Are Video Games Haram?

Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Question

The majority of scholars say that animated pictures are haram. Does this carry on to video games?

After looking at the hadith about dolls, I thought that maybe they are permitted if they are non-realistic and not hung up where they will be glorified.

Answer

I pray you are well.

There is a valid difference between animated and moving images, such as in videos and video games. Many scholars distinguish between drawn images and video. [Usmani, Takmila Fath al-Mulhim]

The ruling on video games and their permissibility is partially based on this issue. There is also the issue of providing a halal form of entertainment for the youth – especially in places where the alternatives are destructive and immoral. Not everyone can engage with a book or sports.

Gaming, when it is devoid of obscene content or gambling (loot-boxes, etc.), and other haram elements can be a halal and wholesome avenue for bonding. The content, to a large degree, determines the ruling.

Please see:
Are Video Games Like Fortnite Allowed in Islam?
Can I Play Video Games To Keep Family Ties Strong?

I hope that clarifies matters. May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.
[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History, he moved to Damascus in 2007, where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital. He was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.