Islamist Taliban bans chess in Afghanistan over gambling concerns

KABUL,— Taliban authorities have banned chess across Afghanistan, citing concerns over gambling, which is prohibited under the country’s strict interpretation of Islamic law.

The ban, which is effective immediately, has sparked debate over the role of the game in Afghan society.

Atal Mashwani, a spokesperson for Afghanistan’s sports directorate, confirmed the decision on Sunday, telling AFP that chess is viewed as a form of gambling under Sharia law.

“Chess is considered a means of gambling, which is prohibited according to the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice law,” Mashwani said.

He added that “religious considerations” led to the decision and that the game would remain suspended until those concerns are addressed.

Afghanistan’s Taliban government, which seized control of the country in 2021, has been enforcing regulations aligned with a strict interpretation of Islamic principles.

The new restrictions on chess are part of a broader effort by the government to regulate sports and public life in line with their vision of Sharia law.

According to Mashwani, the national chess federation has not hosted any official events for nearly two years due to leadership issues. However, informal chess games have continued in various locations, including cafes in Kabul.

Azizullah Gulzada, who operates a cafe in Kabul that has hosted local chess competitions, denied that gambling took place in the games. He emphasized that chess is widely played in other Muslim-majority countries.

“Many other Islamic countries have players on an international level,” he told AFP. Gulzada expressed disappointment at the suspension, noting that it would impact his business and the young people who frequented his cafe to play chess.

“Youth in Afghanistan have limited recreational options, and many young people came here daily to play chess and socialize,” he explained. “It’s a popular activity that provided a safe space for them.”

The Taliban government has also restricted other forms of entertainment in recent years. Women have been largely barred from participating in sports, and other activities such as mixed martial arts (MMA) have been banned for being deemed “too violent” and incompatible with Islamic principles.

A religious expert, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained to iKurd that the Taliban’s actions were not innovations, but rather strictly aligned with Islamic teachings.

“The Taliban are not creating their own rules; they are doing exactly what Islam calls for,” the expert said.

“These prohibitions, including those against women, are all explicitly mentioned in Islamic texts.” The expert further added that the Taliban’s approach is consistent with the Islamic State group’s actions in the past, noting that both groups are following similar principles derived directly from Islam.

The expert explained that people can gamble with anything, even something as simple as flipping a coin.

In addition, the expert stated that Islam’s image in the West is intentionally distorted, portraying the religion as one of peace and tolerance. “The real Islam, as taught in schools and universities, is very different from the peaceful image that is often promoted,” the expert told iKurd.

In a 2017 statement, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized that there is “no such thing as moderate Islam,” reinforcing the idea that Islamic law governs all aspects of life.

Islam prohibits alcohol, pork, usury, gambling, adultery, lying, backbiting, immodesty, idolatry, improper relations between non-mahram men and women, fortune-telling, unlawful foods, creating images or statues, and music or dance that leads to immorality or distracts from worship.

It also prohibits women from uncovering any part of their bodies in public and forbids women’s education. These prohibitions aim to uphold moral integrity, faith, and obedience to Allah.

(With files from AFP | Agencies)