Fatwa No : 4718
What is the Fatwa on playing Games?

What is the Fatwa on playing Games?

What is the Fatwa on playing Games? Can Muslims Play football,Rugby,Cricket in International Level? In football and Rugby,We can wear Socks up till our Knees and cover our Islamic Satar. But My question is this that can we play these games in district or international level? please note that in district and international level,the players play for the cup and money?Is this Jaiz in Islaam?

الجوابُ حامِدا ًو مُصلیِّا ً

In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent and the Most Merciful
Let it be known that in competition of games and sports if the condition of prize money or trophy is put forward by both the participant sides then it is impermissible and Haram indeed. If the condition is put forward from one of the participating side or, any third party has promised the prize money or trophy for the winner then there is no harm in it. If sports such as Soccer, Rugby and Cricket etc are played with the intention of exercise, training for Jihad or to maintain the physical fitness while taking care of Shar’i Satr (portion of the body that is necessary to be covered) and other Shar’i limits and also not engaged to the extent that other Shar’i matters get disturbed, then it would be permissible to play them. As for playing for the national side or districts side, it is better to avoid it since the person would be totally engrossed in it’s occupation.

Allah knows best.