In the modern world, digital games have become an integral part of leisure and communication for millions. In the Islamic paradigm, gaming is viewed not only as a practical activity but also as a metaphor for earthly existence. In practice, Muslims face the problem of Islamophobia in the gaming industry, where religion is often portrayed in a negative or stereotypical manner. Showcasing the rich cultural heritage and diversity of Islam is an important step toward addressing this problem. However, the most effective solution appears to be the development of an independent gaming industry by Muslims themselves.
According to the Holy Quran, worldly life in a metaphysical sense is a temporary "game and pastime", a space bound by rules where a person is tested. The core of this "game" lies in a paradox: the need to take one's actions seriously, for eternal destiny and reward are at stake, while at the same time maintaining an inner distance from both temporal blessings and difficulties.
Regarding practical entertainment, Islam, guided by the principles of scientific evaluation, strictly distinguishes between what is permitted and what is forbidden. Gambling is prohibited, as are any games that cause harm or contradict religious teachings. At the same time, the religion recognizes the natural human need for rest and enjoyment. Understanding that the body and soul require meaningful and moderate rest, Islam affirms the necessity of play for restoring strength and maintaining a balance in the life of the believer.
The global rise of gaming is accompanied by the problem of biased representation of Muslims. Popular games like Call of Duty often portray Muslims as terrorists and barbarians — enemies to be destroyed — while American soldiers are the heroes. The emotional involvement of players leads to such images subconsciously fostering anti-Islamic sentiments, which is especially dangerous during adolescence, when worldviews are being formed.
Islamophobic motifs are also present in Counter-Strike. A striking example, cited by Turkish researchers Rasim Bayraktar and Alef Çelenk, is the map "Blagaj", named after a real city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The developers placed a verse from the Quran on the wall: "We created every living thing from water." However, the full text is missing, replaced with three meaningless Arabic letters. This detail, along with the fact that the religious building itself — the tekke in Blagaj — was transformed into a virtual battlefield, is considered a deliberate distortion of an Islamic symbol and a sign of disrespect.
Similar motifs are also evident in the distorted depiction of Muslim-majority cities. Game locations, stylized as mahallas, are depicted as desolate, often with dilapidated buildings and Arabic graffiti on the walls, regardless of geography. Mosques and madrassas, sacred to Muslims, are deliberately chosen as battlegrounds for virtual battles, transforming spaces of worship and education into arenas for violence. This is a form of symbolic humiliation and a manifestation of hostility toward Islam.
Western companies have long ignored Muslim gamers, but with the growth of this consumer segment, the situation has begun to change. A striking example of this development is Saudi Arabia's billion-dollar investment in the video game market and esports. Hijabs and full-length dresses have been added to "The Sims 4"; Ramadan-themed elements have appeared in popular shooters "Overwatch" and "Fortnite"; players are celebrating Eid al- Fitr in the farming simulator “Animal Crossing: New Horizons”.
Muslim gamers are actively adapting games to their religious norms. In Minecraft , they use mods that replace pigs and witches with permitted creatures and implement Islamic mechanics, such as fasting hours. In The Sims , players add prayer mats and even organize competitions to avoid forbidden actions. As the permissibility of certain games remains a contentious issue, Muslims not only see their benefits but also feel the need to justify them. This is indicated, for example, by active discussions on popular forums like Reddit.com with queries like: “Are there any halal video games on the computer?”
Running, archery, javelin throwing, horse racing, and martial arts are all considered encouraged in Islam, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) either approved of them or participated in them. This list represents a broad spectrum of activities for a character in a potential game consistent with Islamic principles. Computer games are now considered art, making them an attractive platform for the masterful embodiment of the Quranic concept of life as a game. However, tackling this ambitious task requires significant experience in game development.
Although Islamic game development is currently represented primarily by low-budget projects, calls for the Muslim community to actively produce their own games are growing louder. The problem of biased portrayals in the media is global – it affects both Muslims and, for example, Russian citizens, who perceive Russophobic stereotypes in the products of Western companies. The response is the development of independent projects, such as the Islamic game "Souls Diamonds", being developed in Kazan. Its creators emphasize that a cohesive community, which helps shape the game's agenda, is often more important for success than funding.
The title of this article is a quote from Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's opera "The Queen of Spades", based on the novella of the same name by Alexander Pushkin. One of the key images in this story is gambling as a metaphor for life: the calculating mind of the protagonist, a passionate gambler, is destroyed by his thirst for money and power.
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