Is Choosing Football as a Career Islamically Appropriate? A Muslim’s Perspective on Sports Careers

Is Pursuing a Sports Career in Football, Cricket, or Tennis Compatible with Islamic Values?

Question: Can football be chosen as a career?

Answer: For a Muslim, choosing football, cricket, volleyball, tennis, or any other sport as a career is not appropriate for several reasons, including:

1. Purpose of Creation: Our creation’s purpose is to worship Allah, as stated in the Quran:

   "And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me." (Surah Adh-Dhariyat, 51:56)

   Choosing a career in sports can distract from fulfilling this purpose.

2. Life as a Test: We are sent to this world as a test to see who performs good deeds, as mentioned in the Quran:

   "He who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed - and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving." (Surah Al-Mulk, 67:2)

   Focusing on a sports career may lead to neglecting the trials of life and preparation for the Hereafter.

3. Worldly Life vs. Hereafter: The worldly life is considered a temporary amusement, while the Hereafter is the true home for those who fear Allah:

   "And the worldly life is not but amusement and diversion; but the home of the Hereafter is best for those who fear Allah, so will you not reason?" (Surah Al-An'am, 6:32)

   Believers should prioritize preparing for the Hereafter rather than wasting time in worldly amusements.

4. Value of Time: A believer values every moment of life, dedicating it to seeking Allah’s pleasure, worship, and preparing for the Hereafter. In contrast, disbelievers may spend their time in worldly pursuits and desires until death overtakes them. They will then wish to return to this world to perform good deeds, but it will be too late:

  If you could but see when the criminals are hanging their heads before their Lord, [saying], 'Our Lord, we have seen and heard, so return us [to the world]; we will work righteousness. Indeed, we are [now] certain.'" (Surah As-Sajdah, 32:12)

   This verse highlights the importance of using our time in this world wisely to avoid regret in the Hereafter.

Therefore, it is essential to understand the purpose of our creation and live our lives accordingly, following the example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi (Hafizahullah)

Jeddah Dawah Center, Hayy Al-Salamah, Saudi Arabia