Is it Permissible to Play Cards Without Gambling

Query 24

People generally play cards without gambling. How permissible is this?

The Verdict

To play cards is Haraam and a very big sin. It is even more sinful and Haraam to gamble whilst playing cards. It is an evil action. واللہ تعالیٰ اعلم

References

1. Fatawa Mustafawiyah, Ghaus-ul-Waqt Mufti e Azam e Hind Mawlana Mustafa Rida Khan Qadri RadiyAllahu Anhu.

[Translation]

Mufti Afthab Cassim Qadri Ridawi Noori

[Note: Nowadays many people say that they are simply playing cards to pass time or on a social level and not with the intention of gambling. This short yet important answer by Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind RadiyAllahu Anhu should be a lesson to them. Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam RadiyAllahu Anhu
has made it clear that to play cards is Haraam and a very big sin].