Cambridge Islamic Sciences: Purposeful Recreation Vs Mindless Entertainment

People need rest, relaxation and recreation for a purpose. Without them it would be difficult to be a fully functioning human being. Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala mentions this in the Qur'an as follows:

<< Did they not see that We gave them the night for rest, and the day for light? There truly are signs in this for those who believe.>> [Qur'an 27:86]

However Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala also mentions that rest, ease and relaxation has to come with hardship.

<< So truly where there is hardship there is also ease; truly where there is hardship there is also ease. The moment you are freed [of one task] work on, and turn to your Lord for everything.>> [Qur'an 94:5-8]

Commenting on this topic, Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi says:

"Ease is through hardship. Muslims should be suspicious of ease which does not involve any effort. The obvious example of that is watching television. The only effort it requires is to push a button. It would actually be better to sleep rather than to watch TV. There are certain things that the Prophet salallahu 'alayhi wasallam sanctioned which nowadays are put under the category of entertainment; for instance, sports such as archery, horse-riding and swimming ..." - Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi

If rest, ease and purposeful recreation must come through toil and hardship then how should we consider often-mindless modern forms of entertainment? Do we find ourselves asking the question 'Without such entertainment what could we do?' or 'What can we then do for recreation?' and 'what can we give our children?' - Is life to be always serious and dull or are there real alternatives that can give us far more relaxation, enjoyment and fulfilment than any modern day entertainment ever could?

Coming up this Saturday is a seminar on Recreation, Leisure and Entertainment - The Islamic Perspective by Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi, one of the foremost scholars and thinkers of the Western world today. The first of its kind in the UK, this is your opportunity to discover what true recreation is and how it can change your life.

Only 2 days to go - please book your place now.

Cambridge Islamic Sciences Seminars London Presents
Recreation, Leisure & Entertainment
The Islamic Perspective

By Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi (Oxford)

A full-day seminar on the concepts of recreation and leisure in Islam and the Islamic view on modern day phenomena such as music, entertainment, television, movies, games, sports, “weekends”, holidays, shopping, fashion, socialising and celebrations.

When: Saturday 14th December 2013 Time: 9.30AM - 6PM

Venue: Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS

Online: Worldwide - Live & Recorded Access

This Seminar Covers: