Ruling on playing al-Miqtar

Q 2: If playing cards does not distract a person from Salah (Prayer) and is not done in return for money, is it Haram (prohibited) or not?

A: It is impermissible to play cards, even if it is not in return for money, (Part No. 15; Page No. 236) because it typically distracts a person from Salah and Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah), even if they claim that it does not. It also leads to prohibited gambling, the prohibition of which is stated in the Qur'an in Allah's saying, O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), and gambling, and Al-Ansâb, and Al-Azlâm (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of Shaitan’s (Satan) handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) in order that you may be successful. (Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5: 90). May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.