Q: A question has been submitted on the ruling on playing al-Miqtar, a game played with stones on the ground, chess, and Al-keram, etc. Some of them contain betting or the winner might receive a prize from any authority. Such games are widely spread in (Part No. 15; Page No. 235) the Armed Forces Clubs. What is the ruling on playing such games? May Allah reward you.

A: It is not permissible to play games that distract a person from Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah) and Salah (Prayer) such as, chess, Al-Miqtar, and Al-Keram, etc. It is even more grievous, if it distracts a person from performing an obligatory act or if played in return for something from one of the players or any authority. As it will be considered gambling which Allah has ordered us to avoid in His saying, O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), and gambling, and Al-Ansâb, and Al-Azlâm (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of Shaitan’s (Satan) handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) in order that you may be successful. Shaitân (Satan) wants only to excite enmity and hatred between you with intoxicants (alcoholic drinks) and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allâh and from As-Salât (the prayer). So, will you not then abstain? May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.