Back to search

What is the ruling on programming a website to promote an application that records card game (Shadda) results, knowing that the programmer has no connection to the original application or to playing cards himself?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

The ruling on creating the aforementioned website and designing the application follows the ruling on playing cards, which is disliked (makrooh) unless it is associated with something forbidden, such as gambling or neglecting obligatory duties. Programs that can be used for both permissible and forbidden purposes are originally permissible.

It is better to stay away from such matters due to their frequent forbidden use and the scholarly disagreement regarding the ruling on playing cards. Some scholars consider it forbidden even if it is merely for entertainment, including the Permanent Committee for Issuing Fatwas and Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen. Some researchers have leaned towards its prohibition because it offers no শরعي (religious) or worldly benefit, and because it relies on guesswork and estimation, making it similar to dice and potentially leading to disputes.

The jurisprudential rule states: "That which relies on guesswork and estimation is forbidden, and that which relies on thought and calculation is permissible."

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

Read the full answer on Ftawy