Summary
Highlights
The speaker introduces the topic of electronic games, highlighting how some games today promote infidelity and polytheism. He explains that games are no longer mere entertainment but can influence beliefs and morals. He emphasizes that while playing and enjoying games is permissible, they should not consume one's entire life. He introduces the main topic of the discussion, which will be about the rules and guidelines for electronic games.
The speaker affirms that the origin of things is permissibility, and this applies to games. He mentions that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself played games and participated in races. However, he clarifies that not all games are permissible and sets three main criteria: avoiding doctrinal violations (e.g., disrespecting holy sites or prophets), not distracting from religious duties (like prayer), and not containing forbidden elements (e.g., nudity, alcohol, gambling).
The speaker addresses those who claim that games with polytheistic elements do not affect their faith, as 'it's just a game.' He counters this by asking if they would accept a game that disrespects their country or national symbols. He argues that if they wouldn't tolerate disrespect to their nation, they should not tolerate disrespect to their religion. He advises against games that feature false deities or promote polytheism, regardless of their prevalence.
Hajjar asks about the ruling on depicting human or animal characters in games. The speaker explains that drawing living beings is generally forbidden in Islam, citing prophetic traditions. However, artistic depictions for children's toys and those that are not glorified (e.g., on carpets) are exceptions. He considers realistic depictions of human or animal characters in games to be a problematic gray area and advises avoiding them to safeguard one's faith.
The speaker states that working in game development or promotion is permissible if the games adhere to the three aforementioned guidelines. He then discusses the impact of online gaming, particularly its addictive nature due to the release of dopamine. He warns against games that prevent players from fulfilling religious duties or consume excessive time, leading to a loss of life's purpose.
He discusses the duration of online games, often requiring long playtimes, leading to physical, psychological, and social harms. He cites examples of individuals neglecting personal hygiene, family, and responsibilities due to excessive gaming, even using it as an escape from real-life problems. He highlights that modern games are far more intricate and potentially harmful than older, simpler games.
Hajjar inquires about professional gaming and players being sponsored by teams. The speaker distinguishes between earning money from promoting permissible games (which is acceptable) and earning from sponsoring players for tournaments. He also addresses earning money from YouTube views on gaming content, categorizing it as potentially problematic due to uncontrollable advertising content.
The speaker emphasizes that human beings are created to worship Allah and thrive on Earth. He questions if merely being a gamer fulfills this purpose, highlighting that most jobs benefit society. He cautions against games that promote violence, citing examples like 'Blue Whale' and 'Roblox,' which can have severe negative impacts, especially on children.
He discusses the ruling on gaming lounges or arcades that offer both permissible and prohibited games. He states that it is not allowed to offer or profit from prohibited games, even if customers choose them. He analogizes this to a restaurant offering pork or alcohol. He also addresses gender-segregated gaming areas, stating they are permissible if only allowable games are offered and no mixing occurs.
The speaker discusses in-game purchases, such as buying weapons or enhancements. He states that if the base game is permissible, these purchases are generally allowed but could be considered wasteful if excessive. However, he strictly forbids 'loot boxes' or 'luck-based' purchases where the outcome is uncertain, deeming them a form of gambling.
He advises choosing gaming teams that uphold Islamic values. He then delves into 'cosplay' or character impersonation, which involves dressing up as game characters. He strongly condemns men impersonating female characters, considering it a violation of gender roles and an effacement of identity. He states that generally, dressing up as fictional characters is permissible provided it doesn't involve gender mimicry, or the glorification of forbidden concepts.
The speaker warns about the normalizing effect of games, especially regarding individuals who deviate from societal norms or religious values. He states that some communities (e.g., LGBTQ+) find refuge and acceptance in gaming worlds. He urges against being a 'helper of evil' or becoming desensitized to immoral acts, emphasizing the Islamic duty to enjoin good and forbid evil.
He clarifies the rules for gaming tournaments. Tournaments for prohibited games are forbidden entirely. For permissible games, if there are no prizes, they are allowed. However, if prizes are involved, it falls into two categories: players contributing to the prize pool (direct gambling, forbidden) or an external sponsor providing prizes. The latter is also often forbidden, except for specific Islamic exceptions like horse racing or archery for the benefit of the Muslim community.
The speaker clarifies that in-game purchases with virtual currency earned within the game are permissible if the game itself is lawful. He addresses 'hacking' or illegally acquiring games, stating it's forbidden as it violates intellectual property rights, regardless of the developers' religion. He also discusses manipulating geographical settings to buy games at lower prices, which is only permissible if no deception or false information is involved. He concludes with a story of someone taking out a loan to maintain their in-game ranking, highlighting the dangers of excess and imprudence.
The speaker thanks the interviewer and acknowledges that not all topics may have been covered. He encourages dialogue for future discussions. He concludes with a powerful message to young gamers: channel their talents into projects that serve their religion through games. He suggests designing games that promote Islamic values and reduce harmful content. He ends with a poignant reminder of the Day of Judgment, where individuals will be questioned about how they spent their lives and time, urging self-reflection and striving for righteousness.