Is it permissible to play games that contain false religious symbols?

There is a new football video game called “UFL.” The gameplay and graphics were digitally rendered using Unreal Engine 5. Hand-drawn illustrations were used only for early concept designs; they are not included in the game. However, the game features customization options that may include false symbols of faith (BLF). Furthermore, the game includes real players, some of whom may have tattoos depicting such symbols. Moreover, many deceased players, such as Pelé and Maradona, are shown as active and living characters in the game.
In this case:
a) Is it permissible in Islam to play this game?
b) Since the company generates financial profit through active users, is playing the game indirectly regarded as supporting those false symbols or polytheism (shirk)?
c) Is the use of deceased individuals who are depicted as if they were still alive considered a sin or polytheism?

Dear Brother / Sister,

a) Is it permissible to play the game?

The ruling on a game depends on its content. If a game promotes symbols of polytheism or wrong faiths, offends religious sensibilities, or encourages haram elements, it is not considered permissible to play that game.

The Quran instructs believers to stay away from falsehood:

“They turn away from falsehood.” (al-Muminun 3)

b) Is playing it regarded as indirect support?

Yes, it is, and the earnings are not halal (permissible).

If an action directly aids a haram deed, it is necessary to avoid it. The following is stated in the Quran:

“Do not help one another in sin and aggression.” (al-Maida, 2)

Therefore, if a game explicitly aims to promote or encourage polytheistic symbols, it is not considered appropriate to support it.

c) Using deceased individuals as digital characters

The mere inclusion of an individual (for example, a historical or athletic figure) as a character in a game does not, in itself, constitute polytheism because it does not involve worship or deification; it is merely a representation (depiction).

If it does not contradict Islamic beliefs, decrees, and ethics, it is not a sin.

Conclusion:

- If the game promotes wrong faiths or polytheistic symbols, it is better not to play it.

- We should not support things that spread this kind of content.

- However, the mere existence of deceased individuals as digital characters is not, in itself, considered a sin or polytheism.

Questions on Islam