Title: Entertainment in Islam Question: How did the sahabahs engage in entertaining themselves? today we have the likes of Playstations. is that allowed for us to engage in? Aminah bint Safar United Kingdom Answer: Entertainment and fun activities can differ from generation to generation and culture to culture. It should be kept in mind that during the Prophet's era life was harsh. The region itself, due to the climate, was not very hospitable to most people's lifestyles. Keeping that into consideration one should realize that the Companions (Sahabah) had a tremendous task to perform, so their leisure time was limited. When they were able to enjoy themselves they would race horses and camels. Even the Prophet himself, being a good natured and loving husband, raced his wife on more than one occasion. Archery was also practiced as a productive physical activity much as it is practiced today. Sports, in general, was encouraged as it provided a way to keep oneself fit and healthy which was also a show of respect and appreciation of the bodies God has blessed humans with. Narrated by 'Abdullah bin 'Umar "Allah's Apostle ordered for a horse race; the trained horses were to run from a place called Al-Hafya' to Thaniyat Al-Wada' and the horses which were not trained were to run from Al-Thaniya to the Masjid (mosque of) Bani Zuraiq. The sub narrator added: Ibn Umar was one of those who took part in the race." -Sahih Bukhari Volume 1, Book 8, Number 412 Narrated Salama bin Al-Akwa "The Prophet passed by some people of the tribe of Bani Aslam who were practicing archery. The Prophet said, "O Bani Ismail ! Practice archery as your father Isma'il was a great archer. Keep on throwing arrows and I am with Bani so-and-so." So one of the parties ceased throwing. Allah's Apostle said, "Why do you not throw?" They replied, "How should we throw while you are with them (i.e. on their side)?" On that the Prophet said, "Throw, and I am with all of you." -Sahih Bukhari Volume 4, Book 52, Number 148 Hasham reported on the authority of his father that A'isha (rta) said: 'The Prophet (sws) raced with me and I won the race. We remained in this position until I put on some flesh and then the Prophet (sws) raced with me and [this time] he won. So the prophet said: "This is my revenge." -Musnad Ahmad, No: 24164 Entertainment for the Companions was not limited to physical activity. It included things that kept the mind sharp and aware. Even humor was an important part of the Prophet's society. He is known to have had a keen sense of humor and liked to laugh and smile. Poetry was still cherished and the Companions would join poetic gatherings to hear the latest from the art. Also, according to various incidents mentioned in books such as "Qasas al Arab," Muslims were generally fond of beautiful singing. Whomever had the talent, sometimes slave girls not yet freed, were asked to sing Arab poetry. The Companions did what was conducive to their circumstances, they were bound by their surroundings and natural environment. More importantly, their pleasures never crossed the bounds of Islamic etiquette and they never became so consumed with something as to forget their most important duty; their self dedication to the Almighty. Although much of what the Companions did can be emulated now-a-days, there is no compulsion in taking up their activities. A person has many options for leisure time. So whether you're playing the Playstation or the X-Box, reading a book or jogging, etc... as long as you do it to a healthy degree then there are no restrictions. Being consumed by any activity, sometimes to the point of addiction, is what is disallowed in Islam. The Companions entertained themselves with plenty of physical and mental activity and allowed themselves to appreciate life. We should all partake in what life has to offer in terms of good healthy fun. Your idea of fun maybe a video game while someone else's might be venturing the world, all is well as long as you remember the Creator whom gave you the opportunity to experience the beauty of life. One last piece of personal advice; video games confine you and commit you to little physical movement. Try to spend more time outdoors or do something more productive. I hope I have clarified the issue. God knows best Ronnie Hassan January 31, 2003