THE WORLD CUP | SPIRITUAL HARMS
[This article was prepared before the World Cup 2010, which South Africa hosted. This advice applies to all sports events that conflict with Islamic teachings.] The hype and talk presently are the World Cup. Soccer mania has gripped many Muslims’ minds, hearts, speech, time, and money. And these 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 that makes us unsuitable and incompatible with what I would describe as an International “upsurge of sins” —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 with the World Cup and other sporting events. Let us read with an open heart and mind. 1) Salah It is a common observation that many Muslims neglect their Salaah when it comes to International, National, or local sporting events. Even those with some link with the Masaajid will choose to forego Salaah in Jamaat and even the Salaah itself to not miss a moment in watching men run after a ball. Men, running after a ball —Is this intelligent? 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 (sallallahu ‘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…”[1] Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) also said: “The dividing line between Kufr and Imaan is Salah.” [2] Just as we would be grief-stricken at losing our beloved family members and all our wealth, properties, and everything else, should we similarly grieve over losing even one Salaah? Those few who perform Salah at the stadium or grounds —whilst the shouting, screaming, music, drinking and other sins are being engaged in simultaneously, should think for themselves of what a display of hypocrisy they make. Because that is precisely what it is Hypocrisy. 2) Hero-worshipping Allah Ta’ala mentions in the Qur’an Shareef, in Surah Munafiqoon: “But honour belongs to Allah, His Messenger and the Believers…”[Surah Munafiqun 63:8] And in Surah An-Nisa: ‘…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 this is extremely harmful to one’s Imaan. Many have given up Imaan and Islam due to having close friendships and relationships with those who do not believe in Allah Ta’ala, His Final Messenger (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), and the Day of Judgement. 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 and their followers? Are we even aware of the tremendous successes of the Sahaba (rahiyallahu ‘anhum)? They were men; and Brave men. Their history, feats, and conquests drown out the thousands of insignificant goals scored by soccer players. In fact, there cannot be any comparison and likeness. The lives of the Sahabah (rahiyallahu ‘anhum) were constructive and productive —for their Deen and Aakhirah and those who emulate them. The lives of these players are destructive to their hereafter and those who are obsessed with them and emulate them. We should reflect on our obsession, veneration and craze of the 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 Shareef: ‘O you who believe, do not take My enemies and your enemies for friends, expressing love with them while they have rejected the Truth that has come to you….’ [Surah Mumtahina 60:1] We seem to very easily 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 and other sporting events, 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, cricket and soccer matches, that we don’t even know that our enemies have deceived us! Have we not witnessed enough enmity in Occupied Palestine, 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 lessons? Have we not witnessed the blood of the Muslims flowing in Bosnia, like rivers? When we claim to have love for Allah Ta’ala, how can we love these types of sporting events? Allah Ta’ala advises us: ‘0 those who believe, do not take the disbelievers for friends instead of the believers. Do you want to produce before Allah a clear evidence against yourselves?’ [Surah Nisa 4:144] In other words,
The Dressing of a Muslim
The Dressing of a Muslim It is very common amongst the youth to emulate the dress code and ways of non-Muslims. Following Hollywood, Bollywood, western and eastern fashion, lifestyle, and culture is the pursuit, interest and fixation of many people. I have mentioned to boys, girls, and even adults that the dressing which is according to the Sunnah, greatly benefits in different ways. This dressing of the Kurta, pants above the ankle and Topee/Amamah for the men, and the Hijab and Niqab for the women has Noor. When this Sunnah attire and modest dressing are adopted, this Noor enters the heart and results in piety being nurtured in the heart, character, and speech. There is an immediate effect and improvement in a person’s spirituality. The Sunnah dressing is also extremely modest and simple. As such, modesty and simplicity are also cultivated in the person. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “Simplicity is a part of Imaan”[1] and: “Modesty is a branch of Faith.”[2] Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) also said: “Haya (modesty) does not bring anything except good.”[3] Where there is modesty, then virtue, chastity and purity will be found – in actions, speech and thoughts. Another benefit of the dressing of Islam is that it becomes a barrier and protection from sins. It makes it so much easier to stay away from sins. The person in Kurta or the sister in Hijaab and Niqaab will stay far away from committing open sin, going to places such as cinemas, clubs, and other evil venues. There is an understanding that this dress represents piety and that people consider such people pious. Being present in such places is most inappropriate, especially in such attire. I advise and encourage all the brothers, young and old, who are not in the habit of wearing the Sunnah Libaas, to commence by wearing it for the Fardh Salaah. Salaah demands respect. Being in the House of Allah Ta’ala also demands respect and dignity. In answering the call to Salah, also respond to the Command of Allah Ta’ala regarding our dressing to Salaah. “O Children of Aadam! Take your adornment at every prayer …” [Surah Al-A’raf 7:31] Wearing short sleeves, tight-fitting pants, performing the Salaah bareheaded, etc., goes against the grain of respect and is Makruh (extremely disliked). If a person wears this Sunnah Libaas five times a day for the Salaah, he will, insha Allah, see the day when he will cast off the western garb and adopt the Sunnah attire full time, with great love and happiness. He will establish great affinity with the Sunnah and lose interest in the ways of the non-Muslims. Very sadly, so many of our sisters go out ill-clad, wearing immodest, revealing, and modern garb —and then beautify and perfume themselves. They then become targets of filthy, lustful glances and even physical and verbal harassment. In a society where evil and obscenity abound, rape also has a ‘visual’ dimension. Allah Ta’ala revealed the laws of the Hijab in various Aayat (verses) of the Qur’an Shareef. Hijab identifies a woman as a respectable human being, and she is safeguarded from any kind of harassment —which is so common in this day and age. “O Nabi! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e., screen themselves completely). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed….” [Surah Al-Ahzab 33:59] Our sisters should look towards the pure wives and daughters of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and the noble Sahabiyaat (radiyallahu ‘anhun) as role models. These are women who earned great honour and success in both worlds, and they are beloved by Allah Ta’ala. Aspire for this! When the dressing of the Kuffar is worn, Zulmat (darkness) falls on the heart, and this darkness then becomes apparent in the person’s character, actions, and speech. An attribute of the dress of the Kuffar is immodesty and indecency. It destroys the inherent modesty and shame of a person. Very quickly, the nature of a person becomes spoiled – inclining towards immodesty and indecency. We see the result of imitating actors, actresses, singers and others: smoking, drugs, alcohol, swearing, illicit relationships, fornication, etc. Darkness spreads in the person’s life. Their culture encourages girls to look like boys and boys to look like girls. Identity is lost, and natural characteristics are ruined. Allah Ta’ala has defined the perfect dress code for men and women. Various Ahadith offer us guidelines and details regarding our dressing. We should acquaint ourselves with this knowledge, implement it practically, and appreciate the bounty of such beautiful, noble attire. The clothing of a Muslim is extremely important. It is our identity. We should not be embarrassed or ashamed to be recognized as Muslims and followers of our Beloved Rasul (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam). We should be desirous of having this resemblance with him (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Moreover, our dress makes us ambassadors, representatives, and flag-bearers of this beautiful Deen without any effort. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the courage and the Taufiq of practising on all of Deen and give us the great benefits and rewards resulting from this, Aameen. [1] Abu Dawud [2] Nasai [3] Sahih Al-Bukhari