The name “World Cup” itself signifies how successful they were in selling an idea of futility to the international community. What is even more appalling is the vast amount of money squandered on events of this nature. Thirty million rand was spent on the World Cup opening extravaganza. Well, the organizers could bank on their avid and fanatic supporters to fork out hundreds of rands and thus ensure their outlay was recouped with profit. Where do we Muslims fit in? Some Ulema have permitted sports as a means of exercise, but no one will sanction this type of crazed indulgence. While you may adopt a sport for purely health and physical reasons, with the proviso that your salah is not neglected, there is no exposing of the satar, etc., there is no justification to extend your indulgence beyond this. It is not permissible to attend sports grounds to watch these matches, for the following reasons: Waste of money; supporting the enemies of Islam; neglect of madresa by children; mixed gatherings; showing liking and praise for kuffar; indulgence in futile amusement; neglect of important worldly matters, and sometimes neglect of salah. Why cannot Muslims involve themselves in manly sports such as horse-riding, archery, and other physical training? Furthermore, where are the voices of protest calling for boycotts of these stadiums? They were vociferous in their demands for boycotting Jewish products, but why are they silent now? We believe there is a greater need to call for a total boycott of these games. When the teams themselves refuse to play in certain countries to register their protest against that country’s harsh political policies, why cannot Muslims desist from watching these matches for the sake of their Deen? Even politically, Muslims have a very good reason to desist and to switch off (remembering that watching the matches on TV is also support for this whole spurious event). Teams like England, Australia, Canada, Pakistan, and India all belong to countries that have poor track records in respect of Muslim minorities’ rights. Yet, our Muslims not only view and attend these games, they even begin aping the players, who are actually the ambassadors of Shaytaan. Their money goes to provide remuneration and benefits for these players. Another problem that stems from supporting a team of one’s choice is the disappointment and depression that sets in when the team loses or fails to perform well. This is actually a nafsaani and shaytaani expression to cause grief and uneasiness to the individual. The nafs has built up such love and dedication for the team that the moment it (the team) fails to live up to expectations, the supporter is overcome with grief and trauma. So much so that the blood pressure shoots up, weak-hearted people suffer heart-failures, and those of weak iemaan even resort to suicide, as happened several years ago to certain Pakistani supporters, and outbreaks of violence. In the end, what is lost and what is gained? How far will this sport assist us in our preparation for the death and life thereafter? Will our admiration for sports stars be of any consequence in front of Allah, or at the Scales of Justice, or when crossing the bridge of Siraat, or even when we are placed in our graves? Or will we be horrified when we see these same ‘stars’ displaying their unproductive sports skills in the fire of Jahannum? Another disastrous state of affairs is the practice of some people to actually make dua for the success of the Pakistani team. To do so is impermissible and a mock at the great amal of dua. This proves how deepl our emotions and feelings are for this futility. It has been observed that invariably sports-goers and supporters become very indifferent and lethargic to the more important issues of life, especially religious matters. We call upon all Muslims throughout the world to stop supporting this crazy system that has disrupted our peace of mind. Spend your money in good avenues, on your families and in charity, or donate to Musjids and madresas, but DO NOT EVER SUPPORT THOSE WHO ARE AIDING THE SUPPRESSION OF MUSLIMS. May Allah help us in this resolve – ameen.