Managment

examination of one’s ability to suppress all forms of
temptations.
Modern forms of entertainment drive people to drastic levels
of obsession and addiction. The advent of multi-sophisticated
digital devices such as smartphones, iPads, iPods, etc. that
surround our houses, offer opportunities like never before.
We can be entertained in ways and by means that were
unimaginable for many of us twenty years ago. We can carry
them around anywhere and everywhere, fulfilling our daily
needs as well as being entertained. Those always connected
and always on the world of social media and technology have
become saturated with this form of entertainment, which is
unrelenting and completely obsessive. In fact, ‘addictive
digital phenomena’ is now a growing concern as many are
struggling to free themselves from the modern craving of
technologies. At any given moment one can extract any kind
of entertainment from the internet or multiple applications
on smartphones and tablets that are available at one’s
disposal. Thus, people have forgotten the art of boredom -
how to create purposeful activities that do not involve
technology and modern entertainment. The entertainment
value has ensured that we are totally connected to the
multiple digital devices. The Holy Qur’an says: The Imminent
(Hour of Judgement) has approached. There is no one, besides
Allah, to remove it. Do you then wonder at this discourse (the
Qur’an), and laugh (at it) and not weep, while you are
engaged in vain play (singing, etc.)? Now, fall down in
prostration to Allah and worship (Him). (An-Najm 53:57-62)
Moreover, there is no escape, even in the house of Allah!
How many times do we switch off our smartphones whilst in
the Masjid and disconnect ourselves from worldly thoughts?
How many of us are easily distracted during Salaah when we
feel the vibration from our phones knowing someone has
texted or whatsapped us? How many of us would flick
through some items of worldly information whilst in the
house of Allah? How many of us would swipe or flick through
multiple apps whilst depriving ourselves from connecting to
Allah through dhikr? Unfortunately, even whilst in the most
sacred of all sanctuaries of Islam, the Haram, performing
Tawaaf, one cannot escape from the digital entertainment.
Our spiritual relationship with our Creator has been
disconnected by the growing desire to be entertained by the
multifaceted devices at our disposal.
However, entertainment in its literal form is not forbidden in
Islam, provided it benefits the body, mind and soul. The
Prophet said, “Entertain (yourselves) and play, for indeed I
dislike to see harshness in your religion.” (Al-Baihaqi)
If entertainment means partaking in activities that are
beneficial to the mind and body and do not violate the
teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah, such as playing
wholesome sport, spending quality time with family and
friends or enjoying picnics and doing barbecues on the beach
or mountains, there is absolutely no harm. Rather, this sort of
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Out 1st week of Ramadhaan
entertainment is a natural demand of man and is encouraged
in Islam. Sayyiduna Ali said, “The heart becomes bored just
as the body becomes bored, so search for it paths of
wisdom.” In addition the Prophet said, “Do you have with
you any amusement (lahw), for indeed the Ansaar love
amusement?” (Al-Haakim) If ‘entertainment’ means sensual
string music, vulgar movies, mixing of the sexes and dancing,
etc., then that would indeed be a lame excuse for practicing
indecency and ‘faahishah’ in the name of ‘entertainment’!
In conclusion, modern entertainment doesn’t put us in
control but it only lets us escape from the realities of life.
There are clinics that are tackling the addiction of modern
media and entertainment. People are struggling to cope
without some form of entertainment enveloping their lives.
Hence, we need to start tackling this growing problem that is
affecting us physically, spiritually and emotionally by
unplugging and disconnecting from the multiple digital
devices and creating opportunities that enable us to focus on
other fruitful activities. We also need to focus on taking part
in spiritual retreats such as I’tikaaf that focus on the
connection with our Creator exclusively. In addition, we need
to take control of the entertainments we partake in that are
beneficial and free from vices. There is a major lack of
awareness on this issue and many people deny that they have
a problem. Yet, everyone needs to reflect on their daily lives
and see how much time, energy and money they spend and
exert behind many of these futile entertainments. Thus, the
above discussion is to raise awareness about an issue that is
taken for granted and misunderstood. May Allah safeguard
us from futile and in vain activities and enable us to partake
in fruitful activities that benefit us in both worlds. Aameen.
Issue 48 www.rabetah.org July / August 2013 5