FatwaFederal TerritoriesSocial & Contemporary Issues
AL-KAFI #264 : HUKUM BERMAIN CATUR
What is the ruling on playing chess?
Short answer
The default ruling for things is permissibility unless there is evidence for prohibition.
A reference, not a fatwa. First sentence of the summary below — read the original fatwa and consult your state authority before acting.
- Authority
- Federal Territories Mufti Office
- Date
- Status
- Opinion (irsyad)
- Series
- Al-Kafi li al-Fatawi
- Topic
- Social & Contemporary Issues
No evidence of gazettement in the source — this is not a gazetted fatwa.
Summary
The default ruling for things is permissibility unless there is evidence for prohibition. Based on the view of Yusuf al-Qaradawi cited in this fatwa, chess is permissible because no explicit text forbids it and it trains the mind and intelligence, unlike dice, which depend on luck. This permission is conditional: it must not delay prayer, must not involve gambling, and the tongue must be kept from foul, obscene or idle speech. If these three conditions are not met, it becomes forbidden.
Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.
Kalau ketiga syarat ini tidak dapat dipenuhinya, maka hukumnya ialah haram.
Read the full fatwa on the Federal Territories website (new tab)
How to cite
Cite the original fatwa and its authority. Rujuk Fatwa is only where you found it.
Federal Territories Mufti Office. “AL-KAFI #264 : HUKUM BERMAIN CATUR”, 9 May 2016. https://muftiwp.gov.my/ms/artikel/al-kafi-li-al-fatawi/1261-al-kafi-264-hukum-bermain-catur. Found via Rujuk Fatwa: https://rujukfatwa.com/en/fatwa/ruling-on-playing-chess/