['Aalim Network QR] Playing cards (Follow-up)

[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 replies to the follow-up questions on playing cards were kindly
provided by Shaykh Rasheed.

Wasalaam,

Mustafa Rawji
Moderator, 'Aalim Network

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FOLLOW-UP QUESTION 1:

Salaams,

Doesn't playing cards vary depending on what Marj'a you follow?  For
example, Sayid Fadhlullah allows playing cards, with conditions to follow
with it..while Sayid Seestani objects card playing?  Please correct me if
I am wrong..and if you may, please inform me of according to what Marja'
this verdict of card playing was given to. 

Thank you in advance.


ANSWER:

Wa Alaikum Salaam, 

Sayyid Fadhlullah's opinion is the only one that I am aware which gives
permission as such.  His opinion implies that it is aparently allowed
because some Ahadith specifically apply the word "gambling" to certain
acts. Therefore, when gambling is not an issue, the prohibition apparently
does not apply. Therefore, if you follow Sayyid Fadhlullah it is permitted
for you. 

Was-Salaam,

Ali Rasheed



FOLLOW-UP QUESTION 2:

Salaams,

I do not understand the answer in regards to the Shari'ah outlawing the
"instruments of gambling". It would seem that by following this logic,
that all sporting activities would be included as instruments of gambling,
as these are the contests most frequently gambled on. As evidenced by the
World Cup games progressing in France at this time, you can bet on the
outcome of each and every game, especially in places like Las Vegas in the
United States. Please explain the difference, if there is one. 


ANSWER:

Wa Alaikum As-Salaam, 

By an "instrument of gambling" we mean the tools that are used as a part of
the process of gambling, like dice for example. Also, it is known that
certain games are traditionally used in gambling or specifically created
for gambling, like many card games. Because of their specific association
with gambling, these instruments are outlawed by most Ulemaa.

It would not follow, then, that a soccer match could be prohibited as an
instrument of gambling, although people may bet on its outcome. Soccer was
not created specifically for gambling nor are the players gambling as they
play. 

Was-Salaam,

Ali Rasheed