EE!&highlight=

Very Easy!How To Perform Umrah | Hajj AND Ziyaarah BOOKS | Downloadable | Purchasable
http://www.sunniforum.com/forum/show...ble&highlight=

**mxzjxluwst** · 09-08-2011, 06:52 AM

I've heard of chess being Haraam. While I am in no position to talk about the great scholars who prohibited it, I would like to better understand why it is forbidden. I am short of time a little so I may have missed something crucial, if I have I ask Allah's forgiveness and guidance. From what I read the prohibition is due to the level of absorption and concentration one puts into the game such that they can even forget about Salaah. But isn't that subjective. When I used to play chess, I was always aware of what was going on around me. It was just a game which we used to try to improve our mind. Yes it requires concentration but we never got so absorbed to forget what was going on around us. I have had games where we postponed the game for the next day in order to eat, go out, entertain guests or whatever else. Instead we would alot a certain amount of time in which once that is exceeded we would finish and put it away and continue the game another day.

If we are going off the basis of being so absorbed in the game, then that can apply to any little thing we do that causes us to forget Allah. Some people love sports, exercising etc etc for hours on end in which they forget they Salaah, yet they are Halaal. They only become Haraam when they are a means to make you miss Salaah for example, in which case they are normally Halaal but excessive indulgence makes it Haraam. In which case chess should also come into this category?

If we say it causes a general forgetfulness of Allah, that is why we are classing it Haraam, then again so does playing sports, exercising and all of the other mundane things we do where we do not remember Allah. Indeed, Ihsaan is when we are always aware of Allah, such that even in mundane acts we remember Allah, but that is not easily achieved, and all Muslims should make that their goal, but the vast majority of us when doing our mundane activities do not remember Allah, but that doesnt make the mundane activites Haraam.

Playing chess is a means of mental stimulation, I agree to say chess is like practicing war or battle tactics is far-fetched. But it is mentally stimulating. It takes logic for the brain to figure out the strategies of the opponent, and to come up with counter-strategies etc. It teaches the brain to use logic in order to protect oneself and win. In that case I guess one could say it is like a battle but meh, the point is it is a game of logic. It teaches one to plan ahead, to realise that there are setbacks, and sometimes we need to reassess our situation and re-plan our outlook. Never to lose hope as a pawn can always become a queen and we can be successful even if we are so low. Now if I wasn't relating that to chess those are actually Islamic principles no? With the right intention, and all actions are based on intentions, the principles of chess can be applied to one's deen.

But anyway those are my questions. Before I go I would like to emphasise the fact that I am NOT in anyway going against what the great scholars have said, neither am I saying I disagree with their comments. Rather I am asking questions in order to further understand the ruling on chess and why it is Haraam. If it helps, I havent played chess in months, maybe even a year and I will continue to not play it so long as I have doubts to its validity.

**MinisuipGaicai** · 09-08-2011, 06:58 AM

Read "Chess in the light of Jurists" by Sh. Hamza Yusuf

**JonnTEN** · 09-08-2011, 07:19 AM

Some claim that according to the Mazhab (school of thoughts) of Imam Shafi’ee R A the playing of chess is permissible but it must be stated that this was the first view of the great imam but even then he fixed certain conditions for its permissibility, e.g. involvement in the game must not be to the extent that the performance of Salaat is delayed from its fixed time; the game must not be played abundantly; absorption in it must not be so much that the answer to someone’s salaam is not given, etc. These conditions are not to be found these days when this game is being played. It is also a fact that Imam Shafiee later withdrew of chess being permissible.

I need a reference of Imam Shaffi's withdrawal

Tafadhal

**Mqcawkzd** · 09-08-2011, 07:24 AM

I need a reference of Imam Shaffi's withdrawal

Tafadhal

The actual reason for the prohibition of chess is not because it has no benefit. The prohibition, in fact, stems from the Ahaadith. Nabi [Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam] said, ?Whoever plays blackgammon or chess is as though has immersed his hands into the blood of pig.? (Nasbur raayah vol.4)

There are many actions, which, in spite of having benefit are prohibited because the harms outweigh its benefits. Allah mentions about wine, ?the wrong in them is greater than the benefit.? (Baqarah217). Similar is the case of chess, even it has certain benefits, but the harm is greater than the benefit which causes a person to spend hours and even days at a time on it, thus, distracting a person from his purpose of creation which is to worship his creator.

According to the Shaafi?ee Madhab, it is permissible on condition that it does not prevent from performing your Fardh (compulsory) duties because it sharpens the mind. However, if you are a Hanafi, you are bound to follow the Hanafi ruling.

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai
http://www.islam.tc/cgi-bin/askimam/...12329&act=view

**JonnTEN** · 09-08-2011, 07:42 AM

The actual reason for the prohibition of chess is not because it has no benefit. The prohibition, in fact, stems from the Ahaadith. Nabi [Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam] said, ?Whoever plays blackgammon or chess is as though has immersed his hands into the blood of pig.? (Nasbur raayah vol.4)

There are many actions, which, in spite of having benefit are prohibited because the harms outweigh its benefits. Allah mentions about wine, ?the wrong in them is greater than the benefit.? (Baqarah217). Similar is the case of chess, even it has certain benefits, but the harm is greater than the benefit which causes a person to spend hours and even days at a time on it, thus, distracting a person from his purpose of creation which is to worship his creator.

According to the Shaafi?ee Madhab, it is permissible on condition that it does not prevent from performing your Fardh (compulsory) duties because it sharpens the mind. However, if you are a Hanafi, you are bound to follow the Hanafi ruling.

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai
http://www.islam.tc/cgi-bin/askimam/...12329&act=view

I need the evidence of red quoted part in my earlier post in which you said Imam Shafi'i withdrew of chess being permissible

I need that evidence

**Drugmachine** · 09-08-2011, 05:30 PM

[B]The actual reason for the prohibition of chess is not because it has no benefit. The prohibition, in fact, stems from the Ahaadith. Nabi [Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam] said, ?Whoever plays blackgammon or chess is as though has immersed his hands into the blood of pig.? (Nasbur raayah vol.4)

Please quote this Hadeeth in Arabic with its chain? And also the claim that Imam Shafae (RA) withdrew his opinion?

**kilibry** · 09-08-2011, 06:31 PM

614 Chapter. He who does not salute the Chess Player. Hadith 1268. ADAB AL MUFRAT / MANNERS IN ISLAM by Abu Abdullah Muhammad Bin Ismail Bukhari.

If you got the book. if you haven't, I can scan this page for you.

The only things that might be confuse for me, as the same ADAB AL MUFRAT with different ENglish translation in sunnipath with the same no chapter and hadith no stated backgammon, while on the book I got with me said chess.

I'm not sure if they are same game or two different games

This is the one in sunni path:

http://www.sunnipath.com/library/Hadith/H0003P0052.aspx

I need a clarification between chess and backgammon. Or are they the same thing.

**mxzjxluwst** · 09-08-2011, 08:33 PM

Read "Chess in the light of Jurists" by Sh. Hamza Yusuf

I cannot seem to find this, the full pdf is always linked to zaytuna and either the website is experiencing difficulties or the article is removed. I will try again later inshaa Allah.

~

@ummuself: Chess & Backgammon are two separate games.

**MinisuipGaicai** · 09-09-2011, 02:08 AM

I cannot seem to find this, the full pdf is always linked to zaytuna and either the website is experiencing difficulties or the article is removed. I will try again later inshaa Allah.

~

@ummuself: Chess & Backgammon are two separate games.

If you find the broken link, you can click the google cache

**kilibry** · 09-09-2011, 02:13 AM

I cannot seem to find this, the full pdf is always linked to zaytuna and either the website is experiencing difficulties or the article is removed. I will try again later inshaa Allah.

~

@ummuself: Chess & Backgammon are two separate games.

Unfortunately Adab Al mufrat I got translate the same hadith in sunni path as Chess. In sunni path, the same hadith stated Backgammon. But, full translation seem clear in the book I got. It's from Darul Ishaat.

So, seems a bit confusing if they are two different games.

09-08-2011, 06:23 AM	#1
Mqcawkzd Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 437 Senior Member	Chess And Islam \| Darul Uloom Bury \| Article \| www.inter-islam.org/Prohibitions/Chess Bismillahirahmaniraheem Assalamu alaykum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh Wednesday 7 September 2011 \| 9 Shawwaal 1432 AH Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'Whosoever plays chess, it is as though he soiled his hands in the blood of swine.' (Nasbur-Raayah Vol.4 Pg.274). The prohibition is general. However, chess and games of its like are generally addictive and in addition to it are a complete waste of valuable time. And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best Mufti Ebrahim Desai Chess and Islam Source - Inter-Islam Website 'Whomsoever guides towards a goodness, will get virtues equal to the one who performs that goodness.' [Muslim] http://www.inter-islam.org/Prohibitions/Chess.html Some people claim that the game of chess increases ones wit and intelligence, and it assists one in learning the ways of battles. This claim is unreasonable. Chess has nothing to do with wit or intelligence; on the contrary intelligence suffers a derangement by this game. The player of chess becomes so absorbed in this game that he has no care or concern for anything else. Yes there is no surprise in the fact that by constant playing, ones ability to manoeuvre the various ways and moves of the game improves. But then what is the benefit of this gain? Similarly this game has no relationship with the strategies of battle or war. The act of the game is limited to its technical or ordinary manoeuvres e.g. the knight moves so and the elephant moves so. In true and real battles these are not the moves to be found. The manoeuvres of war are totally distinct and separate. In short both these claims are absurd. Many of the great Muslim scholars have clearly stated the prohibition and non-permissibility of chess. Imam Malik RA said that it is worse than the game of nard (backgammon, which is also haram) and more destructive than gambling. Hadhrat Ali also said: “Chess is gambling of the Ajam people (non Arabs)” The prophet said: He who plays Backgammon has disobeyed Allah Ta’ala and His (Rasool) .” The playing of chess is Haraam. If the playing of chess is accompanied by gambling than its prohibition is unanimous. If it is played without gambling then there is a difference of opinion in its prohibition. Where Allah Ta’aala declared alcohol and gambling as forbidden, he explained the reason for this prohibition. Allah says in the Holy Quran that Shaytan desires to create an ill feeling amongst you. He desires to create hatred among you, and to direct your attention from Salaat and Allah Taa’las remembrance. So wherever this is present, the prohibition will come into force, and that practice will become Haraam. All are aware of the degree of absorption in these games. Absorption in this game (chess) is so much, that we seek the protection of Allah Ta’ala. The truth of the matter is that when someone becomes rooted in some practice and this practice penetrates his very blood and veins, then until death it remains overpowering, and in this very practice a man finally dies. Source - Inter-Islam Website Click The Following Link: Beautiful Sunnats Of The Beloved Nabi \| Online Book \| 37 Pages \| Free Download \|FREE! http://www.sunniforum.com/forum/show...EE!&highlight= Very Easy!How To Perform Umrah \| Hajj AND Ziyaarah BOOKS \| Downloadable \| Purchasable http://www.sunniforum.com/forum/show...ble&highlight= Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

09-08-2011, 06:52 AM	#2
mxzjxluwst Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 345 Senior Member	I've heard of chess being Haraam. While I am in no position to talk about the great scholars who prohibited it, I would like to better understand why it is forbidden. I am short of time a little so I may have missed something crucial, if I have I ask Allah's forgiveness and guidance. From what I read the prohibition is due to the level of absorption and concentration one puts into the game such that they can even forget about Salaah. But isn't that subjective. When I used to play chess, I was always aware of what was going on around me. It was just a game which we used to try to improve our mind. Yes it requires concentration but we never got so absorbed to forget what was going on around us. I have had games where we postponed the game for the next day in order to eat, go out, entertain guests or whatever else. Instead we would alot a certain amount of time in which once that is exceeded we would finish and put it away and continue the game another day. If we are going off the basis of being so absorbed in the game, then that can apply to any little thing we do that causes us to forget Allah. Some people love sports, exercising etc etc for hours on end in which they forget they Salaah, yet they are Halaal. They only become Haraam when they are a means to make you miss Salaah for example, in which case they are normally Halaal but excessive indulgence makes it Haraam. In which case chess should also come into this category? If we say it causes a general forgetfulness of Allah, that is why we are classing it Haraam, then again so does playing sports, exercising and all of the other mundane things we do where we do not remember Allah. Indeed, Ihsaan is when we are always aware of Allah, such that even in mundane acts we remember Allah, but that is not easily achieved, and all Muslims should make that their goal, but the vast majority of us when doing our mundane activities do not remember Allah, but that doesnt make the mundane activites Haraam. Playing chess is a means of mental stimulation, I agree to say chess is like practicing war or battle tactics is far-fetched. But it is mentally stimulating. It takes logic for the brain to figure out the strategies of the opponent, and to come up with counter-strategies etc. It teaches the brain to use logic in order to protect oneself and win. In that case I guess one could say it is like a battle but meh, the point is it is a game of logic. It teaches one to plan ahead, to realise that there are setbacks, and sometimes we need to reassess our situation and re-plan our outlook. Never to lose hope as a pawn can always become a queen and we can be successful even if we are so low. Now if I wasn't relating that to chess those are actually Islamic principles no? With the right intention, and all actions are based on intentions, the principles of chess can be applied to one's deen. But anyway those are my questions. Before I go I would like to emphasise the fact that I am NOT in anyway going against what the great scholars have said, neither am I saying I disagree with their comments. Rather I am asking questions in order to further understand the ruling on chess and why it is Haraam. If it helps, I havent played chess in months, maybe even a year and I will continue to not play it so long as I have doubts to its validity. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

09-08-2011, 06:58 AM	#3
MinisuipGaicai Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 464 Senior Member	Read "Chess in the light of Jurists" by Sh. Hamza Yusuf Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

09-08-2011, 07:19 AM	#4
JonnTEN Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 472 Senior Member	Some claim that according to the Mazhab (school of thoughts) of Imam Shafi’ee R A the playing of chess is permissible but it must be stated that this was the first view of the great imam but even then he fixed certain conditions for its permissibility, e.g. involvement in the game must not be to the extent that the performance of Salaat is delayed from its fixed time; the game must not be played abundantly; absorption in it must not be so much that the answer to someone’s salaam is not given, etc. These conditions are not to be found these days when this game is being played. It is also a fact that Imam Shafiee later withdrew of chess being permissible. I need a reference of Imam Shaffi's withdrawal Tafadhal Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

09-08-2011, 07:24 AM	#5
Mqcawkzd Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 437 Senior Member	I need a reference of Imam Shaffi's withdrawal Tafadhal The actual reason for the prohibition of chess is not because it has no benefit. The prohibition, in fact, stems from the Ahaadith. Nabi [Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam] said, ?Whoever plays blackgammon or chess is as though has immersed his hands into the blood of pig.? (Nasbur raayah vol.4) There are many actions, which, in spite of having benefit are prohibited because the harms outweigh its benefits. Allah mentions about wine, ?the wrong in them is greater than the benefit.? (Baqarah217). Similar is the case of chess, even it has certain benefits, but the harm is greater than the benefit which causes a person to spend hours and even days at a time on it, thus, distracting a person from his purpose of creation which is to worship his creator. According to the Shaafi?ee Madhab, it is permissible on condition that it does not prevent from performing your Fardh (compulsory) duties because it sharpens the mind. However, if you are a Hanafi, you are bound to follow the Hanafi ruling. and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best Mufti Ebrahim Desai http://www.islam.tc/cgi-bin/askimam/...12329&act=view Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

09-08-2011, 07:42 AM	#6
JonnTEN Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 472 Senior Member	The actual reason for the prohibition of chess is not because it has no benefit. The prohibition, in fact, stems from the Ahaadith. Nabi [Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam] said, ?Whoever plays blackgammon or chess is as though has immersed his hands into the blood of pig.? (Nasbur raayah vol.4) There are many actions, which, in spite of having benefit are prohibited because the harms outweigh its benefits. Allah mentions about wine, ?the wrong in them is greater than the benefit.? (Baqarah217). Similar is the case of chess, even it has certain benefits, but the harm is greater than the benefit which causes a person to spend hours and even days at a time on it, thus, distracting a person from his purpose of creation which is to worship his creator. According to the Shaafi?ee Madhab, it is permissible on condition that it does not prevent from performing your Fardh (compulsory) duties because it sharpens the mind. However, if you are a Hanafi, you are bound to follow the Hanafi ruling. and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best Mufti Ebrahim Desai http://www.islam.tc/cgi-bin/askimam/...12329&act=view I need the evidence of red quoted part in my earlier post in which you said Imam Shafi'i withdrew of chess being permissible I need that evidence Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

09-08-2011, 05:30 PM	#7
Drugmachine Join Date Apr 2006 Posts 4,490 Senior Member	[B]The actual reason for the prohibition of chess is not because it has no benefit. The prohibition, in fact, stems from the Ahaadith. Nabi [Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam] said, ?Whoever plays blackgammon or chess is as though has immersed his hands into the blood of pig.? (Nasbur raayah vol.4) Please quote this Hadeeth in Arabic with its chain? And also the claim that Imam Shafae (RA) withdrew his opinion? Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

09-08-2011, 06:31 PM	#8
kilibry Join Date Nov 2005 Posts 485 Senior Member	614 Chapter. He who does not salute the Chess Player. Hadith 1268. ADAB AL MUFRAT / MANNERS IN ISLAM by Abu Abdullah Muhammad Bin Ismail Bukhari. If you got the book. if you haven't, I can scan this page for you. The only things that might be confuse for me, as the same ADAB AL MUFRAT with different ENglish translation in sunnipath with the same no chapter and hadith no stated backgammon, while on the book I got with me said chess. I'm not sure if they are same game or two different games This is the one in sunni path: http://www.sunnipath.com/library/Hadith/H0003P0052.aspx I need a clarification between chess and backgammon. Or are they the same thing. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

09-08-2011, 08:33 PM	#9
mxzjxluwst Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 345 Senior Member	Read "Chess in the light of Jurists" by Sh. Hamza Yusuf I cannot seem to find this, the full pdf is always linked to zaytuna and either the website is experiencing difficulties or the article is removed. I will try again later inshaa Allah. ~ @ummuself: Chess & Backgammon are two separate games. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

09-09-2011, 02:08 AM	#10
MinisuipGaicai Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 464 Senior Member	I cannot seem to find this, the full pdf is always linked to zaytuna and either the website is experiencing difficulties or the article is removed. I will try again later inshaa Allah. ~ @ummuself: Chess & Backgammon are two separate games. If you find the broken link, you can click the google cache Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

09-09-2011, 02:13 AM	#11
kilibry Join Date Nov 2005 Posts 485 Senior Member	I cannot seem to find this, the full pdf is always linked to zaytuna and either the website is experiencing difficulties or the article is removed. I will try again later inshaa Allah. ~ @ummuself: Chess & Backgammon are two separate games. Unfortunately Adab Al mufrat I got translate the same hadith in sunni path as Chess. In sunni path, the same hadith stated Backgammon. But, full translation seem clear in the book I got. It's from Darul Ishaat. So, seems a bit confusing if they are two different games. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

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