VIDEO GAMES IN ISLAM

Question:

As Salaamu Alaikum,

Is playing games on play station allowed? I am talking about games which 1. Does not have any violence 2. Music will be muted 3. Will not disturb the time of Salaah

Answer:

Wa Alaikum As Salaam,

Bismillahi Wa Billahi At Tawfeeq

It is stated in the book Contemporary Fatawa 264/2

“Video games generally fall in the category of amusement (lahw) and is thus detested and should be avoided. The perfection of a person`s faith and obedience is in his abstinence from that which is useless and brings forth no goodness. The playing of video games not only prevents a person from using time effectively, but generally involves listening to music and vulgar language, viewing indecent material and is also responsible for serious social and psychological implications too.”

 

With regards to your question it would be permissible to play games as long as it is done in moderation whilst following the conditions mentioned in your question. Provided that this game does not take you away from the remembrance of Allah or entails anything contrary to the laws of Islam.

Having said that, the reality is that these games are designed to be addictive, for obvious reasons. As such, once people start playing these games, these games slowly but surely start taking over their lives. Initially, they only play in their free time. Later on, they start shifting their schedules around so that they can play for a little longer. Eventually a time comes where everything else is sidelined and becomes secondary. Obviously, this doesn’t apply to everyone. However, it does apply to most people. As such precaution should be exercised.

This game may not be too bad but what happens when you get tired of it and look for something more exciting. And that game may not be very bad either, but may not be totally acceptable in Islam. And this process may eventually lead to games that are totally unacceptable in Islam. Always remember that Shaitan takes people towards sins and disobedience, one step at a time.

Hope that answers the question.

And Allah knows best

Mufti Waheeb Saiyed

11/10/2018