Question Summary:
Attending stadiums to spectate a match

Question Detail:

salaam mufti saheb
what is the shar'ee ruling on going to a football stadium to watch a football match live?

Answer :

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
In today’s society, following professional sports has become an obsession and craze. For the vast majority of people, it has become a vital element of life. Millions of people enthusiastically view matches on television and many others attend stadiums to watch games.
In terms of Sharīah, there are many evils associated with following professional sports. The harms are exemplified to a greater degree when one attends live matches at the stadium to support his team. A few of the evils are listed below:
·        Nationalism: Fans develop a deep love for their national team. As a result, the fans are affected by patriotism. A type of hatred and spite is created for people of other nationalities. The media creates a patriotic atmosphere and induces malice between nations.[1] This type of attitude is totally against Sharīah.
 
·        Music: Loud music is played in support of the national team. Music is poison for the heart. It penetrates the heart and causes hypocrisy to form within.
 
·        Intermingling of sexes: Fans include both males and females. They all attend to cheer and support their team. An environment of shamelessness and immodesty is produced. 
 
·        Alcohol: At stadiums, an environment of alcohol and wine is prevalent. Wine is served and many of the spectators get drunk and intoxicated.
 
·        Inappropriate uniforms: In many sports, the players wear clothing that reveals the Satr. The knees are exposed due to wearing shorts. It is impermissible for a Muslim to glance at another person’s Satr. When wastching a game, one is bound to set his gaze at the players’ Satr.
 
·        Waste of time: One’s valuable and precious time is wasted. Life is bestowed by Allāh Ta’ālā to utilize in recognizing and obeying Allāh Ta’ālā. There is neither worldly benefit nor religious benefit in viewing a match.
 
·        Waste of money: Money is a trust from Allāh. It is to be used in the obedience of Allāh Ta’ālā. Much money is wasted in attending games.
 
Hence, attending stadiums to watch games is prohibited. This is due to many factors such as the ones listed above.
In conclusion, a Muslim is one who develops the love of Allāh within his heart. His living and dying is only for Allāh. He does not waste his time and life in insignificant pursuits such as following professional sports and attending stadiums to spectate matches. 
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Abdul Azīm bin Abdur Rahman,
Student Darul Iftaa
U.S.A.
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.
 
 
Clarification
 
The Darul Iftaa has received queries regarding Mufti Ebrahim Desai Saheb’s teaching and affiliation with Madrassah In’aamiyya, Camperdown. The confusion is probably due to the previous Fatawaa and Google searches of Mufti Ebrahim Desai Saheb issued under the name of Darul Iftaa, Madrassah In’aamiyyah, Camperdown.
 
Mufti Ebrahim Desai Saheb has resigned from Madrassah In’aamiyya two years ago and has no affiliation with Madrassah In’aamiyya, Camperdown.
 
Mufti Saheb has established the Darul Iftaa in Durban that facilitates for post-Ulama courses and training Mufti’s. He teaches Hadeeth at Darul Uloom Nu’maniyyah.
 
Email: darululoomnumaniyyah@gmail.com or arkhanar@telkomsa.net