What is the ruling on playing chess on a computer against a program, taking into consideration not being addicted to it, and do the reasons for its prohibition, such as the presence of statues, contention over winning and losing, and the use of terms like "death of the king and the elephant," apply to it?

Playing chess is forbidden according to the majority of scholars. There is no difference in this regard between playing it physically or via computer or the internet, due to the presence of the meaning necessitating its prohibition. Sheikh Fahd bin Abdulrahman Al-Yahya believes that backgammon (nard) is forbidden due to the existence of hadiths prohibiting it, such as the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "Whoever plays with nardashir, it is as if he has dipped his hand in the flesh and blood of a pig."

Similarly, chess is forbidden according to most scholars. Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) once passed by people playing it and said: "What are these idols that you are devoted to?"

This prohibition applies even if both games are free from other religious transgressions. If the game involves a stake (reward), then it is gambling and forbidden by consensus.

A Muslim should preserve their time. If one wishes to entertain oneself, it should be with something that benefits the body or mind, such as cultural competitions or archery. It is not accepted that chess has an intellectual benefit; rather, it builds imagination.