Question
Could you kindly give a reference for this?
Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu) said: “Chess is the gambling of non Arabs.”
Answer
Imam Bayhaqi (rahimahullah) has recorded this statement of Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu).
Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu) said: “Chess is the gambling of non Arabs.” [i.e. It is prohibited just as gambling is]
(As Sunanul Kubra, vol. 10 pg. 212, Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 6097. Refer: Mirqat, Hadith: 4510)
Imam Bayhaqi (rahimahullah) has stated that although there is an omission in the chain, the narration is corroborated. (هذا مرسل ولكن له شواهد)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar