Wisdom Pearls of Islam

Entertainment in ISLAM

the limits mentioned in Quran and authentic Sunnah are adhered to, all other forms of entertainment would be considered halal, there are, however, some forms of entertainment that have been encouraged in Islam by the Prophet (pbuh). We should strive to use these means to entertain ourselves.

Spending time with spouse and children

There is no form of relaxation and fun more rewarding in both the worlds than that of spending time with one’s family. The Prophet’s encouragement of this can be found in many hadiths mentioning that he played, joked and raced with his wives. They would tell him stories, and he would play with the children and make them laugh. The Prophet (pbuh) was a role model as a family man. Indeed, it would take an entire book to discuss the Prophet (pbuh) as a role model within the family.

Spending time with one’s family and having fun together is a major factor in keeping the family united and close. It develops trust and love for each other and brings peace to the household. True Muslims find peace and enjoyment at home with their own families and do not need to escape from them to be entertained.

It is this family unity that has been lost in the modern age, when each member of the family lives a separate life. Sadly, although the members of a family may live under one roof, they may not even meet to share a meal together. If we are to revive the unity of our families, we must revive the concept of family time.

The following are some hadiths that shed light all the importance of and reward for spending time with one’s family:

The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Any act devoid of the remembrance of Allah is void except four: shooting, training a horse, playing with one’s family and swimming.” (Recorded by 8ayhaqi and at-Tabarani with a good chain of narrators)

“A’ishah (ra) narrated that while she was on a journey with the Messenger of Allah, she had a race with the Prophet (pbuh) and won. Later, after she had gained some weight, she again had a race with him, and be won. He said: This is for that.” (A sound hadith recorded by Abu Dawood)

The Prophet (pbuh) said: “When a Muslim spends something on his family, intending to receive Allah’s reward, it is regarded as charity for him.” (Bukhari)

The time that married couples spend together also falls into this category. Besides spending time with the children, it is important that spouses spend time with each other, enjoying each other’s company and increasing their love for each other. Sex, including foreplay, is an important ingredient for a happy married life; it is also an act for which one is rewarded. One of the best forms of permissible entertainment is for spouses to enjoy each other physically. The only specific prohibitions between a husband and wife are anal sex and sex during a woman’s menstrual period and post-natal period. Anything else that spouses do to satisfy each other is permissible, but it is forbidden for the husband or the wife to discuss their sexual relations with others. The following are some important hadiths regarding spousal relationships:

The Prophet (pbuh) said: “You shall be rewarded for every deed that you perform solely for Allah’s pleasure, even if that deed is putting something in the mouth of your wife.” (Bukhari)

The Prophet (pbuh) once told a young Companion who married an older, previously-married woman: “Why haven’t you married a virgin who would have played with you, and you would have played with her?” (Bukhari)

The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Every tasbeeh (saying subhan Allah (glory be to Allah)] is charity; every takbeer [saying Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest)] is charity, every tamheed [saying alhamdulilldh (all praise is for Allab)] is charity, every tahleel [saying la ilaha illa Allah (there is no God but Allah)] is charity, enjoining what is good is charity, forbidding what is evil is charity and in your sexual act is charity. The Companions asked: Oh Messenger of Allah! How can one of us get rewarded for fulfilling his desires? The Prophet (pbuh) replied: Do you not see that you are sinning and are punished if you fulfil it in a hararn manner? Similarly, you get rewarded for fulfilling it in a halal manner.” (Muslim)