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Scholars differ General principles

Is chess permitted?

Short answer

Scholars differ. Many forbid it when it is played for money (as gambling, 5:90) or if it makes a person neglect prayer. The Shafi'i school permitted it as disliked, and the other schools often forbade it. Games that cause no sin or neglect are allowed in general, so avoid betting and keep prayer on time.

Evidence

Quran

يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِنَّمَا ٱلْخَمْرُ وَٱلْمَيْسِرُ وَٱلْأَنصَابُ وَٱلْأَزْلَٰمُ رِجْسٌۭ مِّنْ عَمَلِ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنِ فَٱجْتَنِبُوهُ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ ﴿٩٠﴾

O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful.

This is general information, not a fatwa. For your own situation, ask a qualified scholar.

Questions about halal and haram

Is chess permitted?

Scholars differ. Many forbid it when it is played for money (as gambling, 5:90) or if it makes a person neglect prayer. The Shafi'i school permitted it as disliked, and the other schools often forbade it. Games that cause no sin or neglect are allowed in general, so avoid betting and keep prayer on time.

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