What is the ruling on the game of chess?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The game of sheesh is forbidden if it relies on throwing dice (nard), due to the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: "Whoever plays with nardashir (backgammon) is as if he stained his hand with the flesh and blood of a pig." This is the view of the four Imams and the majority of scholars, regardless of whether there is a financial stake or not. However, if it does not resemble backgammon, and is free from শর’i (Islamic legal) prohibitions (such as wasting time and neglecting duties, cursing, and quarreling), and is beneficial, then it is permissible.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/18575
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 18575
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy