Can Muslims play paintball or laser tag?

Games and play are allowed

Islam doesn't forbid fun. The Prophet ﷺ raced, let the Abyssinians do a spear display in the mosque, and encouraged archery, which is a target game too. Games are lawful as long as they don't involve gambling, harm, indecency or neglect of prayer. Laser tag ticks all those boxes: infrared beams, vests that beep, and no injury. See also Can I still play video games as a Muslim?

The concern with paintball

Paintball pellets sting and can bruise. Some scholars are uneasy with deliberately shooting at another person, based on a few teachings:

• The Prophet ﷺ said none of us should point a weapon at our brother, because Satan might make it slip from his hand (Sahih al-Bukhari 7072).
• He told people to avoid striking the face (Sahih Muslim 2612).
• The Quran forbids putting yourself in harm's way:

Other scholars answer that the hadith on pointing weapons is about real, lethal weapons and frightening people, while paintball markers are sports equipment used by consenting players with masks and padding, much like fencing or boxing gloves. So they allow it, with conditions. Both views are held by sincere scholars; if you're unsure, laser tag gives you the same fun with no doubt at all.

Conditions to keep it halal

• Wear a full face mask and padding, and follow the venue's safety rules.
• Never aim at the head or face, and don't shoot at close range.
• No betting on the outcome, and no "losers pay" deals.
• Keep the banter clean: no cursing or humiliating people.
• Plan around prayer times; most venues have quiet corners.

Mixed groups follow the same manners as any mixed team activity. See Can I still play on a mixed sports team as a Muslim? For full-contact sports, see Can Muslims do boxing or MMA?