Is a believer allowed to spend his free time as he wishes, so long as it does not violate Islamic law and he remains diligent in his acts of worship, or will he be punished for his amusement and play?

The Muslim is commanded to perform obligations and abandon prohibitions to enter Paradise. The soul's love for falsehood is a deficiency, and Allah does not punish for what He has made permissible. Occupying free time with permissible things is allowed, provided that it does not lead to neglecting an obligation or committing a forbidden act. Beneficial permissible things in this world are praiseworthy, and the one who does them may be rewarded with a good intention. As for permissible things that have no benefit, they are blameworthy, but this blame is not in the sense of prohibition, but rather a guidance for the Muslim to engage in noble matters. The basic rule for games and amusement is permissibility, as long as they do not involve harm, distract from an obligation, or include anything forbidden. It is more befitting for a Muslim to occupy himself with beneficial permissible things and utilize his life for what benefits him religiously and worldly.