Jallad Harami Game

Jallad Harami Game is a traditional game commonly played by children across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly in Makkah al-Mukarramah Province. The game involves four players and requires a matchbox or pieces of paper for writing.

Players need an empty matchbox, with each side representing a specific role, or pieces of paper labeled with the four roles to be assigned based on the draw results. The roles are: the Ruler, the Executioner 'Jallad', the Minister, and the Thief 'Harami'.

The game can be played in two ways for distributing roles. If using a matchbox, the player throws it into the air, and it can land in one of four positions: If the matchbox stands on its end, the player becomes the Ruler; if it lands on its side, the player is the Minister; if it lands with its face up, the player is the Executioner; and if it lands with its face down, the player takes on the role of the Thief, which is considered the challenging role in the game.

Alternatively, if pieces of paper are available, the four roles for the game can be written on them, ensuring that the pieces are identical in color and size to avoid distinguishing them. These papers are then folded in the same manner and size and scattered on the ground. Each of the four players picks one of the scraps and opens it to see the role they will play. The game then officially begins with the Ruler announcing the punishment for the Thief, which involves strikes on the hand carried out by the Executioner. If the Thief refuses the punishment, all players collaborate to enforce it.