authentic hadith, likened someone who plays it to someone who dips his hand into the flesh and blood of a pig, or someone who cuts pigs into pieces—that is, butchers them and cuts up their flesh as a butcher does. This comparison encompasses playing it with one’s hands, whether or not money is taken, just as dipping one’s hand into the flesh and blood of a pig and cutting up its flesh apply whether or not one also eats it. Just as those acts are prohibited even when no wealth is wrongfully taken, so too is backgammon prohibited even when no wealth is wrongfully taken.

This is further established by several arguments that demonstrate the prohibition of backgammon, chess, and similar games.

First: the prohibition of these activities is not confined to cases involving gambling. If the prize were provided by one of the two players or by a third party, this would constitute a reward arrangement. Nevertheless, this too is prohibited, except in beneficial activities such as racing and archery contests, as stated in the hadith:

“No prize may be offered except for camel racing, horse racing, or archery.”

This is because spending money on something that brings no benefit in either religious or worldly affairs is prohibited, even when it does not constitute gambling. Taking wealth wrongfully is forbidden by the explicit text of the Quran, and these games are among vain things, as the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Every diversion in which a man engages is vain, except shooting with his bow, training his horse, or playing with his wife, for these are worthwhile pursuits.”

The phrase “among vain things” means things that bring no benefit, for what is vain stands opposed to what is true and worthwhile. What is true may refer to an existing reality that is the object of belief or of a report. It may also refer to a rightful aim—something that ought to be pursued, namely, something beneficial. Whatever falls outside this is vain: it brings no benefit.