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,