Playing paintball shooting and Kuffar sports with the intention of Jihaad
Question:-
1. Is it permissible for a person to play “Paintball” with the Niyyat of training for Jihaad?
2. Is it permissible for a person to play Kuffar sports such as, cricket and soccer, with the Niyyat of training for Jihaad or just keeping fit?
Please outline the reason of impermissibility if it is Haraam.
Answer:-
1. In our understanding paintball shooting is more a game of entertainment rather than actual shooting or target practice. The game is played by both adults and youngsters, which again indicates that it is a game of entertainment. Also, in many instances, music is played in the paintball shooting arena and perhaps, not a single person has the intention of Jihaad when playing the game. It is merely a matter of winning the game. If one really intends preparation for Jihaad, then he should rather opt for archery or shooting practice, whilst making the intention of practicing upon the Sunnah.
2. Soccer and Cricket are Kuffar sports, yet a large percentage of the Ummah are actively engrossed in watching and following such sports which yield no benefit to the spectator whatsoever, whilst the Kuffar on the other hand, are busy plotting to destroy the Ummah and rule the world. Again, if we really want to train for Jihaad, then there are plenty of Sunnah sports which will assist us in keeping fit such as, swimming, sword-fighting, wrestling, horse-riding etc. Why do we, Muslims, think of engaging in Kuffar sports only to keep fit and overlook the Sunnah? This is a clear indication of our love for the ways of the Kuffar and their sports. We, as Muslims, have absolutely no need to adopt their Kufr sports to keep fit.
In conclusion, paintball shooting, soccer, cricket etc. are all Kuffar sports and a means of entertainment, which hold no position in our Deen. The Quraan Sharif states, “And do not incline towards those who do wrong for then the fire of Jahannam will reach you” thus, we should totally refrain from all their ways and habits, not excluding their sports. We may adopt such means of keeping fit that are in accordance to the Sunnah. Our Deen is complete and encompasses all aspects of one’s life, from birth, until death.
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date: 16 Safar 1444 / 13 September 2022