Video games have increasingly become vehicles for historical storytelling. However, games focusing on early Islamic history are rare due to religious sensitivities regarding the depiction of prophets and companions. The Quraish game (Arabic: لعبة قريش) stands out as a notable exception. Rather than focusing on religious figures, it centers on the tribal structure and economy of Mecca before the first revelation. This paper argues that the game functions as an interactive simulation of Jahiliyyah (pre-Islamic ignorance) society, designed to contrast it with the transformative impact of Islam.
Religious scholars have debated the game’s permissibility. The majority view, as issued by Al-Azhar in 2004, permitted it because it does not simulate divine attributes, avoids depicting prophets with face models, and frames Jahiliyyah practices critically. quraish game
Abstract The Quraish game is a historical strategy and educational video game developed by Syrian publisher Dar Al-Fikr in the early 2000s. Set in the Arabian Peninsula prior to the rise of Islam, the game allows players to experience the economic, political, and social life of the Quraish tribe in Mecca. This paper examines the game’s narrative mechanics, its portrayal of pre-Islamic society, and its role as a tool for cultural preservation and religious education. While limited by early 2000s technology, the game remains a unique artifact in the niche genre of Islamic historical gaming. Video games have increasingly become vehicles for historical
