Fatwa ID: 08869

Answered by: Maulana Nuski Cassim 

Question:

I play a hunting game on a console as it helps me relax and I can understand more about how the animals behave. The issue is that there are some tasks which I have to complete and I would like to know if it’s permissible for me to do so. For example, after hunting a deer I am required to taxidermy it. Also, other tasks could involve hunting a black bear and selling the meat to a restaurant. Of course, none of this is real but would like clarity on it. 

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

If the video game in question does not involve vulgarity, nudity, and other similar indecencies then there is scope for permissibility. This is further strengthened by the fact that this video game helps you relax and understand how certain animals [may] behave.  An added benefit to this is that games of such nature tend to increase or help improve a person’s reactionary skills etc.–[https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9368460/]

As the tasks etc., are not real nor indecent—and you understand this—there is scope for permissibility when it comes to playing such a game. Playing [permissible] video games is a source of recreation and can allow one to recuperate both mentally and spiritually.[1][2]

Having said that, note that this game, or any other video game like this, should be played in moderation and should not distract or take one away from their religious obligations and duties. 

References:

1.وكان علي بن أبي طالب يقول: إن هذه القلوب تمل كما تمل الأبدان، فابتغوا لها طرائف الحكمة قال أبو الدرداء: إني لأستَجِمّ قلبي بشيء من اللهو، ليكون أقوى لي على الحق

قال عبد الله بن مسعود: أريحوا القلوب، فإن القلب إذا أكره عمّى وقال أيضا: إن للقلوب شهوة وإقبالا، وفترة وإدبارا، فخذوها عند شهواتها وإقبالها، وذروها عند فترتها وإدبارها

[كتاب بهجة المجالس وأنس المجالس، صفحة ٢٠، مكتبة الشاملة]

2.اعلم أن أصلح الأمور الاعتدال في كل شيء

[صيد الخاطر، صفحة ١٧٢، دار القلم]

Only Allah knows best.

Written by Maulana Nuski Cassim

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham