Sports

Bismihi ta'ala

Yes, video games are halal to play, and so is any other halal entertainment, as long as it does not entail anything that is haram. 

Things that could make it haram is watching indecent scenes, learning bad habits, like swear words, abandoning your obligations, like prayer. 

Just a few things to keep in mind when it comes to games:

1. Unfortunately, a lot of games have very graphic content, whether it be nudity or extreme violence. You have to be aware of this, and make the right choices. If its too graphic, with excessive sexual content, or too much violence, then do not expose yourself to this. It's not worth it. Keep your soul pure and innocent. 

2. In Islam, vulgar and offensive language and usage of swear words is haram and a sin. It carries many negative consequences, and we must avoid engaging in such conduct. Sadly, many youngsters are exposed to this, in TV programs and in games, so much that we have become desensitized to them. Try to minimize this damage, and do not allow yourself to pick up on such a habit. 

3. Time management. Manage your time, and do not become too consumed into the game. Being in front of a screen for a long time is not good at all. Balance your life, and learn to do that on your own. Bit of entertainment, bit of work, bit of study, bit of family, bit of a outdoor, bit of house chores, and so on. Take breaks, especially for salat time, and just make sure you don't lose track of time. 

4. If you are under age, approval from parents is very important. Tell your parents what you are playing, what its rated, how much time you are going to spend playing, and so on. If you know your parents do not allow you to play a certain game, or play online, or play too much, comply and respect that. Learn to do as you are told, even if you don't like it. 

5. Stay away from online gaming as much as you can, especially if you are young. If you want to play online, make sure there is correct supervision, and you know what you are doing. 

6. Do not spend too much money on these things. You don't need to have the latest game, and buy it for highest price just because it is new and just came out. Wait a while, and the price will drop, then buy it. Trade games, and limit your budget. Think about something more generous to do. If you have a console you do not want, give it to a poor person, and give them games as well. Thinking of charity and children who are not as privileged is also a very important thing to do. 

With prayers for your success. 

Bismihi ta'ala

It would all depend on what type of music it is, playing in the background of the game. 

I'm sure you know that there is halal music, and there is haram music. Should the music be music that is commonly used for haram gatherings, or have explicit language, the you can play the game, but mute the sound. 

Ultimately, you are the one who decides whether it is appropriate to listen to, or not, and your judgment should be based on your correct understanding of halal/haram music.

And Allah knows best. 

Bismihi ta'ala

Yes, it is permissible to play snooker/pool, as long as it does not entail anything haram, like gambling, etc. 

And Allah knows best.

Bismihi ta'aa

I would say we cannot give a yes, or no answer to this question, as there are many issues to take in mind. 

Yes, from a Fiqhi perspective, there is no problem in itself with women watching men "playing sports." There would be a problem if the men were topless, for example. There is also no shar'i requirement that every woman who attends, Muslim or not, must observe Hijab. Unless of course it is an Islamic country where Islamic dresscode is applied to all in public. 

An issue that we need to look into is whether the atmosphere is appropriate for young boys, or girls, or even women. Will there be excessive swearing and offensive language thrown around. Is the mixing between genders so much that it would be an inappropriate environment for a mu'min/mu'minah to be in. 

Is it culturally accepted, for women to go to such a tournament, or will it be taken as something bad, or she will be criticised, or spoken ill about. 

It is clear that we are influenced and dragged into today's sports culture, and we might have an interest in following some sports group, or be serious fans. At the same time, we have religious and moral principles that we must never abandon.

This applies to both genders as well. Our level of modesty, evaluating where we should go and where we should not go, looking into the shar'i, social and cultural aspects of what we participate in, and other important factors. 

More can be said about this, but in general the mukallaf must try to look at this from different angles, and like everything else be as cautious as possible, choosing what would bring him/her closer to Allah ta'ala.

With prayers for your success.