Can I Play Video Games To Keep Family Ties Strong?

[February 11, 2021] [Imam Yama Niazi]/in Answers, Education, Family Ties, General Counsel, Halal and Haram

Answered by Imam Yama Niazi

Question

Can I play video games to keep family ties strong?

Answer

Dear questioner,

May Allah bless you and increase you in good.

One of the most important things in the life of a Muslim who is striving to be a good Muslim is about the company one keeps.

Good Company

The Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) said,

“A person is on the religion of his close friend, so let him carefully examine whom he befriends.” [Tirmidhi]

This hadith lays down the foundation of good. Muhammad Mawlud, a great West African scholar, says in his famous Matharat al-Qulub, “The foundation of all good and evil rest in the same source, companionship.” I recommend you keep the company of those who remind you of Allah and whom you enjoy their company because it enriches you and leaves you a better Muslim after your time with them.

Temptation

Temptation and Shaytan’s ploys could be tricky. The devil will try to find subtle ways to delude you. So take caution!

“Satan is an enemy to you, so treat him as an enemy. He only invites his gang to be among the inmates of the Inferno.” [Quran, 35:6]

Playing one game sometimes to keep the kinship bond may lead to more games, which opens up that trap-door for you once again. We do not need to do anything that jeopardizes our relationship with Allah to please others.

Have a meal together, buy them a gift, have some tea or coffee together, maybe even pray together! There are many ways to keep kinship bonds ties strong without video games.

As for the actual ruling of video games, refer to this answer:
Is It Haram to Play Video Games?

May Allah bless you and keep you strong on your faith.

[Imam] Yama Niazi
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Imam Yama Niazi has studied with local scholars in the USA for a number of years which culminated in him becoming an imam of the Islamic Society of Santa Barbara for 8 years. He served the community by teaching and leading prayers. In 2015 he founded “ the blessed tree “ a nonprofit specifically for bridging gaps between the Muslim community and others. He has spoken on many Muslim platforms throughout the USA and Canada and conducted programs in local communities in North America. He is an instructor at SeekersGuidance.