Are games haram in Islam? This is an important question for many Muslim gamers and parents. Haram means not allowed. Not every video game is automatically halal or haram. The Islamic ruling can depend on the game’s content, purpose, and effect on the player. Some games contain gambling, magic, shirk, nudity, extreme violence, or disrespect toward religion. Others are simple, harmless forms of entertainment.
In this complete Islamic game guide, we examine 100+ popular games and explain whether they are generally playable, require caution, or are better avoided according to Islamic principles.
Our goal is simple: help Muslims make informed choices without falsely claiming that every listed game has an official fatwa.
Islam also teaches Muslims to think carefully about subjects connected to the unseen, supernatural claims, and stories about mysterious beings. If you want to explore another fascinating Islamic mystery from a different perspective, you can read our article on the Mystery of Iram, which examines the historical and Quranic discussion surrounding the ancient people of Iram.
Table of Contents
Introduction
A lot of Muslims want to know if there are any computer games haram in Islam. In spite of what most people think, Islam does not have a list of games that are immediately forbidden. Instead, the Qur’an and the Sunnah set rules that say whether a certain game is allowed or not.
If a game has forbidden parts, supports sinful behavior, or makes a Muslim forget about their religious duties, it may be called haram. Islam allows entertainment as long as it does not lead to sin.
Allah says:
“O believers! Intoxicants, gambling, idols, and drawing lots for decisions are all evil of Satan’s handiwork. So shun them so you may be successful.”
(Qur’an 5:90)
Haram-Game Assessment Flow Chart
Not all games haram in Islam are prohibited simply because they are video games. The concern is usually the content and its effect on the player.
Games that involve gambling, explicit sexual content, shirk, occult practices, deliberate mockery of Islam, or serious encouragement of sinful behavior can raise major Islamic concerns.
A game may also become impermissible when it causes a person to miss salah or neglect important duties. For this reason, Muslims should look beyond the game title and examine what the game actually contains.
Is This Game Halal or Haram in Islam?
Use this simple Islamic gaming flowchart to examine gambling, shirk, occult practices, explicit content, religious mockery, horror elements, and other concerns before playing a game.
🎮 START
You want to play a game.
Does the game contain anything clearly prohibited in Islam?
Does the game involve gambling or betting?
For example, risking money or valuable items on an uncertain outcome.
🚫 AVOID
Gambling and betting are prohibited in Islam.
Does the game involve shirk or worship of other than Allah?
Consider whether the player is required to participate in worship, invocation, sacrifice, or similar acts directed toward other than Allah.
🚫 AVOID
Shirk is a serious matter in Islam. Avoid a game that requires participation in such acts.
Does the game promote or require magic, occult rituals, or sorcery?
⚠️ EXAMINE CAREFULLY
If the game requires the player to perform occult practices, avoid it and seek guidance from a qualified Islamic scholar.
Does the game contain explicit sexual or nude content?
🚫 AVOID
Avoid games containing explicit sexual or nude material.
Does the game mock or insult Islam, Allah, the Qur’an, or the Prophets?
🚫 AVOID
Avoid games that deliberately mock or insult sacred matters.
Does the horror depend on supernatural or occult practices?
If YES: What does the game ask the player to do?
🚫 Worship / Invocation / Occult Ritual
If the player is required to perform such acts, avoid the game.
🔎 Fictional Storytelling Only
If it is only fictional storytelling, examine the game’s complete content carefully.
If NO: Is it mainly fictional suspense, monsters, or survival horror?
🔎 CONTINUE CHECKING
Fictional horror is not automatically given one ruling. Check the game’s other content and its effect on your religious duties.
Does playing the game cause you to neglect prayer, school/work, family responsibilities, or other obligations?
⚠️ LIMIT OR STOP
A game should not cause you to neglect your Islamic obligations or important responsibilities.
✅ FINAL CHECK
No clearly prohibited element found? Continue reviewing the game’s content, purpose, and effect on your religious duties.
🤲 Still Unsure?
Ask a qualified and trustworthy Islamic scholar about the specific game and circumstances.
Important distinction
A game showing a fictional demon or supernatural creature is not automatically the same as a game instructing the player to perform real-world occult practices.
That distinction should be made clear in your article.
For example:
Depiction:
A fictional monster appears in a horror story.
This is different from:
Participation:
The game requires the player to perform an occult ritual presented as a real method of contacting or controlling supernatural beings.
The second situation raises much more serious Islamic concerns.
Even if a game does not contain obviously prohibited material, there is another important question:
Can Gaming Make You Miss Salah or Neglect Your Duties?
This simple Islamic gaming flowchart helps you check whether playing video games is causing you to miss Salah, neglect school, family, work, or other important responsibilities.
🎮 GAME
You want to play a game.
Does playing the game cause you to miss Salah?
Do not allow gaming to make you deliberately miss or delay your prayers.
🚫 STOP / REDUCE GAME TIME
If gaming is causing you to miss Salah, stop or reduce your gaming time and give priority to your prayer.
Does gaming cause you to neglect school, family, work, or other important duties?
Consider whether gaming is interfering with your responsibilities or daily obligations.
⚠️ REDUCE / STOP GAMING
Important responsibilities should come before excessive gaming. Reduce your gaming time and complete your duties first.
✅ CONTINUE CHECKING
If gaming is not causing you to miss Salah or neglect your responsibilities, continue examining the game’s content, including gambling, shirk, explicit material, occult practices, religious mockery, and other concerns.
Playing video games is not automatically prohibited simply because it is gaming. However, a Muslim should consider whether gaming causes missed Salah, neglect of responsibilities, harmful content, or other prohibited activities.
The key is to examine both the game’s content and its effect on your religious obligations and daily responsibilities.
A game that is permissible in itself can become problematic when a person allows it to interfere with obligations.
Does the Game Contain Violence or Gore?
Use this simple Islamic gaming flowchart to examine violence, gore, disturbing scenes, and the overall level of violent content before deciding whether a game is suitable for you.
🎮 GAME
You are considering playing the game.
Does the game contain violence or gore?
➡️ CONTINUE
If there is no significant violence or gore, continue checking the game’s other content and effects.
YES → How extreme is the content?
Consider the amount, intensity, frequency, and nature of the violent or disturbing material.
🔎 MODERATE
Examine the overall content of the game and consider whether the violence is appropriate for you.
⚠️ EXTREME
Consider avoiding the game, particularly if the violent or disturbing content is excessive or negatively affects you.
Violence or fictional combat in a video game does not by itself determine one universal Islamic ruling. The specific content, purpose, level of graphic material, and effect on the player should be considered.
If you are uncertain about a particular game, ask a qualified Islamic scholar for guidance based on the game’s actual content.
The article should not claim that every game containing fictional violence is automatically haram. The Islamic assessment can depend on the nature of the content, its purpose, and its effect on the player.
Does Music in Video Games Make Them Haram?
This simple Islamic gaming flowchart helps you consider music in video games according to the scholarly position you follow.
🎮 GAME CONTAINS MUSIC
The game includes background music or songs.
What does your trusted qualified scholar or established fiqh position say about music?
Islamic scholars have differed on some questions concerning music. Consider the scholarly position you follow.
📚 FOLLOW YOUR SCHOLARLY POSITION
Follow the guidance of a trusted qualified Islamic scholar consistently and avoid what that position considers prohibited.
Does the music or its lyrics contain inappropriate or otherwise prohibited content?
🚫 IF YES → AVOID THAT CONTENT
If the content itself is clearly inappropriate or prohibited, avoid that content regardless of the game’s other features.
✅ CONTINUE CHECKING
After considering the music issue, continue checking the game for other concerns such as gambling, shirk, explicit content, religious mockery, occult practices, excessive violence, and neglect of Salah or responsibilities.
The issue of music has been discussed differently by Islamic scholars. Therefore, this flowchart does not present one scholarly position as the only view. If you are unsure about the ruling, consult a trusted qualified Islamic scholar.
The game’s lyrics and other audio content should also be considered separately from the general question of background music.
Music is a separate Islamic issue on which scholars have different opinions and detailed discussions.
Players who wish to avoid questionable content can also disable game music where the game allows it.
Horror and video games often explore themes such as supernatural beings, evil forces, death, and the unseen world. Islam also teaches about realities beyond what humans can see, but these teachings come from the Qur’an and Sunnah rather than fictional entertainment. To explore these subjects further, read our guides on Angels in Islam, The Unseen World and Jinn in Islam, Iblis and His Schemes, and What Is Barzakh in Islam?. These articles provide a deeper look at the Islamic understanding of the unseen, temptation, supernatural beings, and life after death.
The Three Categories
When deciding whether games are haram in Islam, it helps to place them into three practical categories.
Avoid including games with strong concerns such as gambling, explicit sexual content, shirk, or serious religious disrespect. Caution includes games with questionable elements such as occult themes, excessive violence, or mature content that require individual assessment.
Generally playable includes games without clearly prohibited content that are enjoyed in moderation and do not cause missed salah or neglected responsibilities.
Parents can also use these guidelines when checking games haram in Islam for children.
This three-category approach helps Muslims make informed choices instead of labeling every game as simply halal or haram.
🔴 Category 1 — Avoid
Games containing clearly prohibited elements such as:
- Gambling for money
- Explicit sexual content
- Blasphemy or deliberate mockery of Islam
- Promotion of shirk
- Activities that directly involve prohibited practices
🟠 Category 2 — Caution / Research Further
Games containing:
- Heavy occult themes
- Magic and supernatural rituals
- Religious symbolism
- Extreme violence
- Significant mature content
- Controversial theological themes
These should be assessed individually rather than automatically labeled haram.
🟢 Category 3 — Generally Permissible
Games that:
- Do not contain clearly prohibited elements
- Do not involve gambling
- Do not contain inappropriate sexual content
- Do not mock Islam
- Do not encourage prohibited practices
- Are played moderately
- Do not cause missed salah or neglected responsibilities
| Game | Gambling | Occult Themes | Sexual Content | Violence/Gore | Islamic Concern | Suggested Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game A | No | High | Low | High | Occult themes | Caution |
| Game B | Yes | No | Low | Low | Gambling | Avoid |
| Game C | No | No | None | Low | Minimal concerns | Generally permissible |
🔴 Games to Avoid — Strong Islamic Concerns
Some games haram in Islam may contain content that conflicts with clear Islamic principles. These games contain one or more major concerns such as gambling, explicit sexual content, heavy occult themes, or deliberate religious mockery.
When researching games haram in Islam, Muslims should look beyond the game title and examine its actual content. If a game repeatedly promotes clearly prohibited behavior, avoiding it is the safer choice.
| Game | Main concern | Suggested Islamic category |
|---|---|---|
| GTA V | Sexual content, drugs, crime, gambling | 🔴 Avoid |
| GTA IV | Sexual content, crime, gambling | 🔴 Avoid |
| GTA San Andreas | Sexual themes, crime, drugs | 🔴 Avoid |
| GTA Vice City | Sexual themes, crime | 🔴 Avoid |
| Manhunt | Extreme violence | 🔴 Avoid |
| Agony | Explicit sexual/hellish content | 🔴 Avoid |
| Bully | Mature themes, violence | 🔴 Avoid |
| Hatred | Extreme violence | 🔴 Avoid |
| Mortal Kombat 1 | Extreme violence/gore | 🔴 Avoid |
| Mortal Kombat 11 | Extreme violence/gore | 🔴 Avoid |
| Mortal Kombat X | Extreme violence/gore | 🔴 Avoid |
| Dead or Alive 6 | Sexualized character presentation | 🔴 Avoid |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | Explicit sexual content, drugs | 🔴 Avoid |
| The Witcher 3 | Sexual content, nudity, mature themes | 🔴 Avoid |
| Baldur’s Gate 3 | Sexual content, occult/fantasy themes | 🔴 Avoid |
| Conan Exiles | Nudity/sexual content | 🔴 Avoid |
| House Party | Explicit sexual content | 🔴 Avoid |
| Leisure Suit Larry | Sexual content | 🔴 Avoid |
| HuniePop | Sexual content | 🔴 Avoid |
| Succubus | Sexual/occult content | 🔴 Avoid |
Important: “Avoid” here means avoid based on the prohibited elements listed, not that an Islamic authority has issued an individual fatwa declaring every title on this list universally haram.
🟠 Horror & Occult Games — Caution
When discussing games haram in Islam, horror and occult-themed games need careful attention. Simply having a monster, ghost, or fictional supernatural creature does not automatically make a game haram. When reviewing games haram in Islam, players should examine the specific content, avoid clearly objectionable elements, and seek qualified Islamic guidance when the ruling is unclear.
However, games involving occult rituals, demon worship, satanic imagery, or disturbing mature content deserve particular caution.
| Game | Main concern | Suggested category |
|---|---|---|
| Outlast | Extreme horror/violence | 🟠 Caution |
| Outlast 2 | Religious/occult themes, violence | 🟠 Caution |
| Phasmophobia | Ghost investigation, supernatural themes | 🟠 Caution |
| Demonologist | Demons/occult themes | 🟠 Caution |
| Devour | Demonic/occult themes | 🟠 Caution |
| MADiSON | Occult rituals, disturbing horror | 🟠 Caution |
| Visage | Supernatural horror | 🟠 Caution |
| The Mortuary Assistant | Demonic/occult themes | 🟠 Caution |
| Silent Hill 2 | Occult/religious symbolism, horror | 🟠 Caution |
| Silent Hill 3 | Religious cult/occult themes | 🟠 Caution |
| Resident Evil 7 | Horror and violence | 🟠 Caution |
| Resident Evil Village | Horror, supernatural creatures | 🟠 Caution |
| The Evil Within | Extreme horror/violence | 🟠 Caution |
| Fatal Frame | Spirits/ritual themes | 🟠 Caution |
| Amnesia: The Dark Descent | Horror and disturbing imagery | 🟠 Caution |
| Five Nights at Freddy’s | Horror/ghost themes | 🟠 Caution |
| Dead by Daylight | Violence and supernatural horror | 🟠 Caution |
| Little Nightmares | Dark horror themes | 🟠 Caution |
| Doom Eternal | Demonic imagery and extreme violence | 🟠 Caution |
| Diablo IV | Demons, hell, occult fantasy | 🟠 Caution |
Why “Caution” rather than automatically “Haram”?
When discussing games haram in Islam, it is important not to label every game with horror, magic, or supernatural themes as automatically haram.
A fictional story containing a supernatural creature is not the same thing as practicing real-world magic or worshipping a supernatural being.
Therefore, when researching games haram in Islam, each game should be examined individually based on its content, purpose, and effect on the player. If the issue is unclear, seeking guidance from a qualified Islamic scholar is the safer approach.
The stronger concern arises when entertainment encourages or glorifies:
- Shirk
- Demon worship
- Sorcery
- Occult rituals
- Calling upon supernatural beings
- Mocking Allah or Islam
🟢 Generally Playable Games
Not every game is haram in Islam simply because it is a video game. These games generally have fewer obvious Islamic concerns, although individual versions, updates, online features, or monetization systems should still be checked.
| Game | Type | Suggested category |
|---|---|---|
| Minecraft | Building/survival | 🟢 Generally playable |
| Stardew Valley | Farming/life simulation | 🟢 Generally playable |
| Terraria | Sandbox/adventure | 🟢 Generally playable |
| Rocket League | Sports/racing | 🟢 Generally playable |
| EA Sports FC | Football | 🟢 Generally playable |
| FIFA 23 | Football | 🟢 Generally playable |
| Forza Horizon 5 | Racing | 🟢 Generally playable |
| Trackmania | Racing | 🟢 Generally playable |
| Cities: Skylines | City building | 🟢 Generally playable |
| Planet Zoo | Simulation | 🟢 Generally playable |
| Euro Truck Simulator 2 | Driving simulation | 🟢 Generally playable |
| Microsoft Flight Simulator | Flight simulation | 🟢 Generally playable |
| Farming Simulator 25 | Farming simulation | 🟢 Generally playable |
| PowerWash Simulator | Simulation | 🟢 Generally playable |
| Tetris Effect | Puzzle | 🟢 Generally playable |
| Portal 2 | Puzzle | 🟢 Generally playable |
| Human: Fall Flat | Puzzle/platform | 🟢 Generally playable |
| Fall Guys | Party/platform | 🟢 Generally playable |
| Overcooked! 2 | Cooperative cooking | 🟢 Generally playable |
| LEGO Star Wars | Adventure | 🟢 Generally playable |
| LEGO Marvel Super Heroes | Adventure | 🟢 Generally playable |
| LEGO Harry Potter | Adventure/fantasy | 🟢 Generally playable |
| Kirby and the Forgotten Land | Platformer | 🟢 Generally playable |
| Super Mario Odyssey | Platformer | 🟢 Generally playable |
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | Racing | 🟢 Generally playable |
| Animal Crossing: New Horizons | Life simulation | 🟢 Generally playable |
| Pokémon Let’s Go | Adventure | 🟢 Generally playable |
| Pokémon Scarlet/Violet | Adventure | 🟢 Generally playable |
| Sonic Mania | Platformer | 🟢 Generally playable |
| Crash Bandicoot 4 | Platformer | 🟢 Generally playable |
| Rayman Legends | Platformer | 🟢 Generally playable |
| LittleBigPlanet 3 | Platformer | 🟢 Generally playable |
| Plants vs. Zombies | Strategy | 🟢 Generally playable |
| Civilization VI | Strategy | 🟢 Generally playable |
| Age of Empires IV | Strategy | 🟢 Generally playable |
| Chess.com | Chess | 🟢 Generally playable* |
| Sudoku games | Puzzle | 🟢 Generally playable |
| Monument Valley | Puzzle | 🟢 Generally playable |
| The Sims 4 | Life simulation | 🟠 Check content |
| Among Us | Social deduction | 🟢 Generally playable |
| Fallout Shelter | Management simulation | 🟢 Generally playable |
| Kerbal Space Program | Space simulation | 🟢 Generally playable |
| Subnautica | Survival/adventure | 🟢 Generally playable |
| Journey | Adventure | 🟢 Generally playable |
| Abzû | Exploration | 🟢 Generally playable |
| A Short Hike | Exploration | 🟢 Generally playable |
| Untitled Goose Game | Comedy/puzzle | 🟢 Generally playable |
*Chess has a historical difference of scholarly opinion, so it should not be presented as unanimously halal.
🟡 Games That Need Individual Checking
Some games haram in Islam cannot be placed into a simple halal or haram category without examining their specific content. When reviewing games haram in Islam, players should check the game’s content, age rating, online features, and overall effect on their faith and responsibilities.
The discussion about games haram in Islam depends on the game’s actual content. Some popular games don’t fit neatly into either category.
| Game | Why check it? |
|---|---|
| Fortnite | Violence, cosmetics, purchases and online content |
| Call of Duty | Violence, mature themes |
| PUBG | Violence, online interaction |
| Free Fire | Violence, purchases |
| Apex Legends | Violence, character designs |
| Valorant | Violence, fantasy abilities |
| Overwatch 2 | Violence and character presentation |
| Minecraft Dungeons | Fantasy combat |
| The Legend of Zelda | Fantasy/religious symbolism |
| Elden Ring | Dark fantasy, supernatural themes |
| Dark Souls III | Dark fantasy and supernatural themes |
| Bloodborne | Occult/dark supernatural themes |
| Elden Ring Nightreign | Dark fantasy/supernatural themes |
| God of War Ragnarök | Mythology and gods |
| Assassin’s Creed | Violence, historical/religious themes |
| Skyrim | Magic, gods and fantasy |
| Hogwarts Legacy | Magic/wizardry themes |
| World of Warcraft | Magic, fantasy gods and supernatural themes |
| Genshin Impact | Fantasy gods, character presentation |
| League of Legends | Fantasy, magic and character designs |
| Dota 2 | Fantasy/magic |
| Final Fantasy VII Rebirth | Fantasy, magic and mature themes |
| Persona 5 Royal | Religious symbolism, supernatural themes |
| Shin Megami Tensei V | Gods, demons and supernatural themes |
| Cult of the Lamb | Cult/religious themes |
| The Binding of Isaac | Religious imagery and disturbing themes |
Questions Every Muslim Should Ask Before Playing
Before playing, Muslims can ask a few simple questions to decide whether a game is suitable.
These questions are especially useful when researching games haram in Islam and trying to make a responsible choice. When evaluating games haram in Islam, the goal should not be to label every game as forbidden but to identify harmful or clearly prohibited content and choose entertainment that fits Islamic values.
- Does it contain shirk or idol worship?
- Does it glorify black magic or occult rituals?
- Does it include explicit sexual content?
- Does it encourage sinful behavior?
- Does it cause me to miss salah?
- Is it harming my faith or character?
- Is it consuming so much time that it prevents me from fulfilling my responsibilities?
If the answer to any of these is yes, avoiding the game is the safer choice.
Conclusion
Islam does not prohibit games by name. Instead, it judges them according to their content, purpose, and effects on the player. Games haram in Islam should be judged by their content and impact. Choose games haram in Islam carefully and avoid clearly prohibited content. When unsure, seek reliable Islamic guidance before playing.
A game that promotes gambling, shirk, occult practices, indecency, or neglect of religious obligations should be avoided. Games that are free from such elements and are played in moderation are generally considered permissible by many contemporary scholars.
The safest approach for a Muslim is to choose entertainment that strengthens faith, protects good character, and does not interfere with worship or daily responsibilities.
Questions about entertainment in Islam often require careful consideration of content, intention, and Islamic principles. To explore related topics involving the unseen and darker themes from an Islamic perspective, read about Iblis and his schemes and the world of Jinn in Islam.
