Reader on Playing Video Games
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful and Compassionate
“Successful indeed are the believers:
those who humble themselves in prayer;
those who avoid idle talk;
those who pay zakat;
those who guard their chastity.”
[Quran, 22:1-5]
By 2024, there are expected to be 3.32 billion video gamers worldwide. [explodingtopics.com] When considering that the estimated global population in the year 2024 will be 8,1 billion, the omnipresence and relevance of video games become more than clear.
Muslims of all ages are equally involved in playing video games. This begs the question of what its ruling actually is according to Islamic Law (fiqh). The answers we gathered in this reader aim to clarify various questions that have been asked about the topic of playing video games:
General Rulings
- Are Video Games Haram?
- Is It Haram to Play Video Games?
- Can I Play Video Games To Keep Family Ties Strong?
Specific Contents Within Video Games
- What Is the Ruling Of a Virtual Sin?
- Is One Allowed to Play Games Where the Character Respawns and Comes Back to Life Again?
- Can I Play Video Games with Unlawful Symbols or Content?
- Can I Delete the Video Games from My Brother’s Computer That Makes Fun of Islam?
- Are Video Games Containing Violence and Indecency Impermissible?
- Is It Permissible to Play Games Involving False Gods?
- What Is the Ruling of Video Games that Include False Gods and Magic?
- Is It Shirk to Watch Superhero Movies or Play Games That Involve Magic?
Surrounding Factors
- Can We Play Video Games Online with the Opposite Gender?
- Is It Wrong to Play Video Games in the Same Room as My Quran Translation?
Rulings Pertaining Financial Transactions
- Is Paying for Packs in a Video Game Gambling?
- Do I Need to Sell or Throw Away My Impermissible Video Games?
