Question:
Assalamu ‘alaykum.
The majority of scholars say that animated pictures are haram. Does this carry on to video games? After looking at the hadith about dolls, I thought that maybe they are permitted if they are non-realistic and not hung up where they will be glorified.
Answer:
Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.
I pray you are well.
There is a valid difference between animated and moving images, such as in videos and video games. Many scholars distinguish between drawn images and video. (Usmani, Takmila Fath al Mulhim)
The ruling on video games and their permissibility is partially based on this issue. There is also the issue of providing a halal form of entertainment for the youth – especially in places where the alternatives are destructive and immoral. Not everyone can engage with a book or sports.
Gaming, when it is devoid of obscene content or gambling (loot-boxes, etc.), and other haram elements can be a halal and wholesome avenue for bonding. The content, to a large degree, determines the ruling.
Please see:
https://seekersguidance.org/answers/are-video-games-fornite-allow-in-islam/
https://seekersguidance.org/answers/family-ties/can-i-play-video-games-to-keep-family-ties-strong/
I hope that clarifies matters. May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.
[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani