One of the greatest misconception Muslims have about Islam that ‘having fun’ is haraam! According to Islamic scholars, Muslims have perceived the word ‘fun’, falsely. A number of verses in the Holy Quran mention that the worldly life is nothing but play and diversion. But the aim of these verses is to lead us towards a useful lifestyle which can be helpful in this world and the afterlife.

Holy Prophet (PBUH) says that,

“Try to divide your day into four parts; one part for praying and communicating with your Lord, one part for earning lawful (Halal) money for a living, one part to communicate with your religious brothers who will help you know your deficiencies, and a part to entertain your soul with lawful pleasure, and in the fourth part you will gain liveliness to fulfill other three duties” – Biharul Anwar, volume 75, page 346

Islam has told different ways of having fun which is absolutely halal! So, here are the halal things Muslims can do for fun.

1. Family And Friends’ Gatherings

Abdullah bin ‘Amr Al-‘as (RA) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “The person who perfectly maintains the ties of kinship is not the one who does it because he gets recompensed by his relatives (for being kind and good to them), but the one who truly maintains the bonds of kinship is the one who persists in doing so even though the latter has severed the ties of kinship with him” – Sahih Bukhari, Book 1, Hadith 322

2. Traveling

Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Travel, and you will be healthy and wealthy” – (Kanz al-Ummal)

Another hadith about traveling is,

Abud Darda narrated: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) say: If anyone travels on a road in search of knowledge, Allah will cause him to travel on one of the roads of Paradise. The angels will lower their wings in their great pleasure with one who seeks knowledge, the inhabitants of the heavens and the Earth and the fish in the deep waters will ask forgiveness for the learned man. The superiority of the learned man over the devout is like that of the moon, on the night when it is full, over the rest of the stars. The learned are the heirs of the Prophets, and the Prophets leave neither dinar nor dirham, leaving only knowledge, and he who takes it takes an abundant portion – (Sunan Abu-Dawud, Book 25)

3. Reading Books

Reading book is indeed a relaxing activity as there is no loyal friend as a book. Almighty Allah emphasizes on reading in the Holy Quran as well.

Recite in the name of your Lord who created. Created man from a clinging substance. Recite, and your Lord is the most Generous – Surah Alaq, verse 1 – 3

4. Eating Out

Eating with friends can be a healthy activity.

As Wahshi bin Harb (RA) reported: Some of the Companions of Messenger of Allah (RA) said: “We eat but are not satisfied.” He (PBUH) said, “Perhaps you eat separately.” The Companions replied in affirmative. He then said: “Eat together and mention the Name of  Allah over your food. It will be blessed for you.” – Abu Dawud Book 3, Hadith 16

5. Playing With Children

It was narrated by one of Holy Prophet (PBUH)’s companion that no one was compassionate with children more than Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH). Playing and loving children is a fun and learning activity as well.

It was narrated that Aisha, said: “Some Bedouin people came to the Prophet (PBUH) and said: ‘Do you kiss your children?’ He said: ‘Yes’. He said: ‘But we, by Allah, never kiss (our children)’. The Prophet(PBUH) said: ‘What can I do if Allah has taken away mercy from you?’ – Sunan Ibn Majah, Book 33, Hadith 9

6. Enjoying With Your Spouse

Being with the opposite gender is a natural desire of every human and this is the reason why the Holy Prophet (PBUH) stressed the importance of marriage, many times. Life with a helpful companion would keep you relaxed and calm.

And verily, Allah knows the best!