Playing Cards (FATWA)

The Question

Are cards which are generally played without gambling permissible or some sort of sin? Please explain and be rewarded. 

The Answer

It is ḥarām and a severe sin to play cards. To place a bet in it and gamble in it is ḥarām on top of ḥarām. It is an extremely disgusting and disgraceful act.

Allāh E knows best.

Answered by:

[al-Muftī al-A`ẓam] Imām Muṣṭafā Raḍā Khān al-Qādirī V