IS IT PERMISSIBLE TO PLAY BOARD GAMES?

Question:
 
Is it permissible to play board games?
 
Answer:

It will be permissible with the provision that the following conditions are fulfilled:

• The activity should not contain any Haraam elements. (e.g. Gambling)
• The entertainment/activity should not distract one from the Sunan Mu’akkadah Ibadah and obligatory duties. (e.g. Salah, obedience to parents, attending to ones chores).
• The activity (games or entertainment) should not cause one to become unmindful and inconsiderate to others. (e.g. using abusive language, belittling others etc).
• It should not have a negative impact on one’s daily responsibilities.
• The entertainment/game should not be of such a nature that one becomes obsessed with it nor should there be over indulgence.
• There should be no extravagance or imitation of the salient features of the Kuffaar.

(Adapted from: Ahkaamut Tarfeeh wal Al’aab)
 

And Allah knows best

Suhail Tarmahomed (Mufti)
 
Checked and Approved:
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Fatwa Department