Buying and Selling Card Games and Board Games
Question: What is the ruling on buying and selling card games and board games that have non-Islamic religious symbols on them?
Answer: Dear questioner,
Thank you for your valued question. I pray that Allah increases you in knowledge and light.
It is not permissible to buy or sell items that have non-Islamic religious symbols on them. This would also apply to items that had names of pagan gods written on it in a way that shows them respect and reverence.
This is because such items are forbidden, and it is not permissible to sell things that have no permissible use (Minhaj al Talibin).
Religious Symbols
Allah Most High cherishes His slaves and has forbidden them to waste their money: ‘O believers, consume not your goods between you in vanity, except there be trading, by your agreeing together’ (Qur’an, 4:29).
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) was very much against any false religious symbols. He would break any crosses that he could see, and he forbade the sale of idols (Bukhari and Muslim). And because they have no permissible use, they are forbidden to sell (Minhaj al Talibin).
Please also see: Permissibility of Easter Eggs
Games of Chance
Not to mention that in the Shafii school, games of chance are all forbidden. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, ‘Whoever plays dice has disobeyed Allah and His messenger’ (Malik). Other games of chance are known to be forbidden by analogy (Sharh Muslim, Nawawi).
There other opinions among the ulema about games of chance: Are Crosswords, Sudoku Puzzles, Etc. Permissible?
Conclusion
Non-Islamic religious symbols are forbidden and therefore it is forbidden to buy or sell items that have them on them.
I pray this helps.
[Ustadh] Farid Dingle
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Ustadh Farid Dingle has completed extensive years of study in the sciences of the Arabic language and the various Islamic Sciences. During his studies, he also earned a CIFE Certificate in Islamic Finance. Over the years he has developed a masterful ability to craft lessons that help non-Arabic speakers gain a deep understanding of the language. He currently teaches courses in the Arabic Language
