Question Summary:
Are video games, in particular games such as God of War 3, permissible in Islam?

Question Detail:

I just want to know islamically where we stand when it comes to video games. I have just played a game called god of war 3 which is based on greek mythology. Although i dont believe in any aspect of the game and its story line a thought had hit me that islamically where do we stand when it comes to these games.
Basically the character is someone that kills greek gods in the game based on greek mythology. I would greatly appreciate it if you could clear this up for me as i want to eliminate as many haram things from my life as i can.

Answer :

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
Verily, Allah has created us for the purpose of His worship[1]. One should adopt only those actions that lead us to the recognition, pleasure and nearness of Allah. Likewise, all futile and useless activities which result in no good in both the worlds should be abandoned[2]. Allah says, “And from among the people, there is he who buys the distracting amusement of things, so that he, being devoid of knowledge, may mislead (people) from the Way of Allah and make a mockery of it. Such people are the ones for whom there is a disgraceful punishment”[3]
Video games generally fall in the category of amusement (lahw) and is thus detested and should be avoided[4]. The perfection of a person`s faith and obedience is in his abstinence from that which is useless and brings forth no goodness[5]. The playing of video games not only prevents a person from using time effectively but generally involves listening to music and vulgar language, viewing indecent material and is also responsible for serious social and psychological implications too[6].
It will be impermissible to play any video game which either:
(1) brings forth no good in this world or the Hereafter;
(2) Entails anything contrary to Islamic law;
(3) Comprises more harm and evil than benefit and good;
(4) Or is simply undertaken for amusement purposes and is a hindrance from total servitude to Allah[7].
The video game in question, `God of War`, nevertheless comprises of no goodness, involves violence and brutality against the creation, forms an addiction, and moreover, fundamentally many of the aspects contradict the tenets of Islamic faith. Amongst many factors, the game depicts `God` as deceiving, cunning, helpless, prone to err and defeated.  Allah, in reality, is pure from any defect or weakness and from similarity to any creation[8]. This game may have a detrimental effect to a person`s faith and spiritual wellbeing. To attribute such characteristics to Allah even in play and joke will constitute kufr [9]and disbelief[10].
The specific video game in reference, God of War 3, is clearly prohibited.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Hanif Yusuf Patel
Student, Darul Iftaa
UK
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.