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Fatwa CenterPlaying card games on PC's
Question
I want to know what is the ruling against playing card games, solitaire and the like, which are usually available on all PC's. I have a feeling that it is not correct, but would like to know the opinion of more knowledgeable people, through the Glorious Qur'an and the Prophet's (Peace and blessing be upon him) Sunnah.
Answer
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.
If playing cards causes the loss of any rights or the negligence of any religious duty (praying, obeying ones parents … etc.) it becomes unlawful then. But if it does not cause the loss of rights and it does not occupy the person to the point of preventing him from abiding by Allah's Orders, it becomes like a "Puncturing" in the person's personality, above all if he plays it very often. This ruling is true only if the playing is free from material compensations. But if it includes compensation it becomes unlawful as it is then considered as gambling and Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), gambling, AlAnsâb, and AlAzlâm (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of Shaitân's (Satan) handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) in order that you may be successful.}[5:90]
This game is also forbidden if it causes disputes between people. The Muslim is asked to make good use of his time. Whatever he does should be of some benefit for him in this life and the Hereafter.
In fact, time is a precious gift from Allah. This is why it is among the first things that Allah will ask people about on The Day of Judgement.
It is reported by Al Tirmizi that the Prophet said: "The person will remain standing on The Day of Judgement until he answers about five things: His life and how he spent it, his youth and how he used it, his wealth and how he collected it and in what he spent it and what he did with what he learned". The Prophet also said: "Many people are deceived by two gifts (i.e., they do not make good use of them) (the gift of) health and that of free time".
Allah knows best.
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