Does the discourse of Abu Ishaq Al-Marwazi and Saeed ibn Al-Musayyib regarding the ruling on playing backgammon, which is a form of dice game, include the game of طاولة (backgammon), and is it permissible to adopt their view despite them not being among the Four Imams?

A distinction must be made between inquiring about the ruling on a matter and the ruling on adopting the view of a specific scholar. It is permissible for one who is allowed to engage in taqlid (following a qualified scholar) to adopt the view of a recognized scholar, as long as it does not contradict a textual proof or a consensus, and provided that it is not done out of whims.

The apparent evidence indicates that playing with dice (backgammon) is forbidden, and most scholars hold this view. Only a small minority have dissented. Ibn Abd al-Barr mentioned that a group of jurists dislike playing with dice and forbid gambling with them.

Ibn Qudamah stated that playing with dice is forbidden, and this is the view of Abu Hanifah and most of the companions of Al-Shafi'i. The Shafi'is considered Abu Ishaq al-Marwazi's view of karaha (dislike) to be an error, and some of them interpreted karaha as tahrim (prohibition). Ibn Hajar al-Haytami considered playing with dice to be among the major sins.

Al-Mawardi explicitly stated that the correct view adopted by the majority is the prohibition of playing with dice and that it is an act of fisq (transgression) that invalidates one's testimony. Ahmad ibn Hanbal said that dice are more severe than chess due to the textual evidence concerning them and the consensus on their prohibition. Al-Munawi mentioned that the Salaf (early Muslims) agreed on the unlawfulness of playing with them.

Scholars differed on the definition of nard (dice/backgammon), with some specifically referring to it as backgammon (tawla). Aliash defined nard in "Manh al-Jalil" as a square, lined instrument played with pieces (fusus), known in Egypt as "tawla." He added that one who plays it has his testimony rejected due to the prophetic traditions that prohibit it.