Is this Hadith authentic?
من لعب بالشطرنج فقد قارف شركا
Answer
This narration appears in Musnadul Firdaws. However, the chain consists of a fabricator. ‘Allamah Suyuti (rahimahullah) has therefore included this narration in his book on fabricated Hadiths.
(Dhaylul La-Alil Masnu’ah, vol. 2 pg. 689 and Tanzihush Shari’ah, vol. 2 pg. 234)
The narration is not suitable to quote.
Translation
Whoever plays chess has committed shirk.
Note: I have merely answered your question regarding the authenticity of the Hadith in question. This should therefore not be viewed as a Fiqh ruling. The Fuqaha who were of the opinion that chess is reprehensible have provided alternate proofs. Kindly contact a Mufti/Darul Ifta for further clarification.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar