Card Playing
Question :
When some people play cards, they agree that the loser should pay money to the winner or, for example, buy him a juice. Is this permissible?
Answer:
This is unlawful (forbidden), for the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"There is no competition except in three: archery, camel racing, and horse racing."
It is also a form of the gambling which Allah Almighty mentioned along with alcohol and idol worship, when He said:
"O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), gambling, Al-Ansab (stone altars), and Al-Azlam (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of Shaytan's handiwork. So avoid that in order that you may be success- ful."
So these people must repent to Allah Almighty, seeking His forgiveness, and refraining from this sin in the future. The money they earned in this way is unlawful for them and not allowed. Our time is valuable, and even if people play cards not for money, but for fun, they are wasting their valuable time. Time is more valuable than even money, and so the wise man or at least the prudent man does not waste it. Because of the time that is needlessly wasted, many scholars have ruled that playing cards, without involving gambling, is unlawful; when it does involve gambling, it is definitely unlawful.
Source:
Ibn 'Uthaimin
Fatawa Islamiyah, Vol. 8 Pages 260-261
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