['Aalim Network QR] Chess and Gambling

[abbas@dircon.co.uk (Abbas Jaffer)]

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|       In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the All-Merciful       |\
|  Greeting of Allah be upon Muhammad and the pure members of his House |\
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Salamun Alaykum,

The following question was kindly answered by Dr Liyakatali Takim.

Regards

Abbas Jaffer
Moderator - 'Aalim Network

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Question:

I have a question regarding chess. As you may know it is a game that is
played mostly here, in USA, for money and is virtually attached to gambling.
I need to explain a little bit more, because it is directly related to what
my question is! In parks and many public places, as in specific clubs (chess
clubs) people gather and play. As a rule, almost wherever there are strong
players, they play in groups and gamble. Usually not for a big money but, it
is for money. As a chess player who has worked on the science of this game,
I, to improve or at least to maintain the same level I am at now, need to
practice, and considering my level (I am a master), I have to find strong
players and play them. 

Now here is the question: Is there any way that I can play and be sure that
I am not committing sin of gambling? I though, I could pay the deal when I
lose, and when ever I win some money, keep it to play with others that I
have a bigger chance to lose it! Or even if there is a gain of money for
sure, I can give it away and not to spend it at all. This way my intention
is not gambling! Because, there is no way that I gain money is this way here
( I assume, gambling is what you have a chance, even slight, of winning!).
The loss could be considered as money spent for educational purposes, which
is the very truth (that is my only intention here).
The only other way for me, is to hire a very high level grand master which I
can not afford. This is the problem I am facing, and appreciate any help in
this regard.

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Answer:

salaamun 'Alaykum,

According to Ayatullah Seestani, playing chess is haram in itself. So
regardless of whether one is gambling or not, it is not allowed. Infact, he
even states that playing chess on a computer (where I assume no gambling is
involved) is also haram.


See Mustahdathat, p. 27.

Wa Ma alayna illa'l balagh

Liyakatali