By Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (DB)
The hype and talk presently is the World Cup 2010. Soccer-mania has gripped the mind, the heart, the
speech, the time and the money of many, many Muslims.
And these many, many Muslims argue : “It’s ONCE IN A LIFETIME…We are the HOST country … It’s
the World Cup which cannot be missed at any cost…”,
And we naively believe that these reasons give us the go-ahead to support, promote and participate.
But there is one serious fact which makes us unsuitable and incompatible for what I would describe as
an International “upsurge of sins” – and that reason is : We are Muslims. And we are very fortunate
that we are Muslims. As such, there is no compatibility between a Muslim and sin.
Let us discuss why we, as Muslims, cannot and should not align ourselves to the World Cup.
Let us read with an open heart and mind.
REASONS Why MUSLIMS should NOT ATTEND and
NOT SUPPORT the World Cup:
1.) SALAAH
It is a common observance, that many, many Muslims are totally neglectful of Salaah when it comes to
International, National or local sporting events. Even those who have some link with the Masaajid, will
choose to forego Salaah in Jamaat and even the Salaah itself, so as not to miss a moment in watching
men run after a ball.
Let us relate this to real life and the inevitable : How will this benefit us in this world and the
hereafter ? Will any one of these sports players be able to intercede on our behalf, before Allah Ta’ala,
when we have to account for our actions, for our indulgence in futile and even Haraam activities?
Our Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa-Sallam) said : “…Do not forgo Salaah intentionally, lest you should get
out of the fold of Islam. Do not perpetrate disobedience to Allah, lest you deserve His Wrath…”
Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa-Sallam) also said: “The dividing line between kufr and Imaan is Salaah.”
And : “A person who has missed one Salaah is like one who has lost all his family and wealth.”
Just as we would be grief-stricken at the loss of all of our beloved family members and the loss of all
of our wealth, properties, etc. similarly should we grieve over losing just ONE Salaah?
Those few who do perform Salaah at the stadium or grounds, whilst the shouting, screaming, music,
drink and other sins are being engaged in simultaneously, should think for themselves of what a display
of hypocrisy they make.
2.) WASTAGE AND EXTRAVAGANCE
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Allah Ta’ala states explicitly : “…And do not squander recklessly. Surely, squanderers are brothers to
Shayateen, and Shaytaan is very ungrateful to his Lord.”
[Surah Bani Israeel 17 : 26/27]
Spending R800 or R1000, whether more or less, on one ticket – and we know many are spending
much, much more, on many tickets - is money wasted, and wastage and squandering are categorized as
sin in Islam – whether on that which is permissible or otherwise. Moreover, the sin is compounded
when it is being spent to view something which is at a place hosting a combination of evils.
Besides the tickets for the various matches, much more money will be spent on travel and
accommodation – with airfares and rates going through the roof.
Consider how many loaves of bread, how many litres of milk or necessities of life, could have been
provided for thousands that live below the bread line or thousands more that are in dire need of
medical assistance … How can we be so complacent when so many are without food, water, electricity,
medicine and other such needs ? Doesn’t our Imaan and conscience trouble us in the least ?
Moreover, wastage and extravagance are a cause of drought, high cost living and other forms of
punishment.
3.) MUSIC
Almost every venue, event and occasion today seems to demand “music” as part of the entertainment.
As Muslims, we know fully well, that music is not the “pleasure” of a true believer because Nabi
(Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa-Sallam) specifically mentioned that one of his objectives was to destroy musical
instruments.
Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa-Sallam) said : “My Rabb has commanded me to destroy all musical
instruments…” and also : “Music causes hypocrisy to grow in the heart just as water causes crops to
grow.”
According to another Hadith of Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa-Sallam): ‘Music is from Shaytaan and
accommodating it in anyway is nifaaq (hypocrisy).’
Ibn Walih (RA) said : “Beware of music because music reduces shame, it increases lust and destroys
one’s dignity and respect. Its effect is like the effect of alcohol.”
Then, would it be morally correct for a MUSLIM to be present at such an event where Music is ‘a must
have’ ?
4.) ALCOHOL
The Ahadith make mention : “Wine is the gatherer of sin.”, “Wine is the route to indecency and is one
of the major sins.”
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Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa-Sallam) also said : “….and do not take to drinking, for that is the mother
of all evils.”
Every person that is associated to alcohol – be it the manufacturer, the one who transports, the one
who sells, buys or serves comes under the curse of Allah Ta’ala. And those that keep company and
incline towards the transgressors have to contend with the same consequences, for Allah Ta’ala warns us
: “ Do not incline to the transgressors for then the fire will touch you.”
5.) ZINA (ADULTERY / FORNICATION)
Allah Ta’ala says : “AND COME NOT NEAR TO ZINA. VERILY IT IS A SHAMEFUL AND EVIL PATH”
[SURAH AL- ISRA 17 : 32]
It is a very evident fact that these events promote Zina in abundance. Besides adultery of the eyes which is also
categorized as zina (adultery) and which is very common at these types of venues with the indecent and revealing
attire, there is actual zina that is being promoted and advertised. With the thousands of prostitutes that are visiting
our country and the thousands more that are local – what else can be expected, except an escalation in adultery
and fornication and a much higher risk of very severe punishment descending... (May Allah Ta’ala protect us from
His punishment)
The summary and outline of Ahadith, is that plague, poverty, diseases which were unheard of previously,
earthquakes, drought and destruction, birth of illegitimate children, and even escalation of deaths will
follow in the wake of adultery and immorality.
If a person commits adultery, then the priceless and invaluable commodity of Imaan leaves his body. Hazrat Anas
(RA) narrated that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa-Sallam) said : “Imaan is a garb with which Allah clothes
whomsoever He wishes. If a person commits adultery, this garb is snatched away and if he repents, it is again
returned.”
Then what will be the condition of the person who dies whilst committing zina ?
6.) HERO-WORSHIPPING
Allah Ta’ala has mentioned in the Qur`aan Sharief, in Surah Munafiqoon: “BUT HONOUR BELONGS TO ALLAH,
HIS MESSENGER AND THE BELIEVERS...”
And in Surah An-Nisaa : ‘…TO THOSE WHO TAKE FOR FRIENDS UNBELIEVERS RATHER THAN BELIEVERS : IS IT HONOUR
THEY SEEK AMONG THEM ? NAY, - ALL HONOUR IS WITH ALLAH.’
To deal honestly and truthfully with disbelievers or to assist the poor and needy amongst them, are
from the teachings of Islam. However, to integrate with them in such a manner, that we lose our
Islamic identity or give up on our Islamic culture is prohibited because it is inevitably extremely
harmful to one’s Imaan. Many have given up Imaan and Islam due to very close friendship and
relationship with those who do not believe in Allah Ta’ala, His Final Messenger (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa-
Sallam) and the Day of Judgement.
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…So we find people going crazy and wild over soccer players, cricket players and their likes. And one
wonders, what is all the clamour and fuss about ?... when their “outstanding” achievement in life seems
to be, kicking, throwing or hitting a ball…? Does this call for hero-worship? Is this our SHALLOW
understanding of success as Muslims?
Do we not know that the most successful of all people are the Ambiyaa (Prophets) and their followers ?
Are we even aware of the tremendous successes of the Sahabah ? They were MEN. And Brave Men. Their
history, their feats, their conquests drown out the thousands of insignificant goals scored by soccer
players.
We should reflect over our obsession, veneration and craze of film-stars, sport-stars and others who are
presently the enemies of Allah Ta’ala. …A warning has been sounded, directing us to make sincere
taubah.
Allah Ta’ala states in the Qur`aan Sharief : ‘O PEOPLE OF IMAAN! DO NOT TAKE MY ENEMIES AND YOUR ENEMIES AS
FRIENDS, INCLINING TOWARDS THEM WITH LOVE. VERILY, THEY HAVE REJECTED THE TRUTH WHICH HAS COME TO YOU (FROM
YOUR RABB)…’
[SURAH MUMTAHINA 60 : 1]
We seem to forget that we are Muslims and all Muslims have dangerous enemies: So whilst our enemies
shrewdly convince us to spend thousands of Rands, waste our energy and time on useless, futile sports
such as the World Cup, they gleefully bomb, kill, rape, oppress and harass our brothers and sisters in
other parts of the world … but we are so intoxicated with World Cups that we don’t even know our
enemies have deceived us.
Have we not witnessed enough enmity in Occupied Palestine, in Pakistan, Kashmir, Kosovo, Iraq,
Afghanistan, Sudan, Somalia and other parts of the world? Those who were considered friends and
companions were the first to assault, kill, maim and even rape our Muslim brothers and sisters, for no
other reason than that they are Believers in Allah Ta’ala. …Have we not taken any lesson ? Have we
not witnessed blood of the Muslims flowing in Bosnia, like rivers ?
When we claim to have love for Allah Ta’ala, how then can we love these types of sporting events ?
Allah Ta’ala advises us : “O YOU WHO BELIEVE! TAKE NOT FOR FRIENDS UNBELIEVERS RATHER THAN BELIEVERS : DO
YOU WISH TO OFFER ALLAH AND OPEN PROOF AGAINST YOURSELVES?” …In other words, we should not make them
bosom pals. Once again, it does not mean that we should not treat them with kindness, deal honestly
and assist when there is need. …However : Will participation and support in the World Cup attract
them towards Islam ?
7.) DRESS
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Islam has gifted us with a dress code, which identifies us as Muslims – which makes us flag-bearers of
Islam, representatives of Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa-Sallam), Inviters to Islam. We have been expressly
forbidden from adopting any semblance with the cultural or religious dressing style of people of other
faiths..
By wearing soccer t-shirts, caps, bags with the 2010 football logos clearly indicates our love for the
event and the culture. Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa-Sallam) said: “The one who imitates others is not of
us.” And: “Whoever imitates a nation is of them.”
We are the nation of Islam, and should be rightly proud of our beautiful culture and dress because it
is the culture and dress of the greatest after Allah, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa-Sallam). …Is it
not the height of foolishness to exchange diamonds for stones ?
8.) MIXED GATHERINGS
The disbelievers have no concept of segregation. They advocate mixed gatherings because it facilitates
more sins and immorality. It works in their favour because there is easy gratification of sensual desires
and sinful pleasures.
The Shariah instructs us : ‘IT IS NOT PERMISSIBLE TO BE PRESENT IN A GATHERING WHERE ALLAH TA’ALA IS BEING
DISOBEYED.’
THE PURPOSE OF CREATION & OBJECTIVE OF LIFE
“We created not the heavens, the earth and all between them, merely in (idle) sport.”
[Surah Dukhaan :38]
“Do you then think that We created you in jest and that you would not be brought back to Us
(for an account)?”
[Surah Mu`minoon 23 :115]
Our purpose in this world is definitely not play and amusement. Moreover, deliberate and planned sins
do not feature in a Muslim’s life.
Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa-Sallam) certainly do not want to deprive us of
enjoyment and entertainment. The Shariah and the Sunnah accommodate and give guidance for a
Muslim with regards to Halaal, permissible entertainment, humuor, laughter, play and relaxation.
However there is certainly no scope for events which feature Haraam indulgences.
The reality of the “World Cup” is that it is a dangerous fusion of major sins.
And when sins increase and multiply then we invite a punishment in proportion to that disobedience.
…Haven’t we taken lesson from Tsunamis, Gale-force winds, Hurricanes and Earthquakes that left
nothing but devastation in their wake ? Are we immune to such disaster? Are we safe from punishment?
Let us ponder the words of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa-Sallam) who said :
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‘[ON THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT], THE FEET OF A PERSON WILL NOT MOVE UNTIL HE IS ASKED REGARDING :
(1) HIS LIFE; HOW DID HE SPEND IT,
(2) HIS KNOWLEDGE; HOW DID HE ACT UPON IT,
(3) HIS WEALTH; HOW DID HE ACQUIRE IT (AND)
(4) HOW DID HE SPEND IT, AND
(5) HIS BODY, HOW DID HE USE IT.’
It is reported that once Amr Ibn Absa (RA) asked Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa-Sallam) which Hijrat (migration) is the
best and he said: “That you leave what your Lord dislikes.”
One of our great Scholars had said very aptly :
“It baffles me to see a people who are advised to get their provision and are called upon that the departure time
is due yet they sit down playing.”
Our boarding passes were given to us the moment we entered this world … and that boarding pass is for
boarding the flight of death. We have been informed and advised of the long journey ahead and the much needed
provision for such a journey – but how strange, that we choose to while a way our time and we accumulate
nothing for what lies ahead.
It is said : “The knife is being sharpened, and the oven is being heated up, yet the ram is still eating the fodder.”
The knife of death has been sharpened, our graves have been selected and are waiting for us to take residence in
them. …Despite knowing this, we “graze” complacently in disobedience – unconcerned that that knife is ready to
strike us at anytime.
Allah Ta’ala states :
“O PEOPLE OF IMAAN! SAVE YOURSELVES AND YOUR FAMILIES FROM A FIRE WHOSE FUEL IS MEN AND STONES…”
[SURAH AT-TAHREEM 66 : 6]
“YOUR (REAL) FRIENDS ARE (NO LESS THAN) ALLAH, HIS APOSTLE, AND THE (FELLOWSHIP OF) BELIEVERS, - THOSE WHO
ESTABLISH REGULAR PRAYERS, AND REGULAR CHARITY, AND THEY BOW DOWN HUMBLY (IN WORSHIP).
AS FOR THOSE WHO TURN (FOR FRIENDSHIP) TO ALLAH, HIS RASUL AND THE (FELLOWSHIP OF) BELIEVERS – IT IS THE
FELLOWSHIP OF ALLAH THAT MUST CERTAINLY TRIUMPH.”
[SURAH MAA`IDAH 5 : 58/ 59]
Of course, all that has been stated will not go down well with everyone. It is for those who want to be
good ambassadors of Islam, pleasing to Allah Ta’ala and His Beloved Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa-Sallam).
This article is for my own reflection and an invitation to my Muslim brothers and sisters to reflect with
an open mind. I make dua that Allah Ta’ala protect me and the Ummah from all fitna.
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