Even if someone plays just for fun without betting money, it’s discouraged because it could lead to gambling addiction, against Islamic teachings.
Using cards is seen as wasting time and diverting attention from more beneficial activities. Muslims are encouraged to engage in pastimes that improve their spiritual, mental, and physical well-being.
Exploring the Reasons Behind the Prohibition of Card Games
The Islamic faith has strict guidelines regarding various aspects of life, and the prohibition of card games is one such area that has been a subject of debate.
Let’s find out the reasons behind this prohibition:
1. Gambling Association:
Card games are often linked to gambling activities, which are strictly forbidden in Islam as they promote greed, addiction, and the misuse of wealth.
2. Waste of Time and Resources:
Engaging in card games is considered a waste of time and resources, as it diverts one’s attention from more productive and beneficial activities that contribute to personal and spiritual growth.
3. Potential for Disputes and Conflicts:
Card games can lead to disputes, conflicts, and negative emotions among players, which go against the principles of peace, harmony, and brotherhood promoted in Islam.
4. Distraction from Religious Obligations:
Excessive involvement in card games can potentially distract individuals from fulfilling their religious obligations, such as prayers, charity, and other acts of worship.
The Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasize the importance of leading a life centered on moderation, self-control, and the avoidance of activities that can harm one’s spiritual, mental, and physical well-being.
More Related Articles to Read:
- Is Chess Haram or Halal in Islam?
- Is Playing Ludo Haram or Halal In Islam?
- Is Playing Fortnite Halal or Haram in Islam?
Does Playing Cards Without Gambling Make it Halal?
Lots of Muslims wonder if it’s okay to play card games without betting any money. Some scholars say it’s not really allowed in Islam, even if there’s no gambling involved. They think it’s not a good idea or even forbidden.
The primary reason for this stance is that card games are often associated with gambling and can potentially lead to a gambling habit or addiction.
Even if someone starts playing cards purely for entertainment, it can eventually pave the way for engaging in gambling activities, which are strictly prohibited in Islam.
Playing card games is viewed as a waste of time and a distraction from more productive and beneficial activities that contribute to personal and spiritual growth.
Quran’s Guidance on Playing Cards
The Quran, the holy book of Islam, does not explicitly mention playing cards. It guides avoiding activities that are considered harmful or lead to sinful behavior.
One verse about the prohibition of card games is:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِنَّمَا الْخَمْرُ وَالْمَيْسِرُ وَالْأَنْصَابُ وَالْأَزْلَامُ رِجْسٌ مِنْ عَمَلِ الشَّيْطَانِ فَاجْتَنِبُوهُ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ﴾ [المائدة: 90] English translation: “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.” Reference: Surah Al-Ma’idah, verse 90 This verse prohibits gambling (maysir), which is often associated with card games. There are several hadiths (sayings of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him) that discourage or prohibit activities related to gambling or games of chance. One such hadith is: عَنْ أَبِي مُوسَى الْأَشْعَرِيِّ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «مَنْ لَعِبَ بِالنَّرْدَشِيرِ فَكَأَنَّمَا صَبَغَ يَدَهُ فِي لَحْمِ الْخِنْزِيرِ وَدَمِهِ» English translation: “Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: ‘Whoever plays with dice (or games of chance) is like one who has dipped his hand in the flesh and blood of swine.'” (Bukhari and Muslim) Reference: Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim The essence of these teachings is that engaging in activities involving gambling or games of chance is discouraged and considered sinful, as they can lead to negative consequences, such as addiction, financial harm, and disputes among people. In Islam, playing cards, even for fun without betting, isn’t encouraged because it could lead to gambling habits, waste time, and divert attention from more useful activities. The Quran and Hadith advise against anything that might harm our well-being, urging Muslims to focus on things that help us grow spiritually and personally. May Allah guide us to engage in activities that promote our spiritual and personal growth, and protect us from bad games and habits.
