Playing Games That Have Educational Benefit

Answered by Shaykh Faraz A. Khan

Question: Are playing games that teach about making profits in real life permissible?

Answer: Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah,

I pray this finds you in the best of health and states.

In general, the Hanafis are quite strict with games (even if without gambling), as most games fall under the category of ‘vain pursuits’ (lahw), which are disliked and sinful. [Nahlawi, Durar Mubaha]

However, some contemporary scholars mention that games will be allowed if they entail no unlawful elements (like gambling, etc.), do not distract from Allah’s remembrance or the ritual prayer, and do not prevent one from fulfilling their duties and responsibilities, both worldly and religious.

And Allah knows best.
wassalam
Faraz

Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani