Prophet's Mosque Imam: Screens Have Reduced Concept of Recreation and Weakened Family Bonds
Sheikh Dr. Abdul Bari Al-Thubaiti, Imam and preacher of the Prophet's Mosque, urged Muslims to fear God and highlighted that Islam permits lawful recreation that aids worship and does not lead to sin, but warned that modern screens have distorted recreation, leading to mental distraction, spiritual emptiness, and weakened family ties.
His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Abdul Bari Al-Thubaiti, Imam and preacher of the Prophet's Mosque, advised Muslims to fear God Almighty and obey the Generous Lord to attain forgiveness and great reward. God said: (O you who have believed, fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice. He will [then] amend for you your deeds and forgive you your sins. And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly attained a great attainment). He said: Islam is the religion of ease, the law of mercy, and the path of moderation and balance. It permits good things and gives every right its due, allocating a share for the soul, the body, seriousness, rest, this world, and the Hereafter. Hence, recreation is permissible if it remains within the bounds of the lawful, aids in obedience to God, does not distract from obligations, and does not lead to forbidden acts. Recreation is a means by which a Muslim regains his activity, strengthens his resolve, and resumes his journey toward his Lord. This reflects the perfection and mercy of this Sharia, as it recognizes human nature, considers his needs, and places everything in its proper position. It does not burden the soul beyond its capacity, nor does it call for monasticism, nor does it unleash desires. Rather, it refines desires, directs them, and links them to God's pleasure. He continued: "The Sharia aligns with the innate nature upon which God created people. Souls become weary, bodies weaken, and hearts grow lethargic. No matter how high one's determination, he needs a break to regain his activity, gather his scattered thoughts, and prepare to continue his path to God. Therefore, the Quran directed believers to beneficial recreation that awakens the heart, nourishes the mind, and renews faith. God said: (Say, 'Travel through the land and observe'). Traveling through the land is not merely physical movement, but a journey through God's signs, contemplation of His wondrous creation, and reflection on the stories of nations, so the heart increases in faith, the mind in insight, and the soul in tranquility." He explained that God has permitted adornment and good things to His servants, saying: (Say, 'Who has forbidden the adornment of Allah which He has brought forth for His servants and the good [things] of provision?'). Joy is a blessing, beauty is a blessing, and good things are a blessing. Every blessing requires gratitude to the Giver, and it increases in blessing when used in ways pleasing to Him. The Prophetic Sunnah confirms this meaning in the clearest terms. The Messenger of God, peace be upon him, would joke with his companions but only speak the truth, race with his family, permit lawful amusement, and allow what brings joy to souls as long as it is free of sin. Recreation in Islam does not mean escaping responsibilities, abandoning worship, or wasting time. Rather, it is moving from one task to another, from one benefit to another, so that when the body rests, the heart is not heedless, and when the soul rejoices, it remains connected to its Lord. He pointed out that blessings are only complete when used in ways that please God. Therefore, the Sharia has surrounded recreation with etiquette that preserves it and controls that purify it, keeping it within the bounds of the lawful, far from any prohibited act. It should not prevent prayer, neglect a right, sever family ties, distract from duties, or lead to sin. He called for moderation in recreation, as excessive indulgence turns it into its opposite. A permissible act can be spoiled by excess, a pleasure can bring regret, and an hour of amusement can cause heedlessness and waste irreplaceable time. Recreation is known not by its form but by its effect. If a person returns from his rest more serene, with a more open heart, stronger resolve, better character, and more eager to obey his Lord, then he has attained beneficial recreation. But if it brings laziness, lethargy, heedlessness, or wasted time, then he has missed the path, even if he thinks he is enjoying himself. Concluding, the Imam and preacher of the Prophet's Mosque, His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Abdul Bari Al-Thubaiti, noted that one of the greatest afflictions of people in this era is that the concept of recreation has been reduced by many to screens. Holidays pass by with short clips and social media, until days go by and nothing remains but a scattered mind, an empty heart, weakened family bonds, and little intimacy with the Book of God. It is fleeting pleasure, short-lived effect, but great cost. He called for recreation as prescribed by Sharia, which combines pleasure and benefit, rest for the body, nourishment for the heart, and illumination for the mind.
Original source: Al-Mowaten
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