What is the ruling on backgammon?

It is not permissible to play backgammon (tawlah) because it involves dice ("al-zahr"), which is strictly forbidden. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Whoever plays with backgammon (nardashir) is as if he dipped his hand in the flesh and blood of a pig," and he also said: "Whoever plays with backgammon (nard) has disobeyed Allah and His Messenger." These hadiths indicate the prohibition of playing with dice, and every game that involves dice is forbidden, whether it is backgammon or something else. Al-Zayla'i narrated the consensus on the prohibition of playing with dice. If the game involves gambling, false oaths, or distraction from prayer, its prohibition becomes even more severe.