A: The environment and manner in which professional sport is hosted, played and marketed entails a plethora of vice and impermissible activities like vulgarity, defamation, cheating, dancing, music, nudity, photography, exposing of the satr, betting, gambling, haram advertisements (representing alcohol, interest institutions, gambling, pornography), intermingling of the sexes, idolatry, dereliction of Islamic duty etc. Given this backdrop it is inevitable that a person frequenting, supporting and being passionate about such activity will be affected by its environment and influenced by its theme and objectives.

Furthermore, the entire industry of professional sport has been devised to keep the world’s attention fixed on things that are irrelevant to their lives and problems so people lose focus of the real issues affecting their community and world.

The little good that may be envisaged from such sport is far overwhelmed and diluted by excessive vice and negative un-Islamic factors that exist. Making dua for such course is not only futile but ironic as a Muslim should be seeking protection from the avenues of wrongdoing and sin.

Of much greater importance than the victory or loss of a sports match is dua for guidance, salvation and protection - dua for the alleviation of oppression of the millions that are being tormented, starved, massacred and face untold hardship and pain on a daily basis.

Passionately following one’s “team” and the results can either lead one to more than anxiety, stress , frustration and anger or a short term happiness and some excitement and sense of false achievement.

A Muslim is one who utilises the valuable bounty of time in an intelligent and fruitful manner, wherein every moment is spent to do good or promote good. May Allah Ta’ala grant us true understanding.

And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Was Salaam

Shafiq Jakhura (Mufti)              M.D. Mangera (Mufti)                                  
Fatwa Dept.                                 Fatwa Dept.