Ask Qul - Miscellaneous - playing chess in Islam, Sistani

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Question : #139

Subject:	playing chess in Islam, Sistani
Question:	Could you provide an explanation or the basis of the absolute prohibition of playing chess, according to Sayyed Sistani?
Answer:	There are many traditions that most likely prompted Sayyid Sistani to rule that chess is forbidden. One example of such a tradition is: Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.), is reported to have told Abu Basir: “It is Harām to sell chess. It is Harām to spend the income of this sale. To keep chess (board and pieces) in ones possession is tantamount to kufr (disbelief). To play chess is equal to ascribing partners to Allah. It is a sin even to salute one who plays chess. One who touches it in order to play it, it is, as if he has contaminated his hands by touching pork.” (Wasa’il ul-Shia. Chapter on Business Transactions)

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