In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
All praise is for Allah, Who has blessed us with Islam, given us dignity through Iman (faith), and made us the best nation for mankind. I testify that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. May Allah send peace and blessings upon him. Now, let's continue:
Dear brothers and sisters! Allah the Almighty tells us in the noble Qur’an that He did not create us or the universe for idle sport or amusement. The Qur’an reminds us that life has a serious purpose. In Surah Al-Anbiya, Qur’an, 21:16, Allah says:
“And We did not create the heaven and earth and that between them in play.”
In Surah Al-Mu’minun, Qur’an, 23:115, He says:
“Did you then think that We had created you in jest without any purpose, and that you would not be returned to Us?”
In Surah Ad-Dukhan, Qur’an, 38-39, He says:
“And We did not create the heavens and the earth and all that is between them in play. We created them not except with truth, but most of them know not.”
Respected brothers and sisters! What is our purpose?
Since we were not made for play, Allah has given us a clear purpose: to know and worship Him, and to be tested through our actions.
Allah says in Surah Adh-Dhariyat, Qur’an, 51:56:
“And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.”
Islamic scholars explain that this means to recognize His Lordship, follow His guidance, and seek His pleasure. Our life is a trial to see who is best in their deeds. We have intellect, free will, and the duty to do good.
Now, why did Allah create us?
While we must worship Allah, scholars say He does not need our worship. If no one worshipped Him, it wouldn’t take away from His glory. The worship and trials are for our benefit, so we can earn His mercy, grow spiritually, and be rewarded in the Hereafter.
Respected servants of Allah! The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) saw some people from the tribe of Aslam competing in archery. He told them, “Shoot, O children of Ismaʿil, for your father was an archer. Shoot, and I am with such-and-such team.” When one team stopped shooting, the Prophet asked, “Why are you not shooting?” They replied, “How can we shoot while you are with them?” The Prophet then said, “Shoot; for I am with all of you.” [Narrated by al-Bukhari]
Dear brothers and sisters! This shows the tolerance and ease of Islam. Human beings go through phases of high motivation and times of fatigue. Because of this, Islamic law allows for some recreation to refresh the soul, making it easier to worship and handle life’s challenges.
Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) tells us:
“While the Abyssinians were playing with their spears in the presence of the Prophet (Peace be upon him), Umar entered. He threw some pebbles at them to stop them. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, “Leave them, O Umar.” [Narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Dear servants of Allah! Right now, the FIFA World Cup is happening, with forty-eight teams participating, including Arab and Muslim teams. Millions of people are watching the matches. How should a Muslim view these events according to Islamic law?
Our religion aims to bring benefits and keep harm away. Allah has not ordered us to do anything without good in it, nor has He forbidden us from anything without harm. A wise Muslim considers not just the surface but the long-term effects of actions, whether good or bad.
Islamic scholars teach that actions are judged by their consequences. An act may seem good at first glance, but if it leads to greater harm, Islamic law prohibits it. The opposite is also true; we may accept a small harm today to avoid a bigger issue tomorrow. A Muslim should always look at the bigger picture and the ultimate outcomes.
Respected servants of Allah! If you observe the global events around this game today, you see it is more than just teams competing in a sport. It involves a whole system run by international organizations, sponsors, and financial backers. Billions of dollars are involved, including broadcasting rights, advertising, and promotion. This is an economic and ideological event that shapes identities and promotes normalization.
This is not just a sport that benefits players or a competition that brings joy. It is an industry designed to distract us from the purpose for which Allah created us, to serve Him, as He says:
“And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” [Surah adh-Dhariyat: 56]
For a Muslim, the main focus is to live for Allah, obey Him, and do good deeds. Recreation is the exception, not the norm. Because of this, Islam only allows competitions that involve monetary prizes in horse racing, camel racing, and archery, as they strengthen Muslims. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:
“There is no prize money except in archery, camel racing, or horse racing.” [Narrated by Abu Dawud]
Other permitted sports are allowed, but financial rewards are prohibited to prevent distraction from religious and worldly duties.
Compare this with today’s reality, where professional clubs and contracts involve millions, and many parents dream of their children becoming professional athletes for a better future.
We face an industry that creates false role models whose main skills are kicking and catching a ball. They become celebrities, and their news fills the airwaves. Their images are everywhere, and they gain wealth and fame, while less significant people are celebrated. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:
“The time is near when the most influential person in the world will be Lukaʿ Ibn Lukaʿ (the vile son of a vile person).” [Narrated by Ahmad]
The term al-lukaʿ refers to anyone who is low, foolish, and of no benefit. As time goes on, such people become the most fortunate and celebrated in life.
Furthermore, we see a normalization of vices and evils. These events are backed by global corporations that spend hundreds of millions for marketing. This includes international banks and alcohol companies that advertise their products. The issue goes further as they promote deviance and homosexuality, raising flags and banners, and team captains wear armbands to show acceptance.
Where is the Muslim’s protective jealousy (ghairah) for their religion when they see such things without any disapproval? Allah the Almighty says:
“You are the best nation produced as an example for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah.” [Surah Ali-Imran: 110]
We face a serious decline in the firmest hold of faith, which the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) described:
“Indeed, the firmest handhold of faith is that you love for the sake of Allah and hate for the sake of Allah.” [Narrated by Ahmad]
A look at millions of football fans shows deep passion, belonging, and pride directed toward teams and players who do not follow Islam. Some even wear crosses or worship idols, or support those who attack Muslim lands. Where is the loyalty and disavowal (al-walaʾ wa-al-baraʾ) Allah commands us to have, saying:
“You will not find a people who believe in Allah and the Last Day having affection for those who oppose Allah and His Messenger, even if they were their fathers or their sons or their brothers or their kindred…” [Surah al-Mujadilah: 22]
Indeed, tribalism and fanaticism (al-asabiyyah) for anything other than Islam are among the evils that the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) forbade. This was clear when he heard a man from the Emigrants (al-Muhajirun) calling out:
“O Emigrants!” and a man from the Helpers (al-Ansar) calling out, “O Helpers!” Both were appealing to tribal loyalty. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: “What is this call of the days of ignorance? Leave it; it is foul.” [Narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim]
If such tribalism between righteous companions is considered foul, what can we say about the fanaticism and hostility seen today for the sake of teams and clubs?
Dear servants of Allah! Anas Ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported:
“The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) cursed ten types of people regarding alcohol: the one who presses it, the one for whom it is pressed, the one who drinks it, the one who carries it, the one to whom it is carried, the one who serves it, the one who sells it, the one who consumes its price, the one who purchases it, and the one for whom it is purchased.”
Allah only prohibited drinking alcohol itself, yet the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) cursed ten categories related to it, as they lead to it. Allah says:
“And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.” [Surah al-Maʾidah: 2]
It is a known rule among scholars that if an action leads to a prohibition, that action becomes prohibited. Scholars have made clear that selling grapes to someone known to make wine is not allowed. From the harms of these global tournaments, it is clear there is a difference between a Muslim exercising by playing ball without neglecting duties and this current system run by global entities with clear agendas.
Dear servants of Allah! The ways corruption targets Muslim youth today are many. Allah the Almighty describes our enemies in the Qur’an:
“They will not spare you any ruin.” [Surah Ali-Imran: 118]
This shows they spare no effort to harm and corrupt you. Anyone who reflects on their plans and media will see how they spread corruption through entertainment and play to achieve their goals.
Allah describes the enemies of Islam by saying they engage in falsehood and are heedless through entertainment. He says:
“Who are in empty discourse amusing themselves.” [Surah at-Tur: 12]
And He says:
“But they are in doubt, amusing themselves.” [Surah adh-Dukhan: 9]
They blend these elements by all means. That is why we see many wrong ideas presented as entertainment, which may have a permissible basis but are mixed with elements that are not allowed.
The glory of Islam is built by people who focus their lives on what pleases Allah and by youth who set clear goals based on what the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) taught them. They use sports to relax and gain strength to fulfill Allah’s purpose, not to be distracted. They understand their responsibilities, so no distraction takes them away.
“You have been prepared for a matter of great stature if you would realize it. So guard yourself against wandering with the neglected herds.”
Ya Allah, show us the truth as truth and help us follow it, and show us falsehood as falsehood and help us avoid it. Do not let it confuse us and lead us astray.
Ya Allah, protect our homelands, correct our leaders, and place our leadership under those who fear You, are mindful of You, and seek Your pleasure.
Ya Allah, be with our oppressed brothers in Gaza and everywhere in the world, and grant them victory and relief soon.
Our Lord, give us good in this world and in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire, ameen Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum!
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