Is it permissible to play board games such as Scrabble with ones wife? What about games that are played with a dice, such as Monopoly?

Assalaamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullaahi Wa Barakaatuhu%0D%0A%0D%0A%0ANabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'Anything that distracts from%0D%0ADivine rememberance is void besides four things: Amusing oneself with one's%0D%0Aspouse, training one's horse, moving between targets (archery or similar%0D%0Asports) and learning the art of swimming.' (Diraayah vol.2 pg.475; Deoband)%0D%0A%0D%0AHe (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) is also reported to have said, 'Anything%0D%0Athat distracts from the Dhikr (rememberance) of Allah is Maysir (gambling,%0D%0Ai.e. prohibited as is gambling). (Hidaaya vol.2 pg.475; Deoband)%0D%0A%0D%0AOn the basis of these Ahaadith and numerous others like them, the Fuqahaa%0D%0A(jurists) have derived a few principles:%0D%0A1. Every game associated with gambling is prohibited.%0D%0A2. Any pastime that is the object of such engrossment that induces%0D%0Anegligence or laxity towards Deeni obligations is prohibited.%0D%0A3. All amusements and pastimes having no worldly or spiritual benefits are%0D%0Aprohibited.%0D%0A%0D%0AThus, anything not falling within the ambit of these e principles cannot be%0D%0Aclassified as impermissible.%0D%0A%0D%0Aand Allah Ta'ala Knows Best%0D%0A%0D%0AMufti Ebrahim Desai%0D%0AFATWA DEPT.%0D%0A%0D%0A