Islam orders us to spend our lives in the most beneficial manner, shunning useless activities. This does not mean that amusement or enjoyment is totally prohibited. Amusement within the framework of Islam, entailing activities that are permissible, is recommended in order to remove laziness and boredom. Here are some narrations concerning enjoyment:
The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam passed by some people who were playing in Madinah. He stopped and stood by them, and told them to carry on playing to let the Jews and Christians know there is broadness in Islam. (Kanzul Ummaal 15:233)
Another narration says that the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam told them to keep on playing and enjoying themselves for he hated that harshness and severity be seen in Islam. (Jami Sagheer)
One day some girls were playing around Aisha radhiallahu anha and her father started to reprimand them. The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said that he should leave them for every nation has an Eid (a day of happiness and joy). (Ahmad)
Another narration tells us to refreshen our hearts from time to time. We are told that hearts become bored and tired.
The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam used to make a person happy when he saw him gloomy and sad. He also said that cheerfulness is a special bounty from Allah.
Mufti Mahmood Ashraf Usmani
ENJOYMENT IN ISLAM
