Is Chess Haram In Islam? (With Hadith)

The question is playing chess haram or halal in Islam has been the subject of much debate over the centuries.

Chess is a game of strategy and skill played on a board. It originated in India but spread rapidly throughout the Islamic world during the Middle Ages.

Some people believe that chess is haram in Islam because the game has certain elements of gambling.

This article will explore the topic Is chess haram in Islam and guide whether Muslims should play chess or not.

Is Chess Haram

In most cases, chess is haram in Islam. This is because it was traditionally associated with gambling, betting, and time wasting, and because of the element present called knight (face of a horse).

Even if you avoid all these things and play chess for fun, it still encourages you and others to compete and be competitive, leading you to haram things like bad words, a stingy attitude, and missing Prayers.

Hadith: The Hazrat Ali (RA) once saw people playing chess and said, “What are you doing? Are you worshipping idols?”

So with this, it is clear that Hazrat Ali was against playing chess.

Lastly, two of the most popular Islamic Scholars, Dr. Zakir Naik and Mufti Menk, declared that chess is haram in Islamic law and should be avoided.

With all this information, we can say it is haram to play chess.

However, if you’re a die-hard fan who doesn’t want to break any Islamic commandment and still wants to enjoy chess, you can follow the guidelines below.

You can also read, is earning money from games halal.

How To Play Chess And Stay Within Islamic Guidelines

Some scholars believe it is possible to play chess if we follow certain Islamic guidelines.

So if you want to play chess no matter what, it is better to play at least with the following guidelines:

1. Do not play chess for money or gambling. Gambling is strictly haram in Islam.

2. Make sure your time playing chess is not taken away from your prayers or other important tasks.

3. Avoid playing in public places, such as coffee shops, as it encourages others.

4. Play it only for fun and not for competition.

5. Do not become too obsessed with the game.

6. Remove the knight (face of a horse), as it is considered a part of idol worship. You can place something else in its place or wear it with a helmet covering the face.

So these are some Islamic guidelines that one should follow while playing chess. Otherwise, it is advisable to avoid playing it at all.

Why Is It Haram To Play Chess In Islam?

There are several reasons why it is haram to play chess in Islam.

First, it was traditionally associated with gambling and betting, which is strictly prohibited in Islamic Law.

Second, the game encourages competition and a desire to win, which can lead to pride and arrogance. It also encourages people to waste time in idle pursuits instead of focusing on more important tasks.

Third, it has elements associated with idol worship, such as the knight (face of a horse), which represents the face of a god or goddess.

Fourth, it doesn’t help you connect better with Allah and can lead to neglecting prayers.

The fifth and last one is that Hazrat Ali (RA) also dislikes people playing chess. So the one who is known as a knowledgeable true follower of Isam says it is haram to play chess, then we should also listen to him and stay away from it.

If you like watching chess or any other things, you can also read is it haram to use phone while eating.

FAQs

Q. Is it haram to play chess in Islam?

Answer: Yes, it is haram to play chess in Islam because it breaks many Islamic laws and principles.

Q. Is it haram to play chess for fun?

Answer: Yes, it can still be haram to play chess for fun because of the element present called knight (face of a horse) and chances of wasting time, involving in gambling and missing prayers.

Q. Is it haram to play chess online?

Answer: Yes, playing chess online is also haram because it involves gambling and time-wasting. There are chances of being involved in something haram. So it is best to avoid playing online chess.

Q. Is playing chess allowed in Islam?

Answer: No, in Islam, playing chess is not allowed as it involves gambling, competition, taking time away from important tasks, and idol worship.

Q. Is chess haram without gambling?

Answer: Yes, playing chess without gambling can still be haram because of the element present called knight (face of a horse) and chances of wasting time, involving in gambling, and missing prayers. So it is best to avoid playing chess together.

Q. Is chess haram in Shia Islam?

Answer: Chess is haram in Sunni and Shia Islam, as it breaks many Islamic laws and principles. Also, some Shia countries like Iraq have banned playing chess. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, chess is haram in Islam because it involves gambling, competition, taking time away from important tasks, and idol worship.

So it is better to avoid playing chess and instead focus on activities that help you strengthen your relationship with Allah.

Even if you follow all Islamic guidelines while playing chess, there is still a chance to get involved in something haram. Therefore it is best to avoid playing chess altogether. 

So I hope your query is chess haram in Islam has been answered clearly. May Allah guide us all to what is right and good in His eyes. Ameen.