Entertainment is not the sole goal and purpose of life for Muslims. We could perform entertainment and accept enjoyment but we must remember that it is only a matter of Dunya (temporal world) and our purpose is to get blessed and glory in Akhirah (hereafter). It is man’s nature to get tired of the monotony of day-to-day work and hence end up craving for pleasure and entertainment. However if that form of entertainment is outside the permissible boundaries of Islam and one is adamant on continuing it anyhow, chances are that a time will come when he/she will no longer be able to distinguish between that fine line of good and evil. He will lose the ability to differentiate between activities that are beneficial and those that will be destructive. It is true that wrongdoings and entertainment based on them have their own apparent glamour and excitement. Yet it is the understanding of Deen that makes one realize that we cannot fulfill every desire that takes shape in our hearts regardless of it being Haraam or Halaal. And Islam does give us the Halaal way to fulfill our desire for example, if one feels attraction towards the opposite sex he/she should go for the option of Nikkah. If one wants to satisfy his/her taste buds, Islam has permitted us to eat and drink what we want, minus only a few things like pork, wine, and anything that is slaughtered on a name other than that of Almighty Allah . Also there are Halaal means to earn money if one wants, with very few things that are Haraam like taking interest, bribery, adulteration or being unfair regarding weights and measures. As Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has said, ‘Let your hearts relax from time to time’ In the same way racing, swimming, horse riding, and archery are not just allowed but are actually encouraged in the light of different Ahadeeth, the Prophet (SAW) said, ‘Do horse-riding and also go for archery.’ When the companions of the Holy Prophet (SAW) would get tired of studying the Quran and Hadith they would have lighter moments where they would enjoy historical Arab fable and stories, and generally have good, humorous times, like we say today “chilling out”.
“All entertainment forms that clash with Islamic values are forbidden like dance and music. Remember when one gives himself completely in the obedience of Allah his/her perception of life takes a U-turn. He/she finds peace and fulfillment in the verses of Allah. This only proves that it is possible to be obedient to Almighty Allah’s commands and yet have a life of quality- constructive, meaningful and sprinkled with lighter moments”.
On the other hand all things that are destructive for individuals, society, religion, moral values are outside the permissible boundary of Islam. Islam prohibits the reading of indecent literature or watching such films or videos or listening to music that incites lustful desires or entertainment that is a complete waste of time. Similarly all entertainment forms that clash with Islamic values are forbidden like dance and music. Remember when one gives himself completely in the obedience of Allah his/her perception of life takes a U-turn. He/she finds peace and fulfillment in the verses of Allah. This only proves that it is possible to be obedient to Almighty Allah’s commands and yet have a life of quality- constructive, meaningful and sprinkled with lighter moments. Therefore the main thing that Muslims should do is worship and performing good deed. Muslims must avoid any kind of activities that only bring them to disobedience, harmness, wasteful, and kept them away from the rule of Islam.
