Context:

The Taliban government in Afghanistan has indefinitely banned chess, citing concerns that it may be a form of gambling incompatible with Islamic law. This move is part of a broader trend by the Taliban since their takeover in August 2021 to impose strict regulations aligned with their interpretation of Islamic law. The suspension of chess follows previous bans on other sports, including mixed martial arts, due to its violent nature. The decision has impacted local businesses, such as a Kabul cafe that hosted informal chess competitions, affecting social activities for young people. Despite the ban in Afghanistan, chess continues to be played in other Muslim-majority countries, highlighting differing interpretations of Islamic law regarding the game.

Dive Deeper:

• The Taliban has suspended the game of chess in Afghanistan over concerns it may encourage gambling, which they believe contradicts Islamic principles, and the ban will remain until its compatibility with Islamic law is assessed.

• The prohibition of chess is part of the Taliban's broader agenda since taking power in August 2021 to enforce laws that reflect their strict interpretation of Islamic law, impacting various aspects of Afghan society.

• Prior to the chess ban, the Taliban also outlawed certain sports like mixed martial arts, citing its violent nature and incompatibility with Sharia law, demonstrating a pattern of restricting activities seen as un-Islamic.

• Local businesses, such as a cafe in Kabul where young people would gather to play chess, have been adversely affected by the ban, reducing social opportunities for youth in a country with limited recreational activities.

• Chess is still played in other Muslim-majority countries, indicating that there are varying interpretations of Islamic law regarding the game, contrasting with the Taliban's stance in Afghanistan.