Is permissible amusement, other than what is mentioned in the Hadith: "Every amusement a man indulges in is vain, except for his training of his horse, his shooting with his bow, and his playing with his wife," unlawful?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Ahmad, Tirmidhi, and Ibn Majah narrated from 'Uqbah ibn 'Amir al-Juhani that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Everything with which a man amuses himself is vain, except for a man's shooting with his bow, his training of his horse, and his playing with his wife, for these are among the truth." The word "vain" (باطل) does not mean unlawful (), but rather not beneficial. The default ruling for amusement and play is permissibility, as long as it does not involve harm, distract from an obligation, or lead to something unlawful.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 3296
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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