Game rules Free Fire FF, or what's often called "Free Fire," has recently become a hot topic of debate. The question "Is Free Fire haram or not?" frequently arises, especially among parents and players themselves.
Some worry that this game could cause players to neglect their religious obligations, become addicted, and even be influenced negatively. However, on the other hand, FF is a very popular entertainment and can be a place for creativity and social interaction.
So, what exactly is Islam's view on this game? Is it truly forbidden? Let's find out the answer based on the views of Islamic scholars and religious teachers.
To discuss the Islamic law regarding the Free Fire game specifically, it's helpful to begin by examining the basis for why an activity, including gaming, is considered prohibited under Islamic law. There are at least several criteria that are typically used as a reference.
Neglecting obligatory acts of worship, such as the five daily prayers. If you play games to the point of forgetting prayer times, that's certainly a major problem. A Muslim's primary obligation is to worship Allah SWT, and no activity should interfere with that.
Contains elements of gambling or betting. In Islam, gambling is forbidden. If a game involves betting with real money, it is considered forbidden.
Contains violence or inappropriate content. Games filled with excessive violence, blood, or other inappropriate content can be morally damaging, especially for children.
Causes harmful addiction. Too much of anything is bad. Gaming addiction can make someone lazy, unproductive, and neglect other obligations, such as studying or working.
So, from the criteria above, we can be more objective in assessing FF.
FF Haram or Not? This is the view of the Ustads
Free Fire characters. Source: Garena Free Fire/Google
So, what about Free Fire itself? Does this game meet the criteria for being haram? Let's see the opinions of several prominent Islamic scholars.
Ustad Adi Hidayat once stated that the law on gaming depends on its purpose and impact. If gaming is merely a hobby and doesn't interfere with religious observances, it's not haram. However, if the game causes someone to forget to pray, neglect their responsibilities, or even contains elements of gambling, it could be haram.
Ustad Abdul Somad. Ustad Abdul Somad has also touched on the topic of online games. He argues that as long as the games don't contain elements of shirk (polytheism), gambling, or anything contrary to Islamic law, they are not haram. He also emphasized the importance of managing time and not overdoing it. Essentially, if playing games to the point of neglecting prayer, that's a problem.
Ustad Zulkifli M. Ali emphasized the dangers of addiction. According to him, severe gaming addiction, to the point of neglecting obligations and becoming lazy, can make it haram (forbidden). Therefore, games like Free Fire, which allow players to play continuously, have the potential to trigger addiction problems if they lack adequate self-control.
From the views of the three Ustads above, we can draw the same conclusion. None of them directly stated that Free Fire is absolutely haram. What makes this game haram is its impact on the players themselves.
So, playing FF is allowed, as long as...
Free Fire. Source: Garena Free Fire
Generally speaking, playing Free Fire is not considered haram, as long as it does not neglect the responsibilities or obligations that a Muslim must fulfill. Here are some tips for playing safely. FF games so it's more blessed and doesn't violate the Shari'a:
Always prioritize prayer. If the call to prayer has sounded, immediately turn off the game and pray.
Don't overdo it. Limit your gaming time. For example, 1-2 hours per day is enough. Don't let yourself get so engrossed in gaming that you forget to sleep, study, or interact with your family.
Avoid top up excessive. Even if you want to top up, make sure it's only for in-game cosmetic purposes and doesn't interfere with other life needs. Don't let it happen top up up to millions of rupiah which ultimately becomes waste.
Maintain etiquette while playing. Watch your words and avoid toxicBehavior. Remember, your mouth is your tiger. Don't let the game become an arena for you to utter foul language.
Once you can play Free Fire, you don't have to worry about whether it's haram. Therefore, playing this game is permissible, as long as players understand and adhere to the established limits.