What is the ruling on playing cards?

Question : The questioner asks: What is the ruling on playing cards or other games at times other than prayer, without a wager or the like, given that these games may help prevent people from talking about others and backbiting?

Answer : This is like the one who says, "I eat carrion, but not pork; which is better?" It is not necessary for you to ask about the time for something that prevents you from obeying Allah. You have not set aside time for play and killing time without benefit. Allah the Exalted said: These games do not benefit the body; rather, they waste time, even if there is no exchange involved. For this reason, our Shaykh, Abd al-Rahman ibn Sa'di (may Allah have mercy on him), said that playing cards is forbidden, and that what is similar to it among games that kill time without benefit or public benefit is measured by it.