Is using cars and planes considered as imitating the disbelievers
Question:-
I have read the Fatwa regarding soccer. Mufti Saheb mentions that it is Kuffar sports and Tashabbuh. What I would like to know is, won’t driving, flying etc. also be kuffar ways of transport and imitation of the disbelievers?
Answer:-
There is indeed a huge difference between the two. Imitating the Kuffar by adopting their ways and mannerisms (which includes their sports) is prohibited in the Quraan Sharif. Allah Ta’ala states, “And do not incline towards those who do wrong (Kuffar) for then the fire (of Jahannam) shall reach you and you will not have any helpers (to save you) against (the punishment of) Allah and you will not be assisted (by anyone.) [Re:- Verse 113, Surah Hood.]
The other is, utilising items manufactured by the Kuffar due to necessity. For example, vehicles manufactured by the Kuffar are a necessity, as one living at a distance from the Masjid requires a vehicle to travel to the Masjid for Salaah, or to go out in the path of Allah Ta’ala, or to travel to work and thereby earn one’s sustenance etc. In this instance, there is no problem in utilising the motor vehicle (which is manufactured by the Kuffar) as you are not imitating the Kuffar in any way whatsoever; rather, you are utilizing their products to fulfil your needs of Deen and Dunya. Similarly, there is no harm is taking a flight for Hajj or Umrah as one is simply utilizing the services provided by the Kuffar.
In the case of soccer, you are adopting their sports whereas we have a number of sports that are in accordance to the Sunnah such as swimming, horse-riding, archery, wrestling etc. There is no need for us to leave the blessed way of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam and adopt their way because of entertainment. The Quraan has prohibited us from adopting their ways and mannerisms whereas, we haven’t been prohibited from utilising their products and services. We hope the difference between what a necessity is and what imitating others is, is now clearly understood.
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date: 08 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1444 / 05 October 2022