What is meant by ‘nard’ in the following Hadith:
“He who plays ‘nard’ has disobeyed Allah and His Messenger”
Answer
Imam Abu Dawud (rahimahullah) has recorded the narration in question on the authority of Sayyiduna Abu Musa Al Ash’ari (radiyallahu ‘anhu).
(Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith: 4899)
‘Nard’ refers to backgammon, a board game played with dices.
(Refer: Al Mu’jamul Wasit and footnotes of Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah on Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, before Hadith: 26665)
Kindly refer to a reliable Mufti/Darul Ifta for further clarification.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar