“The intention of the believer is more valuable than his action” (Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 70, p. 210).This powerful hadith highlights the importance of intention in our daily lives, even when it comes to entertainment.

As a Muslim, I used to enjoy video games for hours without being mindful of my intention behind it. I would just sit down and play to unwind without realizing how much time I was wasting. But as I grew more conscious of my faith, I realized the importance of intention and how it can impact every aspect of my life, including gaming.

1. Intention is the key to everything in Islam: In Islam, our intention is the most important factor in determining the value of any action. The Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) said, “Verily, deeds are only with intentions.” This means that our intentions behind any action, including playing video games, can affect the outcome of that action. If our intention is pure and good, then the action becomes an act of worship, but if our intention is bad, then the action becomes sinful.
2. Intention affects the quality of our gaming experience: If our intention is to use gaming as a way to relax and unwind, then we can fully enjoy the experience. However, if our intention is to escape reality or to avoid our responsibilities, then our gaming experience becomes problematic. By being mindful of our intention, we can better control our behavior and make sure that we are using our time in a productive and beneficial way.
3. Gaming can be a way to connect with others: One of the benefits of gaming is that it can be a social activity, allowing us to connect with others and form friendships. When we have good intentions behind our gaming, such as to spend quality time with family or to make new friends, then we can benefit from these social interactions and strengthen our relationships.
   
4. Gaming can be a way to learn and improve skills: Many video games require problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and hand-eye coordination. When we approach gaming with the intention of learning and improving our skills, we can benefit from the mental exercise and become better at the game and in life.
5. Gaming can be a way to relax and unwind: There is nothing inherently wrong with using gaming as a way to relax and unwind, as long as it is done with the right intention. By being mindful of our intention, we can make sure that we are using gaming in a healthy and beneficial way, without letting it consume our lives or distract us from our responsibilities.

In conclusion, being mindful of our intentions when it comes to gaming can help us make the most of our time and avoid negative consequences. By approaching gaming with the right intention, we can benefit from the entertainment, social connections, and skills that it offers.

As a developer at Sabr Path, we believe that video games can have positive impacts on our lives if we approach them with intention and mindfulness. Our upcoming 2D platformer, Beware, is a game that encourages players to think about their choices and actions. Follow our Steam wishlist to stay updated on its development and release.