Is chess haram?

The question of whether chess is haram (forbidden) in Islam has differing views among scholars from the Sunni and Shia traditions.

According to Sunni scholarship, as reflected in Tafsir Ibn Kathir, there are strong opinions against playing chess. Ibn Kathir mentions that the Prophet ﷺ forbade certain games, particularly those associated with gambling. A hadith notes: "Avoid these marked knucklebones which are severely rebuked because they are a form of maysir." This is understood to include chess, as Abdullah ibn Umar stated that shatranj (chess) is worse than backgammon, leading the four Sunni Imams—Malik, Abu Hanifa, Ahmad ibn Hanbal, and Shafi’i—to consider it forbidden (Tafsir Ibn Kathir).

Conversely, according to Shia scholarship, as discussed in Al-Kafi, there are also prohibitions against chess. It is noted that the Messenger of Allah prohibited playing chess and backgammon. One narration states: Chess and backgammon are forms of gambling (maisir) Al-Kafi 7:254ShiaDa'if على المشهور. This reflects a general consensus in Shia thought that sees these games as undesirable due to their association with gambling and distraction from religious obligations.

In summary, both Sunni and Shia scholars generally regard chess as haram due to its associations with gambling and the potential for distraction from worship. For a ruling that applies to your specific situation, consult a qualified local scholar.