Wifāq ul Ulāma (SA) ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AFRICAN 'ULAMA
With the approach of the World Cup, its accompanying hype, and an increase in propaganda, many Muslims have already been affected. While some may be planning to attend the World Cup, others will follow it from home.
The World Cup is an embodiment of sin and vice! Our īmān demands that we completely disassociate ourselves from this event.
Hatred for Evil
Nabi sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “When evil is committed on earth, he who witnesses it but dislikes it is like one who was absent from it. And he who was absent but is happy with it is like one who was present.” (Sunan Abī Dāwūd 4345)
The World Cup brings with it despicable sins like the consumption of alcohol, adultery, music, nudity, prostitution, hooliganism, and even homosexuality. By involving ourselves in the World Cup and its related activities, we indirectly approve of the vice associated with it.
Photography and Television
Many people watch the games on television. The ahādīth of Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam categorically prohibit photography. Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam mentions: “The worst punishment on the day of Qiyāmah will be meted out to those involved in photography.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 5950)
Even those who erroneously permit digital photography will never condone watching the World Cup on television. The women on screen, nudity and exposure of the satar/awrah (parts of the body that must be concealed) during the broadcast are well-known.
Music
It is well known that music is the demand of all entertainment nowadays and the opening ceremony of the World Cup features an abundance of music, dancing and actors performing. In addition, stadiums and television broadcasts also feature much music. Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Music sows hypocrisy in the heart.”(Sunan Abī Dāwūd 4927 )
Do we wish to allow hypocrisy into our hearts?
Idolizing a Fāsiq
Nabi sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam is reported to have said: “When a Fāsiq (transgressor) is praised upon Earth, Allāh Ta’ālā becomes angered and the Arsh (throne of Allāh) shakes.” (Shu’abul Imaan 4886)
Imagine the effects when these fussāq footballers are idolized?
Sports breed a degree of admiration and love for specific players. This is extremely dangerous, as Nabi sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “A person will be with those whom he loves (on the day of Qiyaamah)”. (Sahih Muslim 2640) Do we wish to be raised with these players on the day of Qiyaamah?
Desensitization
The love created for these players serves to desensitize us from many evils. As a result, many continue to support LGBT-friendly and LGBT-promoting players and teams. What is the condition of a heart that, together with Imaan, tries to accommodate such filth?
The constant advertisement of alcohol also serves to desensitize from its evil.
Time wasting
Nabi sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “There are two favours with regards to which most people are at a loss: Good health and free time.” (Sahīh al-Bukhāri 6412)
It is a fact that sport generally consumes vast amounts of time. Moreover, sport has a definite element of addiction. The addictive grip of sport over its viewers is so powerful that the viewer may become a helpless victim wasting sacred hours glued to the television screen. In fact, sport, particularly soccer, has become a “religion” for many. The “enchantment” of sport has caused family duties and social responsibilities to be neglected. How unfortunate that we have not realized how valuable every second is. Time is of such importance that Allāh Ta’ālā takes an oath by time in the Qur’ān in Surah Al-‘Asr. Hence, a Muslim is not permitted to waste time, especially when this involves interfering or neglecting one’s duties to Allāh Ta’ālā.
While the Ummah locally and globally faces many challenges, it will be naïve, or rather foolish, to involve ourselves in such frivolous pursuits.
Disrespect to the name of Allah
Various news outlets are reporting that, with the World Cup in Qatar, the Qurān Karīm will be recited at different times in the stadiums. If true, this definitely amounts to mockery and blasphemy of the Word of Allāh and serves as another reason why we should stay away from this entire event.
What should we do?
Avoid the entire event at all costs. Stay away from even following the score and other happenings.
Inculcate hatred in our hearts for the World Cup and its related evils.
Allāh Ta’āla mentions in the Qur’ān Karīm: “«Indeed, those who have said, “Our Rabb is Allāh “ and then remained steadfast – the angels will descend upon them, [saying], “Do not fear and do not grieve but receive good tidings of Paradise, which you were promised. We were your allies in the worldly life and [are so] in the Hereafter. And you will have therein whatever your souls desire, and you will have therein whatever you request [or wish for]. A gift of welcome from a [Rabb who is] Forgiving and Merciful.”» (Al-Qur’ān, 41/30-32)
By remaining firm and avoiding the prevalent evils in society, Allāh Ta’ālā will bless us with the sweetness of īmān, grant us His pleasure and honour us with His Everlasting happiness in Jannah. Āmīn
22 Rabi ul Ākhir 1444 /17 November 2022 A0034
