Is it Permissible for Muslim Children to play PUBG and other Video Games? – Dr Zakir Naik

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses the widespread popularity of the video game PUBG (PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds) and its potentially harmful impact on Muslim children. The speaker highlights how many video games, including PUBG, promote violence, idol worship, nudity, gambling, and other haram (forbidden) activities in Islam. The new version of PUBG, which involves glorifying idols to gain power in the game, is specifically criticized. The speaker urges Muslim parents to avoid allowing their children to play such games, emphasizing that these games lead to addiction, neglect of prayer, and detachment from Islam, ultimately harming both children and their parents' spiritual well-being.

Takeaways

• 😀 Video games, like PUBG, are extremely popular and addictive worldwide, but they may have negative consequences, particularly for children and Muslims.
• 😀 Some video games include harmful content such as murder, witchcraft, attacks on Islam, and nudity, all of which are considered haram in Islam.
• 😀 Many video games also feature gambling, alcohol, and other haram activities, which can negatively affect players even if they are not directly involved in those activities.
• 😀 Parents are often not vigilant about the impact of video games on their children, potentially distancing them from Islam and wasting time that could be spent on more productive activities like prayer.
• 😀 Video games often contain music, sound effects, and other elements that are prohibited in Islam, contributing to the overall haram nature of many popular games.
• 😀 Many Muslim children are addicted to video games, and this addiction can interfere with essential activities such as praying at the right time.
• 😀 The new version of PUBG includes idol worship as a key part of the game, where players need to glorify idols to gain power, which is considered shirk (associating others with Allah) and a major sin in Islam.
• 😀 It is critical for Muslim parents to be cautious and avoid giving their children access to haram games, such as PUBG, especially when they glorify idol worship.
• 😀 While some video games may be acceptable if they do not contradict Islamic teachings, the best practice is to avoid most games unless they are confirmed to be sharia-compliant.
• 😀 Video games that promote harmful content can have serious consequences for the spiritual and moral development of children, making it essential for parents to monitor and control their children's gaming habits.

Q & A

What is the main concern raised in the video regarding modern video games?

The main concern is that many modern video games, including popular ones like PUBG, contain elements that are prohibited in Islam, such as killing, glorification of witchcraft, idol worship, nudity, and gambling.

Why is idol worship specifically mentioned as problematic in video games?

Idol worship is problematic because it is considered a major sin in Islam. The new version of PUBG, for instance, includes a feature where players must glorify idols to gain in-game power, which directly promotes idol worship.

How does the video describe the impact of video games on children?

The video explains that video games, especially those with haram elements, distract children from their religious duties, such as prayer, and negatively influence their moral and spiritual development. Parents are urged to avoid giving children access to such games.

What specific elements in video games are considered haram in Islam?

Elements such as murder (especially killing innocent people), witchcraft, idol worship, nudity, gambling, and the use of alcohol or other haram activities are considered haram in video games, as they promote unethical behavior contrary to Islamic principles.

How does the video explain the role of parents in controlling their children's access to video games?

Parents are encouraged to take responsibility for their children's exposure to video games. They should avoid giving them access to games that include haram elements, as this can lead children away from Islam and impact their behavior and spiritual development.

What does the video say about the popularity of PUBG and its impact on players?

The video highlights that PUBG is one of the most popular games worldwide, with millions of downloads, including among children. It notes that PUBG's gameplay, which involves killing and survival, can be addictive and distract players from their religious obligations, such as prayer.

Is there any mention of the role of technology and mobile phones in children's lives?

Yes, the video mentions that parents often give their children mobile phones to keep them occupied, but this can be harmful. The video argues that giving young children mobile phones and allowing them to play video games can lead to addiction and distract them from their spiritual duties.

What is the significance of the new version of PUBG released in April 2020?

The new version of PUBG introduced a feature where players must glorify idols to obtain weapons and equipment. This feature has been criticized because it promotes idol worship, a major sin in Islam, making the game even more problematic for Muslim players.

Are there any video games that are considered permissible in Islam?

Yes, the video mentions that there may be some video games that are halal, as long as they do not contain haram elements such as violence, idol worship, or other immoral activities. However, it's recommended to avoid most video games unless they are sure to comply with Islamic principles.

What is the video’s stance on the general impact of video games on society?

The video takes a critical stance, suggesting that many video games promote harmful behavior, distract people from religious and moral responsibilities, and negatively impact both children and adults. The video urges people to be cautious and avoid engaging in games that conflict with Islamic values.