Assalamu’alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

Bismillahir-Rahmanir- Rahim

1. Introduction

Physiologically, exercise releases endorphins that can bring happiness and inner peace. Yet in mass psychology, excessive sports fanaticism can trigger uncontrolled adrenaline surges that, if not accompanied by faith, turn into aggression and hatred. Islam views sports as a means to safeguard the trust of the body so it remains strong for worship. Balance is the key: a strong physique must be guided by a healthy soul, so that competition does not turn into enmity and hobbies do not lead to neglecting obligations.

2. Explanation

Allah SWT commands us to unite and avoid senseless division:

وَاَعِِدُّوْا لَهُمْ مَّا اسْتَطَعْتُمْ مِّنْ قُوَّةٍ

“And prepare against them whatever you are able of power…” (QS. Al-Anfal: 60)

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ also warned about the danger of speech and behavior that violates honor:

الْمُسْلِمُ مَنْ سَلِمَ الْمُسْلِمُونَ مِنْ لِسَانِهِ وَيَدِهِ

“A true Muslim is one from whose tongue and hand other Muslims are safe.” (HR. Bukhari & Muslim)

3. Lessons and Message

The heroism of an athlete is not when he wins a trophy, but when he is able to restrain himself from harsh words and hatred toward his opponent. Do not let a ball game or a match break brotherhood, distance husband and wife, or distract you from the call to prayer. Sports are a means, while guarding your dignity—covering the _‘awrah_—and observing prayer times are goals that must never be sacrificed. There is the story of a young athlete at the peak of a final match. When the time for prayer arrived and the game was still ongoing, he remained calm and not emotional. Yet as soon as the final whistle blew, the first thing he did was not celebrate with wild revelry, but to prostrate in gratitude on the field and immediately seek a place to pray. For him, the cheers of thousands of spectators were not more valuable than a single bowing before his Creator. That is true human dignity. Sports without ethics are like a race car speeding without brakes. It may look impressive on the track, but it is extremely dangerous to itself and others because it can crash into the wall of hatred at any moment. Ethics are the “brakes” that keep your strength under control, keeping you on the honorable path of humanity. It’s quite funny when a husband and wife argue—even divorce—just for defending different football teams. In reality, the teams they support don’t even know they exist! The players earn billions and live in luxury, while the fans get mouth ulcers from shouting and end up at odds with their own spouses. Remember, your favorite team won’t accompany you in the grave, but your wife will be the one praying for you!

4. Conclusion

Islam supports a strong physique, but Islam detests blind fanaticism and the flaunting of ‘awrah. Let us engage in sports wisely: keep the ‘awrah covered, guard the tongue from foul words, and never let the ball take precedence over obligations to religion and family. Be a winner on the field, and a winner in upholding noble character

والله أعلم بالصواب

الحمد لله رب العالمين

Wassalamu’alaikum Warahmaullahi Wabarakatuh.

ِAbu Sultan Al-Qadrie