Games in Islam are generally okay if they don’t involve anything haram or wrong. This means no hurting others, bad language, or showing parts of the body that should be covered. But games where money is paid, and the winner takes it all are usually not okay. This is because it can lead to losing money unnecessarily and is seen as a form of gambling, which Islam doesn’t allow. The Prophet Muhammad liked activities like archery, horseback riding, and camel races because they were good for health and skill-building. But mostly, games with money involved should be avoided to prevent any harm they might cause.
Is it haram to win money from games?
Islamic scholars often discuss whether winning money from games is acceptable. They emphasize following Islamic guidelines. Games should not waste time or harm health. They should not lead to the neglect of religious duties.
A fatwa from a Pakistani website, Jamiatul Islamia Binnuri Town, states that earning money from games is only allowed if certain conditions are met. Games must be legitimate and free from forbidden elements like animal pictures or explicit content. They should not be just for fun but should follow Shariah principles.
Games involving gambling or breaking Islamic rules are considered haram, or forbidden. Avoiding games that promote worldly desires over health benefits or exercise is important. Games should also avoid singing, musical sounds, nudity, and obscenity.
Hadith:
Earning money through games is generally permissible in Islam, but there are conditions. Games should not involve haram, such as causing harm to others, engaging in foul speech, or uncovering the ‘awrah. They should also allow one to perform obligatory duties.
The Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) stated that giving money as prizes is not permissible in competitions or games, except for three cases that involve perfecting skills that help in jihad for the sake of Allah: archery, camel-racing, and horse-racing. Scholars have added that competitions in memorizing the Holy Qur’an and the Prophet’s Sunnah are also acceptable.
- Games for earning money are permissible if they don’t involve haram activities.
- Avoid games that cause harm to others or engage in foul speech.
- Games should allow one to succeed in obligatory duties.
- Giving money as prizes is not permissible except in specific cases.
- Competitions for memorizing the Holy Qur’an and the Prophet’s Sunnah are permissible.
- Fatwa about money from games
If the prize money comes from both competitors, it is considered gambling, which is haram in Islam. Even without gambling involvement, it’s still prohibited if prize money comes from a rival or third party.
An-Nawawi explained that it is gambling if one of the two parties must pay money. However, if one competitor offers to give money to his opponent if he loses and keeps it if he wins, it is not gambling. But this is an agreement for a contest that does not involve fighting skills, so it is invalid.
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According to Shaykh al-Islam, Ibn Taymiyah, accepting a gift from another participant or outsider is prohibited unless it is for a useful activity, such as archery or race. Spending money on items devoid of religious or worldly value, even if not related to gambling, is prohibited.
Ruling on playing some electronic games
Islamic scholars have added their views on electronic games. They say they would be good if games helped them memorize the Holy Quran or learn the Prophet’s Sunnah. But games involving gambling are not allowed. Some games with airplanes, ships, or boats are okay if they are for learning. It is important to avoid games with bad things in them.
Al-Khattaabi mentioned that giving prizes is only suitable in horse and camel races, similar to archery contests. This is because these activities help prepare for fighting enemies, and offering prizes for them motivates people to get ready for jihad.
Conclusion
Islamic scholars have different opinions on the issue of playing online games and earning money. Some say it is permissible if it does not distract people from their religious duties and responsibilities. Others argue that it might involve activities that are prohibited in Islam, making it haram or forbidden. There is also a potential for addiction, which could distract from more productive and beneficial activities.
Muslims must seek guidance from Islamic scholars and carefully consider the potential consequences of their actions. It is important to determine whether a particular activity is halal or haram based on the specific circumstances and the individual’s intentions and actions.
FAQs
Is it haram to gamble in a game?
Gambling in games is haram because Allah forbids it. It can destroy families, cause a loss of wealth, and lead to enmity and hatred between players. Gambling also turns people away from remembering Allah.
What is a haram way to earn money?
In Islam, earning money in haram ways is not allowed. This means that the income earned from bad actions like cheating, stealing, or adultery is wrong. Also, money obtained from selling foods and drinks like pork and alcohol is considered haram. Neal (2016) asserts that we should make money in accordance with what the Prophet (PBUH) and Allah approve of.
Can we earn money through games?
Gaming apps in India are a popular way to earn money. They offer rewards for successful gameplay, bonuses, and completing certain tasks. The high earning potential can add up quickly and provide a steady flow of income for skilled or dedicated players.
Is it haram to bet on money?
Muslim scholars agree that betting on money in games is haram, or forbidden, in Islam. While healthy challenges and competitions in sports are acceptable, they become forbidden when betting, the lottery, or games of chance are involved. These activities are seen as forms of gambling, which are not allowed in Islam because they can cause harm to people and society. So, betting on money in games is not okay, according to Islamic teachings.
Can Muslims make a bet?
Muslim scholars agree that participating in healthy challenges and competitions is halal. However, it is haram, or forbidden, to be involved in betting, the lottery, or games of chance. These activities are not acceptable or commendable in Islam.
Why is chess haram?
Islamic scholars debate whether winning money from games is haram. They agree that games should follow Islamic guidelines, not waste time or harm health, and not neglect religious duties. A fatwa from Jamiatul Islamia Binnuri Town in Pakistan says earning money from games is only allowed if the games are legitimate and don’t contain animal pictures, explicit content, or promote worldly desires. They should offer health benefits or exercise rather than just entertainment, and follow Shariah principles. Games involving gambling or against Islamic rules are forbidden or haram.