The glory of Islam is built by men and youth who align their lives with what pleases Allah, using permissible sports as a means to rejuvenate the mind and gain physical strength for worship, not as a distraction. In a Friday sermon delivered on Muharram 18, 1448 AH (July 3, 2026), Chief Imam Murtadha Muhammad Gusau of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu'ah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene's Mosques in Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria, addressed the Islamic perspective on the FIFA World Cup and permissible sports.
Purpose of Creation and the Role of Sports
Imam Gusau began by reminding the congregation that Allah did not create humans and the universe for idle sport or amusement. Citing Qur'an 21:16, 23:115, and 44:38-39, he stressed that life has a serious purpose: to worship Allah and be tested through deeds. He referenced Qur'an 51:56: "And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me." Islamic scholars explain this means recognizing Allah's Lordship and seeking His pleasure. Sports, therefore, should be a permissible way to unwind and gain strength for fulfilling Allah's purpose, not a distraction.
Prophetic Examples of Permissible Recreation
The Imam narrated a hadith from al-Bukhari where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged the tribe of Aslam in archery, saying, "Shoot, O children of Isma'il, for your father was an archer. Shoot, and I am with such-and-such team." When one team stopped because the Prophet was with the other, he said, "Shoot; for I am with all of you." This reflects Islam's tolerance. Another hadith from al-Bukhari and Muslim describes the Prophet allowing Abyssinians to play with spears in the mosque, telling Umar to leave them. These examples show that permissible recreation is allowed to rejuvenate the soul for worship.
The FIFA World Cup: An Integrated System of Distraction
Imam Gusau addressed the FIFA World Cup, noting that 48 teams, including Arab and Muslim nations, are participating. He argued that this event is not merely a sport but an integrated system run by international institutions, sponsors, and financial backers generating billions of dollars. He stated: "We are not just looking at a mere sport that benefits the players... Instead, we are looking at an industry designed to distract people from the very purpose for which Allah created mankind — which is to establish servitude to Allah the Almighty." He emphasized that recreation is the exception, not the rule, in a Muslim's life.
Prohibition of Monetary Prizes in Most Sports
Citing a hadith from Abu Dawud, the Imam noted that the Prophet said: "There is no prize money except in archery, camel racing, or horse racing." These sports strengthen Muslims for defense. Other permissible sports are allowed but without financial rewards, to prevent them from becoming a profession that distracts from religious duties. He contrasted this with modern professional contracts worth millions, where parents dream of their children becoming athletes, and false role models are manufactured.
Normalization of Vices and Loyalty to Islam
The Imam highlighted that the World Cup is sponsored by riba-based banks and alcohol companies, and promotes deviance such as homosexuality through flags and armbands. He called on Muslims to exercise protective jealousy (ghairah) for their religion, citing Qur'an 3:110: "You are the best nation produced as an example for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah." He warned against fanaticism for teams and players who do not profess Islam, some of whom wear crosses or support aggression against Muslims. He referenced Qur'an 58:22 on loyalty and disavowal (al-wala' wa-al-bara'), and a hadith from al-Bukhari and Muslim where the Prophet condemned calls to tribal loyalty as "foul."
Means to Prohibition and Cooperation in Sin
Imam Gusau cited a hadith from Anas ibn Malik where the Prophet cursed ten categories of people involved with alcohol, including those who press, carry, or sell it. He applied this principle to the World Cup, arguing that supporting such events—even by watching—cooperates in sin, which is prohibited in Qur'an 5:2. He stated that Islamic scholars rule that if an action inevitably serves as a means to a prohibition, that action becomes prohibited.
Conclusion: The Path for Muslim Youth
The Imam concluded by urging Muslim youth to use permissible sports as a way to unwind and gain strength for worship, not as a distraction. He prayed: "Ya Allah, show us the truth as truth and grant us the capacity to follow it, and show us falsehood as falsehood and grant us the capacity to avoid it." He also prayed for the oppressed in Gaza and for relief from the Fire. The sermon was prepared for delivery on Friday, Muharram 18, 1448 AH (July 3, 2026).
