Are Video Games and Chess Halal?

Q: Are Video Games and Chess Halal?

Playing games is generally permitted if it involves no gambling, no haram content (such as explicit scenes or glorifying evil), and does not make you miss prayers or duties. Chess without money is permitted by many scholars, although some classical scholars disliked it. Card games like Uno are fine without betting.

Also asked as: “Can Muslims play video games?” · “Is chess haram?” · “Is Uno haram without gambling?”

Conditions scholars mention

No betting or paid loot boxes that work like gambling
No indecent or blasphemous content
Not neglecting prayer, family, study or work

Chess

Some classical scholars disliked chess or prohibited it; many contemporary scholars permit it when played without money and in moderation, since it trains the mind.

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Conditions scholars mention

Chess

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