Is It Permissible to Play Games Like God of War?

Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Question

Is it permissible to play video games such as God of War, Genshin Impact, or Skyrim?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.

Video games, as a form of recreation, are in themselves permissible. The ruling depends on their content.

God of War, for example, is built around pagan deities and significant violence. For this reason, it is best to avoid it. The guidelines below will help you assess Genshin Impact, Skyrim, or any other game you may consider.

Playing games is lawful in itself. Wholesome games can be a good outlet, especially when other options may be less beneficial.

What makes a game blameworthy is its content, not the fact that it is a game.

The most serious concern is when a game glorifies false gods. If a game is built around idols or deities besides Allah, it treats the gravest matter lightly: ascribing partners to Allah (shirk). This can affect the heart and make such things seem normal.

To Weigh a Game by Four Simple Tests

To assess any game, consider these four points:

One: It must not cause you to neglect your prayers or your real duties.

Two. It must not glorify shirk or false gods.

Three. It must be free of indecent or immoral imagery.

Four. And it must be free of gambling mechanics, such as paid loot boxes, and of foul content.

A game that is free of all four concerns is permissible. It can even be a means of rest and healthy connection with others.

So set problematic Set aside games that have problematic content. Before playing, consider the games you enjoy in light of these guidelines.

Choosing your recreation with care helps keep your heart sound. Allah rewards those who leave what is doubtful, seeking His pleasure.est.

Allah knows best

[Shaykh] Faraz Rabbani

Related Answers

Is It Permissible to Play Games Involving False Gods? — A game featuring false gods should be avoided, even if one can choose not to play that character.

Are Video Games Haram? — Gaming free of obscenity, gambling, and other unlawful content can be wholesome; the content largely determines the ruling.

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani is a recognized specialist scholar in the Islamic sciences, having studied under leading scholars from around the world. He is the Founder and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance.

Shaykh Faraz stands as a distinguished figure in Islamic scholarship. His journey in seeking knowledge is marked by dedication and depth. He spent ten years studying under some of the most revered scholars of our times. His initial studies took place in Damascus. He then continued in Amman, Jordan.

In Damascus, he was privileged to learn from the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas. Shaykh Adib al-Kallas was renowned as the foremost theologian of his time. Shaykh Faraz also studied under Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi in Damascus. Shaykh Hassan is recognized as one of the leading Hanafi jurists of our era.

Upon completing his studies, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in 2007. His return marked a new chapter in his service to the community. He founded SeekersGuidance. The organization reflects his commitment to spreading Islamic knowledge. It aims to be reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible. This mission addresses both online and on-the-ground needs.

Shaykh Faraz is also an accomplished author. His notable work includes “Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School,” published by White Thread Press in 2004, which is a significant contribution to Islamic literature.

His influence extends beyond his immediate community. Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been recognized as one of the 500 most influential Muslims. This recognition comes from the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center. It underscores his impact on the global Islamic discourse.

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani’s life and work embody a profound commitment to Islamic scholarship. His teachings continue to enlighten and guide seekers of knowledge worldwide.