Is It Permissible to Trade Pokémon Cards for Investment or Collectibles?
Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel
Question
Is it permissible to buy and sell Pokémon cards as collectibles or investments, given that the characters have cartoon faces and special powers, and some are portrayed as gods in the fictional story, though not on the cards themselves?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.
It is impermissible to buy and sell Pokémon cards as collectibles and investments. However, some have given permissibility if you’re buying known cards at a fixed price and there is no speculation or chance involved.
As Muslims, we should pursue trade and hobbies that are free from anything that casts doubt, like glorifying cartoon-like creatures, humanoids, etc., and seek alternative ways that bring total blessings.
Pokémon cards feature cartoon-like creatures with faces and sometimes humanoid or animal features. Some Pokémon characters are depicted with supernatural powers or as “gods” within the storyline. Many children end up buying the actual doll-like figures and revering them.
Hasan ibn ‘Ali (Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said,
“Leave what makes you doubt for what does not make you doubt. Verily, truth brings peace of mind and falsehood sows doubt.” [Tirmidhi]
I would like you to read the valuable answers below. Insha’Allah, you will gain a deeper understanding of your question.
Related: Buying and Selling Card Games and Board Games
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I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Mawlana Ilyas Patel has received a traditional education in various countries. He started his schooling in the UK and completed his hifz of the Quran in India. After that, he joined an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied secular and Aalimiyya sciences. Later, he traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, and other Middle Eastern countries to further his education. Mawlana has served as an Imam in the Republic of Ireland for several years and taught the Quran and other Islamic sciences to both children and adults. He also worked as a teacher and librarian at a local Islamic seminary in the UK for 12 years. Presently, he lives in the UK with his wife and is interested in books and gardening.
