THE PROHIBITION OF CHESS

THE PROHIBITION OF CHESS
BY Hadrat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi
“Some claim that chess is permissible according to Imaam Shaafi’ (rahmatullah alayh), hence those who indulge in chess will be following the ruling of Imaam Shaafi’. Know that it is not permissible to abandon the Math-hab of your Imaam, which is based on the Qur’aan and Hadith, and to act in terms of the Math-hab of another Imaam. To follow the Math-hab of another Imaam without dire need is to follow the desire of one’s nafs. This is not permissible. If there had to be such permission (i.e. to flit from Math-hab to Math-hab on the basis of whim and fancy), the Deen will become a great sporting event.
Regarding the claim that Imaam Shaafi’ (rahmatullah alayh) permitted chess, this was his first view. Even for its permissibility he had stipulated several conditions, e.g. indulgence in the game should not interfere with any duty or with Salaat; it should not become a habitual occupation; there should be no abuse, taking oaths, etc. Today these conditions are not observed.
Besides this, is the fact of Imaam Shaafi’s retraction of his view of conditional permissibility. It is mentioned in Nisaabul Ihtisaab that Imaam Shaafi’ (rahmatullah alayh) had retracted his earlier view. It is therefore not permissible for anyone to perpetuate his first view of permissibility and utilize it as a shield for indulgence in chess. In his Sharah Muslim, Imaam Nawawi (rahmatullah alayh) says that according to Imaam Shaafi’ (rahmatullah alayh) playing chess is Makrooh (i.e. Makrooh Tahrimi).
In his Sharhul Muslim Imaam Nawawi states: “Imaam Maalik and Imaam Ahmad say that chess is haraam. In fact, Imaam Maalik said that it is worse than the game of nard (backgammon) and more destructive than gambling. Whoever plays chess and backgammon has immersed his hands in the blood of swine.”
Imaam Ahmad said: “The similitude of a person who performs Salaat after having played backgammon is like a man who makes wudhu with pus and the blood of swine, then performs Salaat.”
Hadhrat Abu Musa Ash’ari (radhiyallahu anhu) said: ‘Only a sinner plays chess.” “Chess is falsehood, and Allah does not love falsehood.” (Baihqi in Shu’bul Imaan)
Playing chess is haraam. If it is accompanied by gambling, it is unanimously haraam according to all Math-habs. If unaccompanied by gambling, the prohibition is with some difference of opinion. However, according to the Ahnaaf it is haraam even without gambling. According to others it is Makrooh. Makrooh here means Makrooh Tahrimi which is a prohibited practice.
Everyone is aware of the degree of absorption in these games. Indulgence in these games leads to neglect in worldly duties and Salaat. Disputes, abuse and even fighting are consequences of these games. There is no doubt that these games are haraam.