Islam's Balanced Approach to Life and Recreation

Our religion, Islam, never overburdens the creation and disposition. While fulfilling all physical deeds, it does not neglect the entertainment—a natural need of human beings. Islam acts completely in accordance with religious and Shariah orders, integrating balance into every aspect of life.

Prophetic Example in Recreation and Sports

Our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) served as the best example for humanity in every field of life. He used to join the games of children and, in the meantime, explain divine orders. He once shouldered Hz. Aisha so she could watch the Abyssinians' archery competition. The Messenger of Allah carried Hz. Aisha until she gave up watching. He also raced against Hz. Aisha and wrestled with a polytheist named Rükana. Through his victory in wrestling, the Prophet (pbuh) demonstrated that Islam would prevail and dominate all opposing views.

Approved Sports and Their Spiritual Significance

Our holy religion approves of sport activities such as:

Archery
Horse-riding
Swimming

In each of these activities, worship and good deeds are aimed for. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) emphasized their importance through various hadiths:

"Do not neglect to play with your arches."

"For one giving up or forgetting horse-riding after learning it: 'He is not one of us' or 'He rebels against me,' and 'He does ungratefulness for one of Allah's blessings.'"

"Learn archery because between two targets of archery is a garden of Eden."

"Archery is not a fun but the best thing to learn."

"Mela'ikah (angels) do not attend any entertainment except archery and horse-riding."

Relevance in Modern Context

In the Battle of Uhud, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) personally handed arrows to Hz. Sad, who said, "O Allah's Prophet! Let my parents be sacrificed for your sake." Today, cyber attacks with codes are analogous to the arrows of that time. Similarly, a kind word that wins hearts remains crucial in today's jihad.

Encouragement of Healthy Competition

The Prophet (pbuh) participated in horse-racing himself. When his camel, Adba, fell behind after consistently winning, he remarked, "One who always goes forward falls behind." He encouraged healthy competition with the words:

"Compete with one another in good deeds, carry the flag on behalf of the other if he falls behind and reach the goal. Support one another in good deeds."

He advised children to learn horse-riding and encouraged horse and camel racing. Like writing, he gave importance to swimming. Hz. Umar (ra) echoed this by saying:

"Teach your children swimming and riding; walking barefoot between two targets."

Spiritual Benefits and Forgiveness

Engaging in good deeds, including sports, can lead to the forgiveness of sins. Activities such as:

Irshad (guidance)
Self-improvement
Visitation
Condolence
Satisfying a mumin's need
Working for lawful (halal) livelihood

are all means through which sins may be forgiven. As stated in a hadith:

"Anyone whose both feet get covered with dust in Allah's Cause will not be touched by the (Hell) fire."

Symbolism in Play and Entertainment

Even in playful activities, there are deeper lessons. Hz. Hasan and Hz. Hussein once wrestled, and the Prophet (pbuh) supported Hz. Hasan. When the companions asked why, he replied, "Jibreel supported Hz. Hussain." This incident illustrates how games and entertainment in our religion represent the greatness of Islam and the contempt of kufr (disbelief).

Alemdar (Nisan 2016)