['Aalim Network QR] Playing cards

[Mustafa Rawji <mrawji@sciborg.uwaterloo.ca>]

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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 reply to the following question was kindly provided by Shaykh
Rasheed.

Wasalaam,

Mustafa Rawji
Moderator, 'Aalim Network

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QUESTION:

Salaams,

It has been stated time and again that playing cards is Haram under Shariah
rules. Can you explain why this is so when there is no stake in the first
place and also one is playing a harmless game like "patience" which doesn't
even entail playing against someone.

If the reason is merely the wastage of time then what is the ruling about
other sports and what about people who make a career out of it . Does it
mean that all earning from a career of sports is also Haram. Please explain
in detail.


ANSWER:

Wa Alaikum As-Salaam.

The Shari'ah outlaws not only gambling but also outlaws the "instruments of
gambling." Muslims are obliged to stay away from these acts and materials
associated with these gambling. In a similar manner, Muslims are not only
prohibited from alcohol but also prohibited from those places and
activities specifically associated with consumption of alcohol, like bars. 

As a result, one cannot argue that just because cards are used in a manner
that is not gambling, that should make it proper. As an instrument of
gambling, cards are suspect and should be avoided, even in non-gambling
situations.

There are card games that are not based on the traditional "deck of cards,"
like some children's games. These are not objectional. Allah knows best.

Was-Salaam.

Ali Rasheed