It is related from Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (‘a): “To teach chess to others is also a kind of destructive sin.” The same tradition is recorded in the book Man La Yahzarul Faqih with the addition inter alia that: One who touches it in order to play it, it is, as if he has contaminated his hands by touching pork.” 1 It is a sin even to salute one who plays chess. To play chess is equal to ascribing partners to Allah. To keep chess (board and pieces) in ones possession is tantamount to kufr (disbelief). It is Haram to spend the income of this sale. Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (‘a) is reported to have told Abu Basir: Similarly, gambling is clearly mentioned as a Greater Sin in the tradition related by Amash from Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (‘a). The tradition related by Fazl Ibn Shazan from Imam ‘Ali al-Ridha’ (‘a) also included gambling among the Greater sins. The Holy Qur’an has used this phrase only for drinking and gambling.” Say: in both of them there is a great sin.” (Surah al-Baqarah 2:219).

“They ask you about intoxicants and games of chances. The Holy Qur’anstates in Surah al-Baqarah: The following statements support this view.