Which hadiths of the Prophet forbid chess, backgammon, and dominoes, even when played without a money bet?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Oct 24, 2026
The Muwatta' states that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: "Whoever plays with backgammon has disobeyed Allah and His Messenger." In Al-Mustadrak by Al-Hakim, Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari narrated: "He who strikes its dice, playing with them, has disobeyed Allah and His Messenger." Ibn Umar was asked about chess, and he said: "It is worse than backgammon," and he considered backgammon to be a form of gambling.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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