Poker and Its Effects on Society

Question :

Some people don't just play poker, but they become engrossed in it. The time for prayer comes and passes yet they neither listen to the call to prayer nor do they attend it in the Masjid. They are so absorbed in their game, that they don't answer people when they greet them upon returning from the Masjid. While they are playing, other members of the household are never at peace, having to listen to loud voices, curses, and oaths, some of which are by Allah Almighty and some of which are not. What is the ruling regarding this game? And what effects does it have on society?

Answer:

Card playing, as the questioner stated, prevents one from remembering Allah Almighty and praying; moreover, it instills enmity between the players cursing and evil oaths are common to the card table. Sometimes even, people play for money, which is unlawful. Allah Almighty says:
"O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), gambling, Al-Ansab (stone altars), and Al-Azlam (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of Shaytan's handiwork. So avoid that in order that you may be successful. Shaytan wants only to excite enmity and hatred between you with intoxicants (alcoholic drinks) and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah, and from As-Salah. So, will you not then abstain?"

People who play cards are sinning by doing so, and are also sinning for all unlawful acts that accompany it, such as cursing, smoking, making false oaths, and not praying in congregation.

You asked about the effects card playing has on society. The secure society is made up of two things: following what Allah Almighty ordered us to do and refraining from what He Almighty has prohibited. And because society degenerates when an obligatory deed is forsaken and when an evil deed is perpetrated, card playing has an evil effect on society. It deters people from praying in the Masjid; it causes enmity and ill will; it instills laziness in people, causing them to neglect working to support their families; it encourages people to do what is unlawful. If money is involved, then the profits derived from card playing are also unlawful.

May Allah send peace and blessings upon Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.

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