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Fatwa CenterWatching sports and bad movies on TV
Question
Is watching sports like football on TV Haram? I've been looking at bad movies before and now I'm repenting and I'm trying very hard not to see it ever. If I just see it when I'm unable to stop myself, what is the religion verdict about that since I don't look at it with intention? I can't stop myself.
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.
1) A Muslim is obliged not to waste his time, but to engross himself in what benefits him in this world and Hereafter as well. The Prophet 
said: “There are two blessings which many people lose; their health and free time (for doing good)”. [Imam Al-Bukhari].
Know, a Muslim will be questioned about his time on the Day of Judgment. The Prophet said: “A servant of Allah will remain standing on the Day of Judgment till he is questioned about his youth and where he spent it; and about his age and how he spent it …)”. [Al-Tirmithi].
So, a person is asked about his age in general and especially about his youth. This means he will be questioned about every action he did.
However, it is permissible for him to have some fun through the lawful matters whether he indulges in them or merely enjoys watching them. Basically, tournaments are lawful if they meet the following conditions:
A) Men are permitted to look only at the male participants and women should only look at women participants.
B) The Awrah (the part of the body that must be covered) of participants must be covered.
C) This activity should not distract the participants and the spectators from the prayers, obeying parents and the other obligations.
D) There should not be any partiality for any team.
E) It should not cause one to act or speak anything that could anger Allah such as cursing, blaming, etc.
F) One should not become addicted to spending precious hours of his life in it. This practice spoils his heart, mind and also disparages him before good people.
In fact, the Shari'a consists of concessions and restrictions. It is said: 'Give your hearts a time to make fun so, they will be conscious at the time of Zikr'. Having fun is lawful as long as it does not become an aim in itself.
2) You are obliged to turn towards Allah in a sincere repentance for seeing such films.
Sincere repentance means giving up that evil, feeling regret for what happened and making a strong decision not to revert to that sin.
Know that two main obstacles that restrain one from making repentance are:
A) Lusts and B) inadvertence of Allah.
To get rid of lusts one should avoid them after giving them up. The following instructions are useful in this matter:
Being away from bad places, engaging in remembrance of Allah, befriending pious and good persons who help one to do good deeds and observing prayers. Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {And seek help in patience and As-Salat (the prayer) …} [Quran 2: 45].
The cure of inadvertence is pondering on the creatures of Allah and looking at the unlimited blessings of Allah. Due to all these blessings we have to be thankful and obedient to Allah instead of being ungrateful to Him or disobeying Him.
Keep in mind Allah's Might and that He is giving you a chance though He can punish you and you are worthy of it. If you keep this fact in your mind, it will provide a great reason to help you leave the evils.
Finally, you should engage in acquiring good knowledge that will help you to keep away from bad things.
Allah knows best.
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