Rules of entertainment and recreation in Islam

[This is a Fatwa given by Mufti Syed Ziauddin Naqshbandi Qadri on the rules, limits and permissibility of recreation and entertainment in Islam]

Walaikum Assalamalaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa barakutuhu! Joking with each other within the limits of the Shariah or engaging in something without wasting time is permissible. In joking, nothing should be said which hurts anybody, neither should it involve backbiting (Gheebah) nor lies nor anything objectionable.

In the same way, going to different places for entertainment or watching such television programs, which do not waste time and do not make the viewer heedless (of Allah Ta'ala) and/or which increase one's knowledge, which do not contain anything which is prohibited in the Shariah, is also permissible.

Pursuing other beneficial knowledge, along with fulfilling the Fardh, Wajib and Islamic knowledge is established by the Hadith.

In any case, performing Mustahab (Commendable) activities is far more preferable than doing something, which is just permitted (Mubah) and this also befits a Muslim.

At all times and especially at the time of recreation, the following should be kept in mind:

Indecency (Bepardagi – Urdu) should be avoided. Free mixing of the sexes should be avoided. A Non-Mahram should not even be seen. Impermissible poetry or songs, etc. should not be heard. Useless talk should not be there.

So much time should not be sent in recreation that other religious and social responsibilities are affected. The five daily Salaat should not be ignored. In picnics, etc. joking, humor, etc. can be done, but it should not involve lies, cheating of any kind and no one should be hurt or humiliated.

In short, no Fardh should be ignored and no forbidden act should be committed. With these rules, recreation is permissible.

And Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) knows best.

Mufti Syed Ziauddin Naqshbandi Qadri,
Naib Shaykh Ul Fiqh, Jamia Nizamia,
Founder/Director Abul Hasanaat Islamic Research Center.