Watching sports

Question

I asked a Moulana whether football was halaal or haraam to watch for men, given that the satr of other men is exposed (thigh, etc.). He replied that I should check with a Mufti, but in his opinion it is ok to watch, as this is part of the game. He also said if it was haraam because of this reason, then we wouldn’t be able to leave the house, as we often come across people wearing shorts, etc.

Something in my heart didn’t settle with this answer. In light of the above (satr uncovered, etc.), is it haraam to watch football/mma/similar sports where this occurs?

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee · Accepted Answer

It is not permissible to watch these types of sports. Apart from the satr being exposed, there is a whole host of wrongs that take place with these activities. In these sports events, there is intermingling, music, gambling, drinking and every type of perceivable evil. To go into such places and to view such events is not right for any Muslim. Allah Ta`ala tells us in the Quraan Shareef, "Do not sit in the company of the wrongdoers after realising their wrong."

One is where you have to carry out your duties and requirements. You are not going out to watch the people in the streets and shops. You are going for your duties. In that case, insha Allah, you will not be sinful. Further, in sports, apart from the wrongs, it is futile, lahw and la`ib which has been condemned in the Quraan and hadeeth shareef.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

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