Evaluation of electronic games within the scope of al-daruriyyat al-khams

Islam has established numerous rules, encompassing commands, prohibitions, and prohibitions, to ensure individuals' happiness in this world and the hereafter. While some of these rules pertain to principles of faith and morality, legal principles have also been incorporated. These principles, broadly classified by scholars under the concept of "necessity" and grouped under five headings, are considered essential elements of Islam. This study investigates the potential adverse effects of contemporary electronic games on these five essential values within the context of Islamic jurisprudence. It begins by elaborating on the overarching objectives of Islamic law (Maqasid al-Sharīʿa) and the concept of al-ḍarūriyyat al-khamsa, followed by an exploration of the historical development of games and their place within Islamic legal discourse. The final sections assess the evolution of electronic games and examine the potential harms they may pose to the five essential objectives, offering a critical perspective on how such modern entertainment tools should be approached from an Islamic standpoint. Particular attention is given to issues such as gambling, theft, usury, and illicit sexual conduct, as well as the use of substances like alcohol and narcotics that threaten mental health. These behaviors are analyzed within the framework of preserving the five essential values, alongside the corresponding penal measures prescribed in Islamic law.