Why is Islam against "fun" stuff?

[Cpt. Rishwat]

There you go.

I was not raised in such an environment but my parents did get more religious as they grew older but I was already out of the house and on my feet at that point so it didn't bothered me that much personally.

I was a panch-waqt namazi as a child. Was the youngest in my family when I finished reading the whole Quran and started fasting in Ramazan in the grueling summer of Karachi. My path was set.

But then came my exposure to movies and music and other "fun stuff". Tried balancing both things together but to no avail. Namaz became a chore and fasting in Ramazan became an excuse to stuff myself during Sehri and Iftari and sleep all day. Religion lots its meaning other than during exam time when my namaz and dua's took on an immediate intimacy and passion.

Then came college and a bad breakup. My world turned upside and I lost all interest in everything. Started questioning the existence of God, my purpose in life, what have I achieved after all those years of namaz and fasting other than trying to make my parents happy and portray an image of a "good boy" so they can be proud of me. I studied Quran with meanings for the first time in detail. I failed to see its appeal. I spoke with friends who were more religiously inclined and asked them pointed questions about the existence of God, of heaven and hell but never got any satisfactory replies. I became a closet atheist. I did most of everything forbidden in Islam. Nothing changed. Life went on. Nothing really completed me.

After all these years now I have come to realize the importance of religion in peoples life. Why without it life can be unbearable. Its hard to live when fully realized that ones life is so transient and insignificant in the whole scheme of things. That one has very little control over their lives and things often happen in a random and unexplainable way. People die in car accidents, perfectly healthy people suddenly get cancer. There is no explanation to it. The clock keeps ticking, the world keep spinning. Not waiting for anything or anybody.

The only thing that remains of any consequence in this bleak and morbid existence is nature and art. Its music, literature, poetry, film, paintings, etc. That is what transcends a person into a someone bigger than his measly existence. This is what makes us humans. Nothing should stand in the way of you appreciating such treasures.

Life is short. Enjoy while you can.

Alhamdulillah. Truly we have been blessed to be able to appreciate such treasures and feel with all our hearts the beauty that lies within.

 

[cricketjoshila]

They have very less power down south i guess. Nobody cares about these fatwas in Kerala.

Who is going to tell keralites not to watch football?

 

[cricketjoshila]

There you go.

I was not raised in such an environment but my parents did get more religious as they grew older but I was already out of the house and on my feet at that point so it didn't bothered me that much personally.

I was a panch-waqt namazi as a child. Was the youngest in my family when I finished reading the whole Quran and started fasting in Ramazan in the grueling summer of Karachi. My path was set.

But then came my exposure to movies and music and other "fun stuff". Tried balancing both things together but to no avail. Namaz became a chore and fasting in Ramazan became an excuse to stuff myself during Sehri and Iftari and sleep all day. Religion lots its meaning other than during exam time when my namaz and dua's took on an immediate intimacy and passion.

Then came college and a bad breakup. My world turned upside and I lost all interest in everything. Started questioning the existence of God, my purpose in life, what have I achieved after all those years of namaz and fasting other than trying to make my parents happy and portray an image of a "good boy" so they can be proud of me. I studied Quran with meanings for the first time in detail. I failed to see its appeal. I spoke with friends who were more religiously inclined and asked them pointed questions about the existence of God, of heaven and hell but never got any satisfactory replies. I became a closet atheist. I did most of everything forbidden in Islam. Nothing changed. Life went on. Nothing really completed me.

After all these years now I have come to realize the importance of religion in peoples life. Why without it life can be unbearable. Its hard to live when fully realized that ones life is so transient and insignificant in the whole scheme of things. That one has very little control over their lives and things often happen in a random and unexplainable way. People die in car accidents, perfectly healthy people suddenly get cancer. There is no explanation to it. The clock keeps ticking, the world keep spinning. Not waiting for anything or anybody.

The only thing that remains of any consequence in this bleak and morbid existence is nature and art. Its music, literature, poetry, film, paintings, etc. That is what transcends a person into a someone bigger than his measly existence. This is what makes us humans. Nothing should stand in the way of you appreciating such treasures.

Life is short. Enjoy while you can.

This is true for everyone.


Excellent post sir.

 

[WC-Passion]

And what about the players who HAVE to play it during prayer times.

Also the "Awrah" or modesty of a man is below his navel and above his knee so basically playing or watching sports in shorts is also Makrooh.

This has nothing do with to watching the sport. Also, it is all about perspective and interpretation. For example, the part about shorts mentioned is said to be only Makrooh if you do prayers with shorts on, but wearing shorts in general is fine. I have never heard from anyone until you've mentioned it that you cannot wear shorts while watching or playing sports.

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

There you go.

I was not raised in such an environment but my parents did get more religious as they grew older but I was already out of the house and on my feet at that point so it didn't bothered me that much personally.

I was a panch-waqt namazi as a child. Was the youngest in my family when I finished reading the whole Quran and started fasting in Ramazan in the grueling summer of Karachi. My path was set.

But then came my exposure to movies and music and other "fun stuff". Tried balancing both things together but to no avail. Namaz became a chore and fasting in Ramazan became an excuse to stuff myself during Sehri and Iftari and sleep all day. Religion lots its meaning other than during exam time when my namaz and dua's took on an immediate intimacy and passion.

Then came college and a bad breakup. My world turned upside and I lost all interest in everything. Started questioning the existence of God, my purpose in life, what have I achieved after all those years of namaz and fasting other than trying to make my parents happy and portray an image of a "good boy" so they can be proud of me. I studied Quran with meanings for the first time in detail. I failed to see its appeal. I spoke with friends who were more religiously inclined and asked them pointed questions about the existence of God, of heaven and hell but never got any satisfactory replies. I became a closet atheist. I did most of everything forbidden in Islam. Nothing changed. Life went on. Nothing really completed me.

After all these years now I have come to realize the importance of religion in peoples life. Why without it life can be unbearable. Its hard to live when fully realized that ones life is so transient and insignificant in the whole scheme of things. That one has very little control over their lives and things often happen in a random and unexplainable way. People die in car accidents, perfectly healthy people suddenly get cancer. There is no explanation to it. The clock keeps ticking, the world keep spinning. Not waiting for anything or anybody.

The only thing that remains of any consequence in this bleak and morbid existence is nature and art. Its music, literature, poetry, film, paintings, etc. That is what transcends a person into a someone bigger than his measly existence. This is what makes us humans. Nothing should stand in the way of you appreciating such treasures.

Life is short. Enjoy while you can.

Cognitive dissonance.

That ( music, literature, poetry, film, paintings, etc) is what transcends a person into a someone bigger than his measly existence.

Sufism does all that and some more.

Related: Grandparents (from my fathers' side) hate the classic mullahs with passion.

 

[DeadBall]

Cognitive dissonance.



Sufism does all that and some more.

Related: Grandparents (from my fathers' side) hate the classic mullahs with passion.

What movies have Sufis produced? The point is everyone has a different taste in Music, Art, Literature etc and is impacted in different ways, you can't just say that just appreciate what Sufism has produced and be happy with that.

 

[TM Riddle]

What movies have Sufis produced? The point is everyone has a different taste in Music, Art, Literature etc and is impacted in different ways, you can't just say that just appreciate what Sufism has produced and be happy with that.

I think what he meant was that Sufism is bit more open and liberal about this stuff and also has spirituality it's major componentwhich could provide answers regarding the meaning of life and nature of life and death.

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

I think what he meant was that Sufism is bit more open and liberal about this stuff and also has spirituality it's major componentwhich could provide answers regarding the meaning of life and nature of life and death.

Well said. My English sucks.

The 'fundamentalists' consider Sufism 'un-Islamic', as if they have monopoly over Islam and Allah.

 

[R3verse Swing]

There you go.

I was not raised in such an environment but my parents did get more religious as they grew older but I was already out of the house and on my feet at that point so it didn't bothered me that much personally.

I was a panch-waqt namazi as a child. Was the youngest in my family when I finished reading the whole Quran and started fasting in Ramazan in the grueling summer of Karachi. My path was set.

But then came my exposure to movies and music and other "fun stuff". Tried balancing both things together but to no avail. Namaz became a chore and fasting in Ramazan became an excuse to stuff myself during Sehri and Iftari and sleep all day. Religion lots its meaning other than during exam time when my namaz and dua's took on an immediate intimacy and passion.

Then came college and a bad breakup. My world turned upside and I lost all interest in everything. Started questioning the existence of God, my purpose in life, what have I achieved after all those years of namaz and fasting other than trying to make my parents happy and portray an image of a "good boy" so they can be proud of me. I studied Quran with meanings for the first time in detail. I failed to see its appeal. I spoke with friends who were more religiously inclined and asked them pointed questions about the existence of God, of heaven and hell but never got any satisfactory replies. I became a closet atheist. I did most of everything forbidden in Islam. Nothing changed. Life went on. Nothing really completed me.

After all these years now I have come to realize the importance of religion in peoples life. Why without it life can be unbearable. Its hard to live when fully realized that ones life is so transient and insignificant in the whole scheme of things. That one has very little control over their lives and things often happen in a random and unexplainable way. People die in car accidents, perfectly healthy people suddenly get cancer. There is no explanation to it. The clock keeps ticking, the world keep spinning. Not waiting for anything or anybody.

The only thing that remains of any consequence in this bleak and morbid existence is nature and art. Its music, literature, poetry, film, paintings, etc. That is what transcends a person into a someone bigger than his measly existence. This is what makes us humans. Nothing should stand in the way of you appreciating such treasures.

Life is short. Enjoy while you can.

I do not understand what you are trying to say here. Are you saying that you want to have fun in life because life is too short, so Islam wasn’t for you, but you understand how religion can bring peace to an individual’s mind?

My experience is similar to yours. Born into a Muslim family, raised to read Namaz, practised Ramdaan etc. Had a bad patch in my life, aborted Islam, and started questioning everything, including God. However the difference is my faith in God was reinforced after I started searching for answers. I pretty much studied all aspects of life mainly various Ideologies and Philosophies, including Atheism and other religions. In the end, I was convinced God does exist. I didn’t ask Mullah’s, or friends, or even educated religious folk.

Upon reading the Qur’an in a language I understood, I realised that Islam in the Qur’an is very simple and set straight claims in Hadiths and History. Everything was clear. No more contradictions. It all made sense. Islam is a disciplined way of life yet the Mullahs and Politicians are the ones who have politicized Islam for personal gain, leaving Islam’s perception and understanding in a complete utter mess. This also applies to other religions.

I also realised that certain practises outside of Islam are no different to practises in Islam, at a very fundamental level – just a different label and cause.

1. 5 prayers a day – This is no different to exercising throughout the day.
2. Ramadan/Fasting - This is no different to a person on a strict diet or a detox.
3. Wudu 5 times a day - This is no different to someone who maintains cleanliness.

The list goes on. The issue however is the stigma attached to religion. If I say I fast for a period of a month, people will laugh and mock God etc. If I say I am on a detox/diet, they will be supportive. The difference? One is because God guides one to, the other is because people need to. I will take God’s guidance over people’s needs.

As for fun. It doesn’t take a genius to see there is more to life than the typical artificially induced fun that comes in the form of boozing/drugs etc. Does Islam forbid intoxication, yes. But is intoxication fun? No. It’s a desperate attempt at feeling happy through artificial means. This is the key, happiness.

Once I understood the beauty and simplicity of Islam, my God given life is now full of meaning, fun, and happiness. I can still practise and follow the principles of Islam while having fun with family and friends; watching movies, sport, listening to music, going on holiday, going to the park, playing games, or just simply meeting up. I also realised that people can live without booze/drugs etc, but people can barely survive without friends and families. Loneliness can be a curse.

All in all it boils down to how one describes fun. If fun is wanton sex, boozing, drugs, gambling etc -then one has incredibly low standards which are not compatible with any religion, not just Islam. If fun is appreciating life and spending the short life with things that matter such as family, making the most of time, then you’re on to a winner.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Still a good question though, what movies have Sufis produced?

 

[TM Riddle]

Still a good question though, what movies have Sufis produced?

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arif_Ali-Shah

 

[Belawal2014]

There you go.

I was not raised in such an environment but my parents did get more religious as they grew older but I was already out of the house and on my feet at that point so it didn't bothered me that much personally.

I was a panch-waqt namazi as a child. Was the youngest in my family when I finished reading the whole Quran and started fasting in Ramazan in the grueling summer of Karachi. My path was set.

But then came my exposure to movies and music and other "fun stuff". Tried balancing both things together but to no avail. Namaz became a chore and fasting in Ramazan became an excuse to stuff myself during Sehri and Iftari and sleep all day. Religion lots its meaning other than during exam time when my namaz and dua's took on an immediate intimacy and passion.

Then came college and a bad breakup. My world turned upside and I lost all interest in everything. Started questioning the existence of God, my purpose in life, what have I achieved after all those years of namaz and fasting other than trying to make my parents happy and portray an image of a "good boy" so they can be proud of me. I studied Quran with meanings for the first time in detail. I failed to see its appeal. I spoke with friends who were more religiously inclined and asked them pointed questions about the existence of God, of heaven and hell but never got any satisfactory replies. I became a closet atheist. I did most of everything forbidden in Islam. Nothing changed. Life went on. Nothing really completed me.

After all these years now I have come to realize the importance of religion in peoples life. Why without it life can be unbearable. Its hard to live when fully realized that ones life is so transient and insignificant in the whole scheme of things. That one has very little control over their lives and things often happen in a random and unexplainable way. People die in car accidents, perfectly healthy people suddenly get cancer. There is no explanation to it. The clock keeps ticking, the world keep spinning. Not waiting for anything or anybody.

The only thing that remains of any consequence in this bleak and morbid existence is nature and art. Its music, literature, poetry, film, paintings, etc. That is what transcends a person into a someone bigger than his measly existence. This is what makes us humans. Nothing should stand in the way of you appreciating such treasures.

Life is short. Enjoy while you can.

Thank you for writing this. POTW for me.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arif_Ali-Shah

Never heard of any of those films. Neither had you before you hit google I'll bet.

 

[AssassinatedDevil]

Very good point. You are dead accurate. But the issue now is, if one wants to live life in contrary to what the Mullah says- since not everything they say is correct. Would that make those people hated by society and considered rebels or Munafiqs. I'm assuming most people have families to look after and these Mullahs are frankly too influential in societies like Pakistan.

I think its important to realise that the Mullahs aren't the gatekeepers of religion. Alot of them are very knowledgebale but they are simply relaying their interpretation of the religion to the masses. They are no ones to allow you into the relgion or banish you from it. In certain societies in Pakistan, if you don't follow the local Mullah then it often leads to patronizing remarks from friends and family. Alot of what they say is just plain absurd, so better to just ignore some mullahs altogether, but then again, what person A might think is absurd might be totally logical to person B. They do have alot of influence, which is probably why society in pak needs to wake up and stop agreeing with everything these 'wannabe mullahs' say.

 

[TQ89]

There you go.

I was not raised in such an environment but my parents did get more religious as they grew older but I was already out of the house and on my feet at that point so it didn't bothered me that much personally.

I was a panch-waqt namazi as a child. Was the youngest in my family when I finished reading the whole Quran and started fasting in Ramazan in the grueling summer of Karachi. My path was set.

But then came my exposure to movies and music and other "fun stuff". Tried balancing both things together but to no avail. Namaz became a chore and fasting in Ramazan became an excuse to stuff myself during Sehri and Iftari and sleep all day. Religion lots its meaning other than during exam time when my namaz and dua's took on an immediate intimacy and passion.

Then came college and a bad breakup. My world turned upside and I lost all interest in everything. Started questioning the existence of God, my purpose in life, what have I achieved after all those years of namaz and fasting other than trying to make my parents happy and portray an image of a "good boy" so they can be proud of me. I studied Quran with meanings for the first time in detail. I failed to see its appeal. I spoke with friends who were more religiously inclined and asked them pointed questions about the existence of God, of heaven and hell but never got any satisfactory replies. I became a closet atheist. I did most of everything forbidden in Islam. Nothing changed. Life went on. Nothing really completed me.

After all these years now I have come to realize the importance of religion in peoples life. Why without it life can be unbearable. Its hard to live when fully realized that ones life is so transient and insignificant in the whole scheme of things. That one has very little control over their lives and things often happen in a random and unexplainable way. People die in car accidents, perfectly healthy people suddenly get cancer. There is no explanation to it. The clock keeps ticking, the world keep spinning. Not waiting for anything or anybody.

The only thing that remains of any consequence in this bleak and morbid existence is nature and art. Its music, literature, poetry, film, paintings, etc. That is what transcends a person into a someone bigger than his measly existence. This is what makes us humans. Nothing should stand in the way of you appreciating such treasures.

Life is short. Enjoy while you can.

Great post

 

[Abdul]

You don't have to follow the religion if you don't want to. It's your own choice. I've stopped caring at this point myself.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

One area where it really shows the clash of culture is in the PSL. As we all know, with the advent of IPL, we got girls in mini skirts giving it the rah rah cheerleading and delighting the Indian pervs in the crowd.

The PSL response has been a bit confused, giving us male bhangra dancers with one female tapping a tambourine or something. No one's interested, if you don't want to give the crowds a real show, then just ditch the cheerleaders, they aren't vital to enjoy a game of cricket.

 

[troodon]

One area where it really shows the clash of culture is in the PSL. As we all know, with the advent of IPL, we got girls in mini skirts giving it the rah rah cheerleading and delighting the Indian pervs in the crowd.

The PSL response has been a bit confused, giving us male bhangra dancers with one female tapping a tambourine or something. No one's interested, if you don't want to give the crowds a real show, then just ditch the cheerleaders, they aren't vital to enjoy a game of cricket.

So are there male pervs in West too? Cheer leaders wear even smaller skirts there.

As long as we are human we will always appreciate the opposite sex body.

Hiding opposite sex body completely Will not yield any benefit.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

So are there male pervs in West too? Cheer leaders wear even smaller skirts there.

As long as we are human we will always appreciate the opposite sex body.

Hiding opposite sex body completely Will not yield any benefit.

Males don't perv in the west, there have been interviews published by western female cheerleaders who performed in the IPL complaining about harrassment and perving from Indian men at the grounds. There was a thread on it here once, and in fact a cheerleader actually signed up and contributed her thoughts. Would be good if someone can dig it up.

 

[humzy]

There you go.

I was not raised in such an environment but my parents did get more religious as they grew older but I was already out of the house and on my feet at that point so it didn't bothered me that much personally.

I was a panch-waqt namazi as a child. Was the youngest in my family when I finished reading the whole Quran and started fasting in Ramazan in the grueling summer of Karachi. My path was set.

But then came my exposure to movies and music and other "fun stuff". Tried balancing both things together but to no avail. Namaz became a chore and fasting in Ramazan became an excuse to stuff myself during Sehri and Iftari and sleep all day. Religion lots its meaning other than during exam time when my namaz and dua's took on an immediate intimacy and passion.

Then came college and a bad breakup. My world turned upside and I lost all interest in everything. Started questioning the existence of God, my purpose in life, what have I achieved after all those years of namaz and fasting other than trying to make my parents happy and portray an image of a "good boy" so they can be proud of me. I studied Quran with meanings for the first time in detail. I failed to see its appeal. I spoke with friends who were more religiously inclined and asked them pointed questions about the existence of God, of heaven and hell but never got any satisfactory replies. I became a closet atheist. I did most of everything forbidden in Islam. Nothing changed. Life went on. Nothing really completed me.

After all these years now I have come to realize the importance of religion in peoples life. Why without it life can be unbearable. Its hard to live when fully realized that ones life is so transient and insignificant in the whole scheme of things. That one has very little control over their lives and things often happen in a random and unexplainable way. People die in car accidents, perfectly healthy people suddenly get cancer. There is no explanation to it. The clock keeps ticking, the world keep spinning. Not waiting for anything or anybody.

The only thing that remains of any consequence in this bleak and morbid existence is nature and art. Its music, literature, poetry, film, paintings, etc. That is what transcends a person into a someone bigger than his measly existence. This is what makes us humans. Nothing should stand in the way of you appreciating such treasures.

Life is short. Enjoy while you can.

thank you for sharing, it was beautiful

 

[humzy]

One area where it really shows the clash of culture is in the PSL. As we all know, with the advent of IPL, we got girls in mini skirts giving it the rah rah cheerleading and delighting the Indian pervs in the crowd.

The PSL response has been a bit confused, giving us male bhangra dancers with one female tapping a tambourine or something. No one's interested, if you don't want to give the crowds a real show, then just ditch the cheerleaders, they aren't vital to enjoy a game of cricket.

LOL WUT? i have to see this.

 

[uberkoen]

Males don't perv in the west

LOL. What!? Males don't perv in the west?

 

[Robbie]

Males don't perv in the west, there have been interviews published by western female cheerleaders who performed in the IPL complaining about harrassment and perving from Indian men at the grounds. There was a thread on it here once, and in fact a cheerleader actually signed up and contributed her thoughts. Would be good if someone can dig it up.

Yup males don't perv in the west. Females aren't sexually active in the east . LGBTQs don't brush their teeth in the north and babies... well they don't behave nicely down south.
Preach kaptaan sahib preach

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

https://www.dailyo.in/lifestyle/rap...ual-harassment-indian-homes/story/1/4085.html

 

[Robbie]

https://www.dailyo.in/lifestyle/rap...ual-harassment-indian-homes/story/1/4085.html

Males don't perv in the west

 

[sweep_shot]

Definition of fun is highly subjective. Therefore, it is wrong to say Islam is against "fun" stuffs.

 

[Bigboii]

When you have to follow a strict diet and strict workout routine to lose weight and get in shape, do you complain why it is so strict? Then why complain when you have to follow a strict set of rules which get you morally and spiritually in shape and secures your afterlife?

Surprised no one quoted you because imo this is the perfect way to sum up this thread

At the end of the day these are the laws you chose to abide by for your well being
You can't pick and choose
This is what you want for your self! Take it or leave it

Ben Sharpio had a great point (similar to yours about religion)