CARD PLAYING WITHOUT GAMBLING
Question:
If playing cards does not prevent one from praying, and if playing cards does not involve gambling, is it unlawful?
Answer:
Card playing is unlawful, even if it does not involve gambling, because it is a frivolous activity that prevents one from both remembering Allaah Almighty and praying. Furthermore it is an activity that leads to gambling, which is definitely unlawful Allaah Almighty says: O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), gambling, Al-Ansab (stone altars), and Al-Azlam (arrows for seeking luck and decision) are an abomination of Shaytans handiwork.1
So avoid that in order that you may be successful. [1] And with Allaah is the facilitation to do what is right. May Allaah send peace and blessings upon Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
[1] Al-Maidah 5:90
Permanent Committee for Research and Verdicts
Fatawa Islamiyah Vol. 8 Page 262