8 Facts Why PUBG is Considered Haram In Islam
This game may seem like just a game, but it raises several concerns when viewed through the lens of Islamic teachings. From promoting harmful habits to including elements that contradict core beliefs, there are many reasons why this game is considered haram.
Here are some reasons why PUBG may be considered haram in Islam:
1. Shirk Elements
A particularly concerning aspect of PUBG is its inclusion of shirk-like elements. The game features events where players are required to perform certain actions, such as bowing or making gestures in front of statues or idols, to unlock rewards.
These actions resemble acts of worship, which directly contradict the core belief in Tawheed (the oneness of Allah). Such elements, even if done in a virtual setting, can influence our understanding of worship and dilute our faith.
2. Wastage of Time
PUBG is highly addictive and can consume hours of a player’s day, leaving little time for productive activities. Islam teaches us to value our time and use it wisely for worship, self-improvement, and benefiting others. Spending excessive time on games like PUBG contradicts this principle and leads to neglect of more meaningful pursuits.
3. Promoting Violence
The game revolves around simulated violence, including graphic depictions of killing and combat. While it may be virtual, it desensitizes players to the value of life, fosters aggression, and normalizes violent behavior.
In some cases, this aggression spills over into real life, leading to conflicts and even violence within families or close relationships. Islam promotes mercy, kindness, and the avoidance of unnecessary conflict, making such content deeply contradictory to Islamic values.
4. Missing Prayers
Many players become so engrossed in this game that they delay or even skip their obligatory prayers (salah). This neglect of a core pillar of Islam is a serious issue, as salah is a daily duty that keeps Muslims connected to Allah and grounded in their faith.
Remember our Muslim community Salah is the most important thing in Islam and we should perform it in any state.
5. Social Isolation
Doing Excessive gaming can lead us to isolation from friends and family. Spending long hours glued to a screen undermines the strong social bonds that Islam encourages, impacting relationships and communal responsibilities.
6. Wasteful Spending
In PUBG, players are encouraged to buy UC coins (Unknown Cash), which can be used to purchase in-game items like gun skins, outfits, and other cosmetic upgrades. These items have no real-world value or benefit, yet players spend real money to acquire them.
This type of spending promotes extravagance and wastefulness, which goes against Islamic principles. Islam teaches that wealth should be spent wisely and on things that bring real benefit, such as helping others or investing in meaningful causes.
7. Gambling Features
In PUBG, players can loot the boxes of other players after they are defeated, which often includes items they can buy with real money. This creates a gambling-like experience, where players are risking their money for random rewards.
Sometimes, players even bet money against other teams, and if they lose, they lose their money to the winning team. This type of behavior goes against Islamic teachings, as gambling and wasting money are considered haram in Islam.
8. Distracting From the Remembrance of Allah
Playing for extended periods can make players forget their daily dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and other acts of worship. This distraction weakens the spiritual connection that Muslims are encouraged to maintain throughout the day.
This game incorporates many elements that conflict with Islamic teachings, from promoting harmful habits to involving shirk-like practices. While entertainment is permissible in moderation, it should align with Islamic values and not compromise one’s faith or responsibilities.
More Related Games Article:
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What Quran Says About Video Games Like PUBG Mobile?
Video games like PUBG can have a significant impact on a person’s life, and it’s important to reflect on what the Quran says about activities that may lead to negative consequences.
Here’s how the Quran addresses concepts that relate to video games, such as violence, excess, and distractions from worship:
The Quran Promotes Peace and Condemns Senseless Violence
Islam is a religion that values peace and harmony, encouraging believers to foster goodness in their lives and communities. Actions that promote unnecessary harm, chaos, or destruction go against the Quran’s teachings. Even in virtual settings like video games, encouraging violence can impact a person’s mindset and behavior in the real world.
وَلَا تُفْسِدُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ بَعْدَ إِصْلَـٰحِهَا وَٱدْعُوهُ خَوْفًۭا وَطَمَعًا ۚ إِنَّ رَحْمَتَ ٱللَّهِ قَرِيبٌۭ مِّنَ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ Meaning: “And cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation. And invoke Him in fear and aspiration. Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good.” (Surat Al-A’raf 7:56)
The Quran Promotes Balance in Life and Warns Against Excess in any Matter
Moderation is an important principle in Islam. The Quran teaches us to balance eating, drinking, and spending time on different activities. Spending too much time playing games like PUBG can waste precious time and upset this balance. It can also affect your responsibilities towards family, work, and spiritual duties.
يَا بَنِي آدَمَ خُذُوا زِينَتَكُمْ عِندَ كُلِّ مَسْجِدٍ ۖ وَكُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا وَلَا تُسْرِفُوا ۚ إِنَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُسْرِفِينَ Meaning: “O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.” (Surat Al-A’raf 7:31)
Quran Encourages Focusing on Allah and Warns Against Unnecessary Distractions
Staying mindful of Allah and fulfilling our spiritual responsibilities should always be a priority for Muslims. Activities that distract us from worship or remembrance of Allah can steer us away from our purpose.
Games like PUBG, which demand hours of attention, can lead to neglecting important religious practices and forgetting the ultimate goal of life: pleasing Allah.
إِلَّاۤ أَن یَشَاۤءَ ٱللَّهُۚ وَٱذۡكُر رَّبَّكَ إِذَا نَسِیتَ وَقُلۡ عَسَىٰۤ أَن یَهۡدِیَنِ رَبِّی لِأَقۡرَبَ مِنۡ هَـٰذَا رَشَدࣰا Meaning: “Except, “If wills Allah.” And remember your Lord when you forget and say, “Perhaps [that] will guide me my Lord to a nearer (way) than this right way.” (Surat Al-Kahf 18:24)
What Islamic Scholars Say About PUBG?
Islamic teachers tell us to be balanced in how we have fun. It is ok to play games sometimes. But we should not let them take over our lives. Some popular games can be harmful.
It is very sad to see how computer games are becoming so dirty, immoral, explicit and violent. What can we expect thereafter?
— Mufti Menk (@muftimenk) October 23, 2013
Is it Permissible for Muslim Children to play PUBG and other Video Games? – Dr Zakir Naik
Top-44 #Permissible #Muslim #Children #Play #PubG #Video #Game #dr #Zakir #Naik #Zakirnaik #Drzakirnaik pic.twitter.com/Fw3TVAfpTu
— Dr Zakir Naik (@drzakiranaik) July 10, 2023
The main point these scholars tell us is to have balance. Spend more time bringing yourself closer to Allah. Play games for fun sometimes, but avoid harms like addiction and bad influences.
Fatwa on PUBG by Aceh Ulema Council (Insights and Impacts)
The Aceh Ulema Council issued a fatwa in 2019 declaring PUBG and similar games haram (forbidden) due to their harmful impacts on individuals and society.
After consulting experts in Islamic law, psychology, and information technology, the Council concluded that the game’s negative effects far outweigh any potential benefits.
Here are key Considerations of the Fatwa:
Influence on Community and Family Dynamics
The Aceh Ulema Council highlighted how PUBG negatively affects relationships within families and communities. Addiction to the game often results in conflicts, reduced communication, and strained relationships as players isolate themselves from their loved ones.
Cultural and Social Ramifications
The game normalizes behavior that may encourage a culture of competition and aggression, which conflicts with the values of cooperation and empathy promoted in Islam. This cultural shift can harm social harmony and weaken communal ties.
Implications for Future Generations
The Council expressed concern over the long-term effects on millennial players. The constant exposure to violent and addictive content could impair their decision-making skills, emotional stability, and ability to uphold Islamic values, ultimately affecting the moral fabric of future generations.
Disruption of Educational and Professional Goals
Prolonged engagement with the game often leads to neglect of academic and career responsibilities. This disruption in personal growth not only affects individuals but also reduces their contribution to the development of society as a whole.
The decision aligns with the principle of Islamic jurisprudence that states:
“Rejecting harm takes precedence over gaining benefits.”
While PUBG may offer minimal advantages like improving reflexes or logical thinking, its harm to individuals and society is much greater. The fatwa focuses on protecting the spiritual, physical, and mental health of our Muslim community.
How Parents Can Help with Video Games?
Parents need to help out when it comes to video games, like PUBG.
Here’s how they can do it in simple terms:
1. Decide on Game Time
Parents should talk with their kids about how much time they spend playing games. Setting a limit ensures they also have time for school and other important stuff.
2. Teach About Islamic Values
Moms and dads can tell their kids about Islamic teachings, like being fair, avoiding too much violence, and remembering to pray. This helps kids make good choices while playing games.
3. Suggest Fun Alternatives
Parents can suggest other fun things to do, like playing outside, reading, or joining activities in the community. This way, kids have a mix of activities that make them well-rounded.
4. Keep Talking
It’s super important for parents and kids to talk openly. By discussing games and their effects, parents can help kids understand why balance is crucial in everything they do.
5. Pick Games Wisely
Parents should know what games their kids are playing. Choosing games that are suitable for their age and not too violent ensures a healthier gaming experience.
In a nutshell, parents can guide their kids to enjoy games responsibly. By working together, families can make sure that playing games is fun while also following Islamic values.
My Experience As a PUBG Player
PUBG gripped me, my heart pounding with each virtual victory. But deep down, unease grew. As a Muslim, the violence, screen time, and neglected prayers clashed with my faith.
One night, clarity struck. Uninstalling PUBG was not the easy decision of my life, but the silence that followed brought peace. It was not just a game; it was a battle for my soul.
My journey away from PUBG taught me true victory lies not in virtual worlds, but in conquering inner demons and living a life true to my values. You’re not alone in your struggles. Seek help, find purpose, and embrace the life that calls to your heart.
Final Wording
Some people debate if playing games like PUBG is halal in Islam. They worry about spending too much time, violence in the games, and not following Islamic values.
Islamic scholars say it is important to play games in moderation and not let them take over your life.
Parents should help kids by setting limits on game time, teaching Islamic values, and checking what games they play. The main idea is to enjoy games responsibly, keeping a balance that aligns with Islamic teachings.
More FAQs Related to This Game
How can I stop playing PUBG if I’m addicted to this game?
To quit PUBG, set time limits and gradually reduce playtime. Engage in activities like sports, reading, or family time. Seek support from loved ones and focus on the benefits, such as better mental health and productivity.
What should I do if PUBG has made me lose control of my temper?
If PUBG is affecting your behavior, take a break and reflect on how it’s impacting your relationships and well-being. Practice calming techniques like deep breathing or prayer when you feel anger rising. Consider replacing gaming with more peaceful and constructive activities that align with Islamic values.
Are all video games haram, or just PUBG?
Not all video games are haram, but games that involve violence, gambling, or shirk elements are considered forbidden in Islam.
Can playing this game affect my prayers and religious obligations?
Yes, excessive gaming can distract you from praying on time and fulfilling other religious duties. If you find yourself skipping prayers or neglecting responsibilities, it is important to reassess your priorities and limit gameplay to avoid these harms. As the writer has shared his experience this game is addictive.
What are some healthy alternatives to playing this game?
You can explore hobbies like outdoor sports, and creative arts, or learn new skills such as coding or cooking. Activities that keep you physically active or help you connect with others can be more fulfilling and rewarding than gaming.
