Question
Please confirm if we are allowed to play the game Monopoly. It really does work the mind and not played with real money… it is a dice game however so is it Haraam?
Answer
In Islaam we are instructed not to waste our precious time in futile activities. For a believer every second of his life is valuable.
The game monopoly has a few wrongs in it according to Shar’ee perspective:
1. Monopoly is generally played with a dice which is impermissible in Shari’ah.
2. There are generally animate pictures drawn on the board.
3. Due to the length of the game, sometimes these games make one negligent of Salaah.
The harms of monopoly with regards to worldly perspective:
This game of monopoly encourages one to monopolise a business (in this case real estate business) and inculcate the quality of greed in oneself. All of this are against Islamic values which teaches that monopoly is actually harmful for the economy, the market should be competitive in order for the economy to be healthy.
Monopoly is not a game of skill; from a mathematical perspective, no amount of skill can make up for bad rolls. It’s billed as a trading game, but trades are almost never a good idea; properties vary too highly in value and money is all but worthless over the long term. If one player scores some choice properties early, the rest of the game is just the other players bleeding cash — a frustrating and purposeless waste of time. Sure, Free Parking could change fortunes, but rarely over the long term. Mostly it serves to make losing an even longer and more gruelling process. This game leads to a lot of quarrelling and fights.
In conclusion one should abstain from playing such games as the harms far outweigh any perceived “benefits.”
References
وَأما الشطرنج فقد قَالَ عبد الله بن عمر: أَنه شَرّ من النَّرْد، وَنَصّ على تَحْرِيمه مَالك وَأَبُو حنيفَة وَأحمد، وَكَرِهَهُ الشَّافِعِي. قلت: إِذا كَانَ الشطرنج شرا من النَّرْد فَانْظُر مَا قَالَ رَسُول الله صلى الله عَلَيْهِ وَسلم، فِي النَّرْد، رَوَاهُ مَالك فِي (الْمُوَطَّأ) وَأحمد فِي (مُسْنده) وَأَبُو دَاوُد وَابْن مَاجَه فِي (سنَنَيْهِمَا عَن) أبي مُوسَى الْأَشْعَرِيّ، رَضِي الله تَعَالَى عَنهُ، قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُول الله صلى الله عَلَيْهِ وَسلم: (من لعب بالنرد فقد عصى الله وَرَسُوله) ، وروى مُسلم عَن بُرَيْدَة بن الْحصيب الْأَسْلَمِيّ، قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُول الله صلى الله عَلَيْهِ وَسلم: (من لعب بالنرد شير فَكَأَنَّمَا صبغ يَده بِلَحْم خِنْزِير وَدَمه) .)عمدة القاري ج 18 ص 208 دار إحياء التراث العربي(
(وَ) كُرِهَ تَحْرِيمًا (اللَّعِبُ بِالنَّرْدِ وَ) كَذَا (الشِّطْرَنْجِ))رد المحتار ج 6 ص 394 دار الفكر(
[1] https://www.fatherly.com/love-money/monopoly-board-game-sucks/
Disclaimer | |
Purpose and Scope The information provided on this website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Fatawa provided on this website are context-dependent, scenario-specific and are impacted by interpretations and individual circumstances. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for an independent, scenario-specific question, and must not be used to determine or establish a ruling for any other circumstance, situation or dispute. | |
Accuracy and Reliability While Darul-Ifta - Darul Uloom Azaadville strives for accuracy, errors may occur. Users are encouraged to verify information independently and notify the Darul-Ifta of any discrepancies. We reserve the right to edit, moderate or remove any content. | |
No Legal Authority Fatawa provided on this website are not legal judgments but rather religious rulings. Legal matters should be addressed through appropriate legal channels. | |
Acceptance By using this website, users agree to these terms and conditions. |