Chess

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5 years 4 months ago #900 by admin
Chess was created by admin
The Zaydi view is that playing chess is prohibited. This is based upon the various reports that we have on the authority of Imam Ali bin Abi Tâlib, upon him be peace. His views are considered decisive proofs that are obligatory to follow according to the Zaydis. It is also the view of Ibn Abbâs and other Companions.
With the help of Allah, we narrate some of the textual proofs.
1. Musnad Imam Zayd bin ‘Ali:
Zayd bin Ali narrated on the authority of his father—his grandfather—Ali that he passed by some people playing dice. He began striking them with his cane until they dispersed. He said: ((Verily, playing this game whilst gambling is like eating pork, and playing this game without gambling is like smearing oneself with pig fat and grease)).
He [i.e. Imam Zayd], upon him be peace, said: “This is a non-Arab means of gambling. Divining arrows are an Arab means of gambling. Chess is like throwing dice.”
2. Al-Ahkâm fil-Halâl wal-Harâm of Imam al-Hâdi ila al-Haqq Yahya bin al-Hussein, upon him be peace:
“Chapter concerning Playing Chess”—It is not permissible to play it because it is an accursed thing which diverts people from the remembrance of Allah, establishing the prayer, and goodness. Instead, it calls to sin, lying, swearing, argumentation, and bitterness. It is the sister of dice and is gambling by name. It joins the two of these together. The one who plays it should be taught a lesson and that one shouldn’t be greeted. This should be sufficient as an insult and offense.
It has reached us that Amîr al-Muminîn, upon him be peace, came across people who were playing it and he did not greet them. Then, he ordered one of his horsemen to descend, break it [i.e. the chessboard], burn the pieces, and bind each one of the men who were playing it. They stood up and said: “O Amîr al-Muminîn, we will not do it again!” He replied: “If you return to it, we will return to you!”
3. Kitâb at-Tahrîr of Imam Nâtiq Bil-Haqq Abu Tâlib Yahya bin Hussein al-Hârūni, upon him be peace:
“Chapter concerning Punishment”—It is not permissible to play chess. The imam may punish whoever plays it. It is permissible for him to break guitars and chessboards. He may also break the pieces and other mindless games. This is the fundamental statement of Yahya [i.e. Imam al-Hâdi ila al-Haqq Yahya bin al-Hussein, upon him be peace].
4. Usūl al-Ahkâm of Imam al-Mutawakkil ala Allah Ahmed bin Sulaymân, upon him be peace:
It is reported by Yahya bin al-Hussein, upon him be peace, on the authority of ‘Ali, upon him be peace, that he came across people who were playing it and he did not greet them. Then, he ordered one of his horsemen to descend, break it [i.e. the chessboard], burn the pieces, and bind each one of the men who were playing it. They stood up and said: “O Amîr al-Muminîn, we will not do it again!” He replied: “If you return to it, we will return to you!” There is no disagreement concerning the prohibition of dice. The narrated reports which prohibit it are narrated on the authority of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny. It is narrated that it is the sister of gambling.
5. Al-Majmū’ al-Manŝūri of Imam al-Manŝūr Billah Abdullah bin Hamza, upon him be peace:
You asked about the playing of chess and other mindless games. It is impermissible, and it is obligatory upon anyone who commands to the good and prohibits the bad to object to it.

All of the above rulings are corroborated in the books of Ahl as-Sunnah. Ibn Abi Shayba, Ibn al-Mundhir, and Ibn Abi Hâtim narrated on the authority of ‘Ali: “Dice and chess are from gambling.” Abid bin Humayd also narrated on his authority: “Chess is the gambling of the non-Arab.” Ibn Asâkir narrated on Ali’s authority: “Do not greet the one who plays chess or casts dice.” And Allah knows best!

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