Having the major themes that were mentioned in the previous article in mind, while going out for fun in Islam, we can realize if the sort of entertainment that we are up to, is lawful or not. Now, let’s have a look at a few lawful (Halal) fun activities:

Parties:

Friends and Family Gatherings

In Islam having a good relationship with relatives is an obligation even if that relative is not Muslim [1]. Therefore having gatherings with friends, family and relatives is not even lawful (Halal) but also recommended, keeping in mind that in all sorts of gatherings we must avoid gossiping, backbiting, humiliating others, and using bad words, as they have prohibited in Islam [i].

Joking and Humorous Attitude in Islam

In chapter (Surah) Mu’minoun when Allah is describing the features of a real believer, he says: “And those who avoid vain talk” (23: 3)

Although we have many verses with the content mentioned above, it does not mean that Muslims should be charmless and moody. Therefore we have to find out what vain talk really means. The vain talk could be a sort of talk that can annoy other people [ii]. However, telling jokes that have no bad content or have a sort of humorous attitude that can make the listener laugh and make him/her happy and energetic, is recommended in Islam. It is narrated from Imam Sadiq (AS) that “among the most precious actions in the eyes of God is to bring joy and happiness to the heart of a believer.” [2]  

Having Fun in Islam with the Opposite Sex

Having fun in Islam with the non-Mahram opposite sex is forbidden. Instead, getting married and enjoying a relationship with the spouse is highly recommended. It is narrated from Imam Baqir (AS) that, “the fun of a believer is in three things: enjoying his/her spouse, joking with friends, and the night prayer.” [3]

Travelling and Camping

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) says: “Travel so that you stay fine and healthy.” [4]

Going out to nature, being only a few hours in a park or camping in the woods overnight, or traveling to other cities or countries is not only a change of mood, but there are also lessons and edification in it for a believer [iii].

Sports in Islam

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) used to encourage people to necessarily learn sports such as horse riding, swimming, and archery. There are many narrations concerning these three specific sports as well as other sorts of fun in Islam that our prophet (PBUH&HP) used to get involved in at his time. For example, it is narrated that he used to take part in camel riding races and he was really good at it. 

However it does not mean that in our time we should stick to archery, horse riding, or camel riding, rather we should find the types of sports that suit our time and are also required in life. We can say that these days driving replaces horse riding. Or even cycling, karate and running or walking are easy and useful sports.

World championship sports these days mostly serve international political reasons rather than health and joy.

Hang gliding, Paragliding, Skydiving

These kinds of activities are fun and exciting. Some people enjoy these activities alongside activities such as bungee jumping. Some people have adventurous personalities and need a kind of entertainment like this, so they can gain energy and stability to go back to work on a Monday morning. Therefore there is no problem to enjoy them.

Reading

Reading is a calming and relaxing activity. Sitting by the fire on a winter’s day and drinking a cup of tea while reading, or on a summer’s day doing the same thing on the balcony would be so joyful. Most of our jurists recommend inserting reading into our daily lives. But we have to be careful about what we read. Reading all types of books is, not lawful (Halal) for a Muslim.  A Muslim should be cautious about the contents of the books she/ he chooses to read. The book should help elevate the life and soul of the reader and not engage his/ her mind with useless information.

Digital Games and Movies

Playing computer games as long as there is no unethical content in the game is not forbidden. If people play computer games to rest, or change their moods, it would be fine. But we have all seen how some people are addicted to digital games that have no use for them and only waste their energy as well as physically hurting them. However, spending too much time on a computer game that may have no use for the growth of one’s soul is detestable (Makruh). The same rule applies to movies. When choosing a movie to watch, it is important to make sure that the content of that movie does not harm our souls.

Card games

Playing cards, especially when a group of friends comes together can be fun. However, any sort of card games that are known to be used for gambling, even if we do not bet on them, is forbidden. Imam Reza (AS) said: “God has prohibited His servants from all sorts of gambling (games with winners and losers), and commands them to avoid these games…” [5], as they are “abominations of Satan’s doing” [iv].

Working is Fun for the Believer

In conclusion, by keeping in mind that the entertainment of a believer should do no harm to him/her or others, but should also have some benefits for him/her, we can understand why Imam Ali (AS) says: “working is the greatest fun of a believer”. [6]

Notes:

[i] “O you who have faith! Let not any people ridicule other people: it may be that they are better than they are, nor let women [ridicule] women: it may be that they are better than they are. And do not defame one another, nor insult one another by [calling] nicknames. How evil are profane names subsequent to faith! As for those who are not penitent [of their past conduct]—such are the wrongdoers. O you who have faith! Avoid much suspicion; indeed some suspicions are sins. And do not spy on one another or backbite. Will any of you love to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it. Be wary of Allah; indeed Allah is All-clement, all-merciful.” (49:11- 12)

[ii]“Woe to every scandal-monger and slanderer” (104:1)

[iii]“Have they not traveled in the land and seen how was the fate of those who were before them? They were more powerful than them, and they plowed the earth and developed it more than they have developed it. Their apostles brought them manifest proofs. So it was not Allah who wronged them, but it was they who used to wrong themselves.” (30: 9)

[iv]“O you who have faith! Indeed wine, gambling, idols, and the divining arrows are abominations of Satan’s doing, so avoid them, so that you may be felicitous.” (5: 90)

References:

1. Mafatih al-hayat, p. 211
2. Al-kafi, vol. 2. P. 188
3. Mafatih al-hayat, p. 205
4. Al-hadith, vol. 2, p. 145
5. Mafatih al-hayat, p. 205
6. Nahjulbalaghah, Hekmah no. 39

1.  Planting Trees

Each fruit of the tree you have planted will be appreciated by a reward from Allah. 
Kanz al-Amaal, vol.12, p.341.

2.  Learning during Youth

What is learned during youth, like an engraving on a stone, will never be forgotten. 
Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 1, p. 222.

3. Mothers

Heaven lies beneath the feet of mothers. 

Mizan al-Hikmah, hadith no. 22691.

4. Respecting The Elderly

Respecting a Muslim elderly is like showing respect to Allah.
Usul al-Kafi, vol.2, p.165.

5. The Sources of  Mercy

The elderly are the sources of mercy and divine blessing.
Nahj al-fasaha, p.222.

6. The Most Generous according to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP)

The most generous among you is the one who spreads what he has learned among people.
Mizan al-Hikmah, hadith no. 13825.

7. The Faithful  

The faithful are tied in kindness and affection together like members of a body, one’s pain and hardship affect the others. 
Bihar al-Anwar, vol.58, p.150

8.  Marriage 

The one who gets married has completed half of his/her religion. 

Kanz al-Amaal, hadith no.44403.

9. The Mission of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP)

Indeed, I have been sent to revive the virtues and good morals.
Bihar al-Anwar, vol.16, p.286.

10.  Playing during Childhood

Playfulness during childhood will elevate one in wisdom in his/her adulthood.
Nahj al-Fasaha, p.564, Hadith no. 1940.

11.  The Closest Ones

The kindest, most amiable, generous, patient, and just among you is the closest to me in manner.   
Usul al-Kafi, vol.2, p.240-241.

12. Treating Children 

Be childlike with children.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Man la Yahduruhu al-faqih, vol.3, p.483.

13.  Keep Your Promises to Children 

Love children and be kind to them and keep your promises to them since they only know you as their providers.
Usul al-Kafi, vol.6, p.49.

14. The One Who Wins Allah's Praise  

Allah’s love and praise be upon the one who helps his/her children by doing good to them, caring for, and educating them. 
Mustadrak al-Wasaiil, vol.15, p.169.

15. Greeting Children, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP)'s Tradition

There are five activities that I won’t leave off till I’m alive so that they would become part of my tradition. [One of them] is greeting children.
Makarem al-Akhlaq, vol.1, p.251.  

16. Fathers   

Being like your father is one of the best blessings of Allah to you.
Bihar al-Anwar, vol.71, p.84.

17. Looking Kindly at Your Parents   

The kind look of a child to his/her parents is as praying in Allah’s regard. 
Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.46.

18. Treating Your Family 

The best among you is the one who treats his family best, and I am better than all of you for my family.
Nahj-al fesaha, p.472, Hadith no. 1520.

19. The Desired Family    

Whenever Allah desires the best for a family, He raises their awareness about the religion. The younger ones respect the elders, they observe moderation in their expenses, and they would know about their faults to make them right. 
Nahj-al Fasaha, p.181, Hadith no. 147

20. Delighting Your Parents  

Whoever delights his/her parents, has delighted Allah and the one who displeases them has displeased Allah.
Ali ibn Abd-al-Malik al-Hindi, Kanz al-Ummal, vol.16, p.470.

21.  Imam Ali (AS)

Whomever I am his/her leader (Mawla), then Ali is his/her leader (Mawla). 

Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal, vol.4, p.370. 

22. Women's Status in Allah's Regard

Women are held dearer in Allah’s regard than men, and Allah will highly reward any man who brings joy to his Mahram women.  
Usul al-Kafi, vol.6, p.7.

23. Martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS)

Martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) has ignited the hearts of believers with a pain that will never be subsided.
Jami al-Ahadith al-Shia, vol 12., p.556.

24. A Good Friend 

When Allah wants to pour His blessings upon you, He endows you with a Good Friend. 
Nahj al-Fasaha, p.776. 

25. Allah's Favorite    

When Allah chooses to favor someone, He makes him the source of satisfying other people's needs. 

26. Lady Fatimah (AS)  

Fatima is of my flesh, who is the light of my eyes and the warmth of my heart.
al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Al-Amali, p.486.

27. Humanity    

Loving Humanity is second only to having faith in Allah as one of the best deeds in Islam. 
Nahj al-Fasaha, p.74,  Hadith no. 387.

28.  An Act of Charity

If a Muslim plants a tree or any plant and a human, bird, or any other animals use it, Allah counts it as an act of charity.” 
Mustadrak al-Wasaiil, vol.13, p.460.

29. Lying      

Lying would negatively influence your livelihood.
Nahj al-Fasaha, p.373, Hadith no. 1087.

30. The Most Honest, Steadfast and Kindest   

On the Day of Judgment, those who were most honest in their words, steadfast in their promises and kindest in their manners, will be the closest ones to me.
Al-Shaykh al-Tusi, Al-Amali, p.229.

31. The Lawful (Halal) Earning

Praying has seventy parts, the most important and biggest of which is lawful (Halal) earning. 
Mustadrak al-Wasaiil, vol.13, p.12.

32. Performing Prayers

The most praised deeds in Allah’s regard is performing prayers (Salat) on their due time.
Kanz al-Amal, vol. 7, Hadith 18897.

33. A Desired Companion

The most desired companion is like a perfumer; his/her perfume would reach you, even if he/she didn't give you anything.

Kanz al-Amal, vol.9, Hadith 24676.

34. Eating Less  

Eating less results in a healthier body and a more tender heart while overeating makes one sick and hard-hearted. 
Mizan al-Hikmah, Hadith 579.

35. "I Love You"  

The words of “I love you,” said by a man to his wife, will forever be engraved upon the woman’s heart. 
Wassail al-Shia, vol. 14, p.10.

36.  Causing Harm   

Causing harm to yourself and others is forbidden in Islam.
Usul al-Kafi, vol.5, p.292.

37. Security and Health 

There are two blessings to which no one gives thanks: security and health. 
Khisal, p.34. 

38. The Most Grateful Person    

The most grateful person is the one who thanks people most.

Nahj al-Fasaha, Hadith no. 312.  

39. Saving someone's Reputation   

Whoever saves a believer’s reputation will surely be rewarded by heaven. 
Al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Thawab al-a'mal wa 'iqab al-Amal, p.145.

40. Ignorance and Wisdom  

No lack is more irritating than ignorance, and no wealth is more advantageous than wisdom.  
Ususl al-Kafi, vol.1, p.25-26, Hadith 25