What Is the Ruling of Video Games that Include False Gods and Magic?

Answered by Shaykh Farid Dingle

Question

I have a few questions related to video games that I would like some clarification on.

In some games, there are characters who claim to be God. What is the ruling regarding playing such games?

In some games, there is an organization that wants humanity to worship it. What is the ruling regarding playing such games?

Islam clearly prohibits Black Magic. What about other forms of magic?

Answer

Dear questioner,

Computer Games Involving the Immoral

In general, it is not permissible to expose yourself to sinful acts and items, and to disbelief unless there is some need or great benefit.

Given that this is not found in such computer games, it would be impermissible.

For more detail, please see this answer.

Magic

All forms of magic are forbidden.

I pray this helps.

Wassalam,
[Shaykh] Farid Dingle

Shaykh Farid Dingle grew up in a convert family in Herefordshire, UK. In 2007, he moved to Jordan to pursue traditional studies. Shaykh Farid continues to live in Amman, Jordan with his wife and kids. In addition to continuing his studies he teaches Arabic and several of the Islamic sciences.

Shaykh Farid began his journey in sacred knowledge with intensives in the UK and Jordan (2004) in Shafi’i fiqh and Arabic. After years of studying Arabic grammar, Shafi’i fiqh, hadith, legal methodology (usul al-fiqh) and tafsir, Sh. Farid began specializing in Arabic language and literature. Sh. Farid studied Pre-Islamic poetry, Umayyad, Abbasid, Fatimid, and Andalusian literature. He holds a BA in Arabic Language and Literature and continues exploring the language of the Islamic tradition.

In addition to his interest in the Arabic language Shaykh Farid actively researches matters related to jurisprudence (fiqh) which he studied with Shaykh Hamza Karamali, Shaykh Ahmad Hasanat, and continues with Shaykh Amjad Rasheed.