VOL-II, ISSUE- II (Fall 2009)

MASS MEDIA: CONCEPTUALIZATION OF ISLAMIC RECREATION

    Muhammad Wasim Akbar (Ph.D)
Mirza Jan (Ph.D)

ABSTRACT

Recreation is the important necessity of human being. Everybody needs physical and mental recreation so that his physical and mental energies may be used in a positive way. Although history of recreational activities is very old but Twenty first century has been described as the age of science, Information and Mass Media. Nowadays media is the major source of recreation. Unfortunately in the name of entertainment, fun and recreation media is promoting vulgarity and obscenity. Every society has some social, religious and ethical values and media should be very much careful about these values. On the other hand media should not distort the aesthetic taste of people in the name of recreation. Vulgarity in TV programs, brutality in sports (Boxing and Free-Style Wrestling and Bull fighting etc) and obscenity in advertisements cannot be called recreation or entertainment. In this paper, authors have suggested some ethical responsibilities of mass media while they present recreational programs.

INTRODUCTION

In all the societies of the world events of amusement are arranged for the sake of recreation of the peoples. For this purpose, people arrange songs, dances, meeting of poets, plays, dramas and music shows according to their culture and customs. In the modern age, Film, TV and radio have expanded the concept of recreation. Western media has tried to utilized sports, music, singing, drinking, gambling, co-meetings, nakedness of women and obscenity as weapon for making their programs interesting. Entertainment content of the mass media provides enjoyment and may nourish powers of aesthetic appreciation, It also helps to inform and teach(Stein,1979).*1 So games, music, fashion, show business and even from decoration of houses to cooking are considered as recreation of human being.

In the golden pages of history there are pious lives of Holy Prophet (PBUH), His companions and ideal society of Islam. We can see that in that period, there was justice, peace and harmony in the society and on the other scenario of history there is modern Muslim society, after the comparative study of both societies we feel that there is no similarity between these societies. We know that media has changed the face of Muslim society by presenting musical shows, Radio songs, TV programs, VCRs Cable, network and internet cafes are at the top of Satanic weapons. Through these instruments Muslim Ummah has been trapped to follow the Satanic and un-Islamic traditions. Nakedness, obscenity, drinking and other vulgar activities presented by media are named as source of amusement, fun and recreation. Our society is unaware of the dangerous results of this fun.

                                                         Recreation, meaning and definition
According to an English dictionary, recreation means pastime and relaxation.(Dictionary,1989)*2  TAFREEH is an Arabic word. It means happiness, smile and recreation. In Urdu, it means love, walk, amusement and happiness. To spend spare time for relaxation and happiness is called “TAFREEH”(Malik, 1998)*3. Recreation is the integral part of human life when we are tired we need a hobby or any light activity to refresh ourselves. On the other hand, the ways of relaxation are related with cultural concepts of different societies (Arshad,1992)*4.

All the sociologists, psychologists and physiologists are agreed that Recreation, play and fun are the basic needs of human being. Play is essential for the development of physical health and skills. The weekend is usually a time for recreation of all cultures Holidays are common time for recreation, though recreation may take place at any place and any time but it can commonly occurs during an individual’s discretion or free time.

            Traditionally Olympics, music and dance serve as recreation in many cultures, as do sports, hobbies, games and tourism. On the other hand, watching TV, playing video games and listening to music are common forms of leisure (Wikipedia, 2007).*5

            In the modern world, the concept of recreation has been so vast, today; chatting on Internet, playing card, music, video games and mobile phones, all are recreations. It is human nature that after continuous work we feel boredom and tiredness. When we are tired physically and mentally we need rest and sound sleep but when wearer partially tired we need recreation and funny talking. All the kinds of amusement such as games, picnics, hiking, swimming and company of nature etc are necessary for balanced growth of human personality and physical freshness. We feel happiness, when we spend some time in any recreational activities. we feel refreshed physically and mentally after recreation. In the modern age, media has become the major source to provide information, entertainment and recreation to the masses so that human mental and physical energies may be used positively for the welfare of the society.

                                                                      Recreation and Play
Islam is a practical religion; it does not float in the stratosphere of imaginary ideals but remains with the human being on the ground of realities and day-to-day concerns. It does not regard people as angels but accepts them as mortals who eat food and walk in the marketplace. Islam does not require of Muslims that their speech should consist entirely of pious utterances that their silence should be a meditation, that they should listen to nothing except the recitation of the Qur'an, nor that they should spend all their leisure time in the mosque. Rather, it recognizes that Allah has created human beings with needs and desires, so that, as they need to eat and drink, they also need to relax, and to enjoy themselves.

            Following the Prophet's example, his noble and pure Companions also enjoyed humor and laughter, play and sport, which relaxed their bodies and minds and prepared them the better to travel on the long, arduous path of striving in the cause of truth and justice. 'All bin Abu Talib said, "Minds get tired, as do bodies, so treat them with humor," and "Refresh your minds from time to time, for a tired mind becomes blind." And Abu al-Darda said, "I entertain my heart with something trivial in order to make it stronger in the service of the truth."
           
            Accordingly, there is no harm in the Muslim's entertaining himself in order to relax his mind or refreshing himself with some permissible sport or play with his friends. However, the pursuit of pleasure should not become the goal of his life so that he devotes himself to it, forgetting his religious obligations. Nor should he joke about serious matters. It has been aptly said, "Season your conversation with humor in the same proportion as you season your food with salt."

            The Muslim is forbidden to joke and laugh about other people's values and honor. Allah Ta'ala says: O you who believe, let not some people mock at other people; it may be that they are better than thee...(Al-Quraan, Al-Hujraat-11)*6 Nor is it appropriate for the Muslim to tell jokes based on what is untrue in order to make people laugh. The Prophet (peace be on him) warned against this, saying, "Woe to the one who says something which is false in order to make people laugh! Woe to him, woe to him!" (al-Tirmidhi).

                                                                      Permissible Sports
There are many kinds of games and sports, which the Prophet (peace be on him) recommended to the Muslims as a source of enjoyment and recreation which, at the same time, prepare them for worship and other obligations. These sports, which require skill and determination, and which also involve physical exercise and bodybuilding activity, are related to the martial arts, training Muslims for the battlefields of jihad in the cause of Allah. Among them are the following:

                                                                      Foot Racing
The Companions of the Prophet (May Allah be pleased with them) used to race on foot and the Prophet (peace be on him) encouraged them in this. It is reported that 'All was a fast runner. The Prophet (peace be on him) himself raced with his wife 'Aishah in order to please her, to enjoy himself, and to set an example for his Companions. 'Aishah said, I raced with the Prophet (peace be on him) and beat him in the race. Later, when I had put on some weight, we raced again and he won. Then he said, 'this cancels that (Reported by Ahmad and Abu Daoud.), referring to the previous occasion.

                                                                      Wrestling
The Prophet (peace be on him) once wrestled with a man called Rukanah who was well-known for his strength, throwing him down more than once. (Reported by Abu Daoud.) In another report of this incident, the Prophet (peace be on him) started wrestling with him. As the fight was hard, Rukanah said, "A sheep for a sheep." (This must have occurred before the prohibition of gambling, or perhaps the Prophet (peace be on him) did not accept the bet and hence did not enforce its terms.) The Prophet (peace be on him) then threw him. The man said, "The same again." The Prophet (peace be on him) threw him again, and the man said, "The same again." The Prophet (peace be on him) threw him a third time. The man then said, "What shall I tell my wife? One sheep was eaten by the wolf, one ran away, but what about the third" Then the Prophet (peace be on him) said, "We are not going to defeat you and take something from you as well. Take your sheep!"
            From these reports concerning the Prophet (peace be on him), jurists have deduced the permissibility of foot racing, whether it be between men against each other or between men and women who are their Muharammat or wives. They have also concluded that foot racing, wrestling, and sports of this type do not compromise the dignity of scholarship, piety, or age.The Prophet (peace be on him) was more than fifty year old when he raced with 'Aishah.

                                                                      Archery
The Prophet (peace be on him) once passed by a group of his Companions who were competing in archery. He encouraged them, saying, shoot, and I am with you (al-Bukhari).
He realized that archery was not just a hobby or a sport but, more importantly, constituted that kind of force which Allah has commanded to be mustered: And make ready for them all thou art able of (armed) force.... (Al-Quraan, Al-Infial-60)*7
The Prophet (peace be on him) said, "The missiles (arrows) are the force," repeating it three times. (Muslim). He also said, "Practice archery; that is good for you" (al-Bazzar and by al-Tabarani on good authority).

            However, the Prophet (peace be on him) warned archers against using chickens and the like as targets for practice, as the Arabs of jahiliyyah used to do. Once 'Abdullah bin 'Umar saw a group of peoples doing this and he told them, "The Prophet (peace be on him) cursed the one who takes anything possessing life as a target'' (al-Bukhari and Muslim).

            He cursed such an individual because this sort of act involves the torturing and unnecessary killing of an animal, and a human being has no right to have fun and sport at the expense of a living creature. For the same reason the Prophet (peace be on him) forbade making animals fight each other. (Reported by Abu Daoud and al-Tirmidhi.) Some Arabs used to laugh and find it amusing to see two rams or bulls fight each other until one of them was gored to death. Scholars have said that the prohibition of making animals fight recognizes that such a practice causes them unnecessary suffering merely for the fun of it, without any benefit.

                                                                      Spear Play
Spear play is similar to archery. The Prophet (peace be on him) allowed some Abyssinians to display their skill with spears in his mosque; he let his wife 'Aishah watch their show and encouraged them by saying, "Carry on, O Bani Arfidah," (as the Abyssinians were known to among the Arabs). 'Umar, with his serious disposition, wanted to stop them but the Prophet (peace be on him) prevented him from it. It is reported in the two Sahibs of al-Bukhari and Muslim from Abu Hurairah that while the Abyssinians were performing their show with spears in the presence of the Prophet (peace be on him), 'Umar entered. He picked up some pebbles and started throwing them at them but the Prophet (peace be on him) said, "Leave them alone, O 'Umar."

            This indulgence on the part of the Prophet (peace be on him) in permitting and encouraging such a sport in his mosque was to demonstrate that the mosque serves both worldly and religious purposes. Muslims congregate in the mosque not only to worship but also to play. However, this play is not to tee merely for fun but should involve physical exercise and some sort of training. Commenting on this hadith, scholars have said that the mosque is the center of the Muslim's community affairs, and any activity, which combines benefits for religion and for the Muslims may be carried out in it. Muslims of the present time should note how devoid mosques today are of vitality and strength, often having become havens for the elderly and the lazy.
           
            The above incidents also provide an example of the Prophet's concern for his wife's amusement and recreation. 'Aishah, his wife, said, "The Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) covered me with his cloak while I watched the Abyssinians play in the mosque. He then stood (in his place) for my sake until I was the one who got tired, so estimate the time a young girl eager for amusement would wait" (al-Bukhari and Muslim)

            She also said, "I used to play with dolls in the house of the Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) and my friends would come over to play with me. They would hide when they saw the Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) approaching but in fact he was very happy to see them with me, so we played together" (al-Bukhari and Muslim).

                                                                      Horseback Riding
Allah Ta'ala says, And (He created) horses, mules, and donkeys for you to ride and as adornment.... (Al-Quraan, Al-Nahl-8)*8 and the Prophet (peace be on him) said, "There is blessing in the forelocks of horses" (Ahmad).
He also said, "Practice archery and horseback riding" (Muslim).
And again, Any action without the remembrance of Allah is either a diversion or heedlessness excepting four acts: walking from target to target (during archery practice), training a horse, playing with one's family, and learning to swim (Al-Tabarani on good authority).
           
            Said 'Umar, "Teach your children swimming and archery, and tell them to jump on the horse's back." Ibn 'Umar reported that the Prophet (peace be on him) organized horse races and gave a prize to the winner. (Reported by Ahmad.) All this was done by the Prophet (peace be on him) to encourage competition in sports involving physical exercise and discipline.

                                                                      Hunting
Hunting is among the beneficial sports, which are encouraged by Islam. It is a sport, an exercise, and also a means of livelihood, regardless of whether it is done with weapons or with hunting animals such as dogs and hawks. We have already discussed the Islamic conditions and rules for hunting in an earlier chapter.

            However, Islam prohibits hunting in two situations. The first is when a person is in the sacred state of consecration (ihram) for the performance of hajj or 'umrah, because this is a state of total peace in which one is not permitted to kill or shed blood, as commanded by Allah: O you who believe, do not kill game while you are in ihram......But to hunt on land is forbidden to you as long as you are in ihram.... (Al-Quran,Al-Maidah95-96) *9

            The second situation exists when a person is within the limits of the sacred territory of Makkah. Islam has declared this to be a region of peace and security, a sanctuary for every living creature, whether beast, bird, or plant, since the Prophet (SAW) prohibited hunting its game, cutting its trees, or disturbing its airspace (al-Bukhari and Muslim).  

                                                      Playing with Dice: Backgammon
Any sort of game played with money, which has an element of gambling, is haram. The Qur'an classifies gambling in the same category as drinking, idolatry, and divining with arrows. The Prophet (peace be on him) said, "He who says to his friend, 'Come, let us gamble,' must give charity (sadaqah)" (Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim), meaning that merely to invite someone to gamble is a sin requiring penance.

            Playing backgammon while betting with money is clearly haram some scholars consider it haram even if no betting is involved, while others consider it makruh rather than haram. Those who consider it haram base their judgemeon the hadith transmitted by Baraidah in which the Prophet (peace be on him) said, "He who plays with dice is like the owho handles the flesh and blood of swine" (Muslim, Ahmad and Abu Daoud.)
The same scholars cite the Hadith from Abu Musa al-Ashari in which the Prophet (peace be on him) said, "He who plays with dice disobeys Allah and His Messenger" (Ahmad, Abu Daoud, Ibn Majah, and Malik in his Al-muwatta). Playing Chess
           
            Chess is a very popular game, and the opinion of jurists concerning it varies. Some consider it halal, others makruh, and still others haram. Those who consider it haram cite some ahadith in support of their position, but researchers have proved that chess did not appear until after the death of the Prophet (peace be on him), thus all such a Hadith must have been fabricated.

                                                                      Singing and Music
Among the entertainments, which may comfort the soul, please the heart, and refresh the ear is singing. Islam permits singing under the condition that it not be in any way obscene or harmful to Islamic morals. There is no harm in its being accompanied by music, which is not exciting. In order to create an atmosphere of joy and happiness, singing is recommended on festive occasions such as the days of 'Eid, weddings and wedding feasts, births, 'aqiqat (the celebration of the birth of a baby by the slaughter of sheep), and on the return of a traveler.

            Aishah narrated that when a woman was married to an Ansari man, the Prophet (peace be on him) said, " 'Aishah, did they have any entertainment? The Ansar are fond of entertainment'' ( al-Bukhari.).

            Ibn 'Abbas said, " 'Aishah gave a girl relative of hers in marriage to a man of the Ansar. The Prophet (peace be on him) came and asked, 'Did you send a singer along with her?' 'No,' said 'Aishah. The Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) then said, The Ansar are a people who love poetry. You should have sent along someone who would sing, 'Here we come, to you we come, greet us as we greet you " (Ibn Majah.).

Gambling, the Companion of Drinking
While permitting a variety of games and sports, Islam prohibits any game which involves betting, that is, which has an element of gambling in it. We have already quoted the saying of the Prophet, "He who says to his friend, 'Come, let us "amble,' must give charity."


It is not lawful for the Muslim to seek relaxation and recreation in gambling, nor is it lawful for him to acquire money through it.

                                                       The Lottery, a Form of Gambling
What is known as the lottery or raffle is likewise a form of gambling. There should be no laxity or permissiveness toward it in the name of "charitable institutions" or "humanitarian causes." Those who consider it permissible in relation to such causes are similar to people who raise funds for the same causes by means of haram dances or "artistic" shows. To both such groups we say, "Allah is pure and does not accept anything except what is pure."

                                                                      Movies
Many Muslims ask about Islam's stand concerning the watching of movies, dramatic performances and the like. Is it permissible or not?

            No doubt movies are important tools of instruction and recreation. Their situation is like that of any other tool, which in itself is neutral and harmless, and any ruling concerning it will depend on how it is used.

            Consequently, movies may be regarded as permissible and good —in fact, desirable—if the following conditions are met:

            First: The content must be free of sin and immorality—indeed, of anything, which is against the Islamic beliefs, morals, and manners. Portrayals, which excite sexual desire or greed, glorify crime, or propagate deviant ideas, false beliefs, and the like are haram, and it is not permissible for the Muslim to watch or to encourage them.

            Second: The watching of movies should not result in the neglect of religious obligations or worldly responsibilities. The five daily prayers constitute the foremost of the religious obligations; hence it is haram for the Muslim to miss any prayer—for example salat al-Maghrib—in order to watch a movie. Allah Ta'ala says, then woe to the worshipers who are neglectful of their prayers (Al-Quran, Al-Maoon-4-5)*10 referring to those who postpone a prayer until its time is past. Again, one of the most important reasons mentioned in the Qur'an for the prohibition of drinking and gambling is that they keep people away from the remembrance of Allah and from salat.

            Third: Physical intermingling and free mixing among men and women in movie theatres must be avoided in order to prevent sexual undertones and temptation, particularly because showing a film requires a darkened hall. We have already mentioned the hadith, It is better for one of you to be pricked in the head with an iron pick than to touch a woman whom it is unlawful to touch (al-Bayhaqi and al-Tabarani).

 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WESTERN AND ISLAMIC CONCEPTS OF RECREATION

It is fact that most of the western countries have secular and liberal societies, they have their own culture, traditions and way of life. They are so liberal that they do not follow their religious guidelines in their daily life, that’s why they do not have certain limitations on eating, drinking and recreational activities in social life. But Muslims cannot ignore this reality that as culture and religious believes of every society is different, like wise there concept of recreation is always in accordance with their cultural norms.

            Unfortunately, West has distorted the concept of recreation because free sex activities are known as recreation. In America and Western countries pubs, nightclubs, singles clubs, Casinos, sea beaches, gays and lesbian clubs are the symbols of recreational places.

            In international sex market, women’s beauty contest is a very popular activity; it was started in 1951 in Britain. In this competition, after careful checking and proper examination of body, award is given to the most beautiful and sexy girl. Bumpy competition is a new and most popular competition in which prize is given to the most soft, round and deep Bumpy (Akbar, 2003).*11

             In the modern world, due to science and technology the sources of obscenity have been increased. Dance, clubs, sex markets, nightclubs, hotels and newspapers, magazines are the sources to promote obscenity and nudity (Nasir, 1990).*12

            We can see the liberalism of west in every walk of life; for example, Bull fighting is the national sports of Spain, which is a very inhuman play. Boxing is also a very popular game in America and Western countries, in this play, points are given to that player who tries to hit the face of other boxer, this also inhuman play, Free-style Wrestling is considered to break bones of other wrestler, In another form of wrestling, fighting continued till the sharp injury or the death of one wrestler. In 2005, Eddie Guerrerro, 38, was died during the fight. In this fight, a wrestler after severe fight hit his head with an iron chair. The tragic death of Eddie shocked the world of wrestling.

            In ancient Roman civilization, slaves were compelled to provide recreation to ruling class. There were vast grounds, known as STADIUM, where Ruling class used to watch a fight between slave (gladiator) and hungry tigers, when a tiger killed any slave, the spectators used to clap and appreciate the fight. It was a popular game and a part of their recreational activities (Ashraf, 2007)*13

In Tamil Nado, India, Supreme Court has imposed banned on a barbarous play, in which people put red chilly in the eyes of an axe when axe angrily came out in the road side, they threw stones on him till he become severely injured and killed (Suhail, 2007)*14 In the different villages of Pakistan chicken fight, bear and dogs fight, Batair fight, Teeter fight and snake-bite competition are very popular games and considered the main sources of recrearion.

                                                      Islamic concept of Recreation
Islamic concept of recreation is based on Islamic teachings (Al-Quraan and Sunnah) in which distinction between Halal and Haram, Virtue and Vice and decency and vulgarity has got importance. Muhammad SAW said that vulgarity makes the things bad and ugly while decency makes them fine and decorous. Purposeful recreation is allowed and encouraged in Islam.

            In a Muslim society, where Islamic Law and traditions are in practice, only that recreation is acceptable which is in accordance with Islamic traditions and norms. Islam encourages all those games and recreations, which are in moral limits and are helpful in physical and mental refreshment and are helpful in building a pious character and personality (Akbar, 2003).*15

            The main purpose of Recreation is to provide satisfaction to the aesthetic taste of human being. In Islamic concept of recreation, one can enjoy painting, poetry, drama, tableau, songs and natural beauty of the universe, for the better health of human being; exercise is encouraged in Islamic teachings.

            In Arab, during pre-islamic period the concept of various physical activities and festivals prevailed very dominantly.  Akaz and zulmajnah were very famous and popular festivals at that time. People from surrounding areas did participate and compete in events like wrestling, weightlifting, horse riding, fencing, archery and races etc. Hazarat umar(RATU)  participated in wrestling and won. Hazrat Ali  (RATU) was a renowned wrestler and a weightlifter at that time. Strength, respect and courage were the symbols of prestige.

            Islam encourages healthy activities and sports. In a Hadith Hazarat Abbas quotes from Holy prophet (SAW),”best game for men is swimming and for women is weaving”. According to expert in the field of physical education and sports, swimming is among the best exercise for overall development of human body and physique and for the maintenance of good health. On the other hand, weaving is not only light exercise, easily manageable for women at their women at their homes, but at the same time it is an art and skill, helpful in extra earning an fulfilling the domestic requirements. Salma Ibne Rak quotes that once a race was held before the Prophet. He witnessed it and enjoyed as well. According to Hazrat Aaisha (RATU), during a journey, the Prophet and she herself ran for a race that she won, she says that after quite some time on another occasion the prophet (SAW) challenged her for a race competition and this time the Prophet remained the winner.

            Horse racing was among the events, which was very popular among the Muslims at those times. In this regards it is quite notable that a particular area was specified for races. The prophet himself once participated in such a race and won. In addition to horse racing, the races of camels were also popular in Arab. Anyhow it is quite cleat that not only in the events of racing but in any kind sports activity, there was no of gambling or any other type of malpractice    or corruption in Muslims at that times was to provide a base, an institution or forum for training the requisite skills and providing positive recreation, not aimed at wastage of time but to use the time more purposefully and productively (Jamil, 2002)*16

            Hazrat Ans (R.A) said that a man named Zahir,belong to a village and he used to bring vegetables for Muhammad (SAW)when he returned back Muhammad (SAW) gave him some city goods and said Zahir is our village and we are like a city for him(Mashriq,2008)*17

            Islam allows all types of recreation within the conditioned and limits of Halal activities. Muslim society can provide recreational activities so that people’s personal qualities may be saved. Islam emphasis on practical, military, physical exercise and not purposeless activities, which aims just to kill the time (Siddiqui, 1992)*18 Muhammad (SAW) said that every act of human being, which is without fear of Allah is a missing and negligence, except 4 acts, 1.to run towards the target of arrow 2.to train horses 3.to laugh with home fellows 4.to learn swimming (Akbar, 2003)*19                          

            According to the teachings of Islam this world is examination hall so this precious span of time cannot be wasted in enjoyment and negative activities. The duration of lifetime is a period of test and examination for human being.  After death, everybody has to answer before Allah about the time spend in this world, so life time should not be wasted in gossip and purposeless activities Al-Quraan says,

            O ye who believe! Observe your duty to Allah.And let every soul look to that which it sendeth on before for the morrow. And observe your duty to Allah! Lo! Allah is informed of what ye do.*(Alquran,Al-Hasher-18)*20 

            According to Islamic teachings, Shaitan has promised to Allah that he will misguide the humanity that’s why Shaitan is using social, economic, psychological, ideological and recreational methods to lead the humanity towards the path of evils.

            One of the soft aspect of recreation is fun and humor but it should be so decent that it should not hurt the aesthetic taste of human being, purposeless talk, vulgar sentences, back-biting and double meaning conversation should be avoided. In Islamic teaching, calling with bad names, parody, back-biting and to hurt others feelings are prohibited. Qurran says,

            O ye who believe! Let not a folk deride a folk who may be better than they are ,nor let women deride women who may be better than they are;neither defame one another,nor insult one another by nick-names.Bad is the name of lewdness after faith.And who so turneth not repentance,such are evil-doer.(Al-Quraan,aL-Hujrat-11)*21

            Western media is encouraging nakedness, immoral music and poetry, drinking, gambling and usury in the certain of recreation and amusement. It is resulting in social immorality mental and physical disturbance and sexuality. It is not recreation but immorality and vulgarity. To relate such activities with games and hobbies, which are not source of recreation, is a blunder; some people count gambling and drinking in games and recreation but it is not an Islamic view (Badakhshani, 1992)*22

                      Drinking and gambling are Haram acts. According to Al-Quraan,
O ye who believe! Strong drink and game of chance and idols and diving arrows are only an infamy of Satan,s handi-work. Leave it aside in order that ye may succeed.(Al-Quraan,Almaida-90)*23

            Indian and Western media have damaged the concept of recreation in Muslim societies. Pakistani media is on front line in advertising the vulgar music and dance, gambling, drinking usury co-meetings and the concept of Girl and Boys friends. There is no concept of collective male and female gatherings in Islamic society because the nature of duties is different.  Woman is not a candle of show but queen of her home. While it is the responsibility of male to earn living and provide protection but our media is advertising collective style of life by advertising and presenting collective meetings of men and women in their programs.

            There is vast difference between Islamic and western concepts of recreation. Western media allows recreational love stories and vulgar talking in dramas and plays. In western secular society the concept of moral values has been distorted. It is the reason that it has encouraged immorality, sexuality, and gathering of male and female due to their liberal and secular way of life. It has not only disturbed the family system but also generated new sexual diseases and psychological and mental diseases. Drinking, sexuality and music have nominated western concept of recreation.

            Western concept of recreation has been given the name of skill to immorality, vulgar music and dance, and immoral films are acceptable as a skill there because recreation and amusement is allowed through moral or immoral means (Alnajjar, 1992)*24

            This skill has played a pivotal role in spreading immorality and displeasing people from religion and morality and disturbing family system. It is signs can be openly seen in western life.       

            The conscience of people related with this media does not accept these sins as a sin. They think it proud able art and skill and think it as service of humanity. Their condition is pitiable because thinking of sin, as skill is very dangerous. The people who are related with film industry their dress; their high standard of life has attraction for unrealistic people. Our youngsters look them with regret and wish to be like them. But no one can look in his or her barren souls. They have all facilities but deprived of psychological and spiritual satisfaction. They try to get spiritual and psychological satisfaction but they have lost the real path of such kind of satisfaction. They have attraction for appearance reader but realist prays, after seeing their interval bareness that God don’t punish so even to an enemy. If the punishment of sin is so horrible in this world them what will be its punishment in world after it.

            Some days before this film exhibition was limited only to Cinema halls or particular places but TV, VCR, Dish Antenna, cable network and Internet cafes have so spread. This sexuality in Mohallas, streets and houses has changed every house into cinema hall. Satellite Channels, cable Network and Internet cafés has crushed our new generation morally. Children are naturally inclined towards these vulgar and immoral acts. The recreation or amusement has crushed their religious moral, physical and psychological thoughts and energies. Many children become mature before time and their sexual emotions are inspired which are satisfied through unnatural ways. It causes many sexual diseases. Due to mental immaturity and shyness they cannot till to their parents and relatives. Their parents ignore them as innocent children. Women’s exhibition of beauty accelerates their sexual emotions.

                                                                             CONCLUSION
Above discussion reveals that there is a great difference between the recreational concepts of American and European countries and muslim societies. Drinking, gambling, obscenity, brutality in sports and mix gathering of men and women may be re creational activities in the West and America but all these are Haram and prohibited in Islam. So muslim media should not present and promote such recreational activities. It is suggested that reasonable play and recreational facilities are quite necessary for the masses as in modern age because  it is a great problem to spend the leisure hours. If the leisure time of the masses is spent in better recreational and play activities, their attention can be diverted towards constructive activities. Play and games can be the best means for the outlet of surplus energies and can also help in creating a sense of healthy competition (Ch.1984)*25

            Mass media is promoting obscenity and vulgarity in the name of fun, humor and recreation. Actually media distorting the aesthetic taste of people, media crushing the social and ethical values of the society. Media is considered the agent of social change and it is bringing change in the behavior and habits of the people, so media should present purposeful entertaining programs, which should have education, entertainment and reformation for the society.

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Dr. Muhammad Wasim Akbar is Assistant Professor in the Department of Mass Communication, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan.

 

Dr. Mirza Jan graduated in 1984 from Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan (NWFP), Pakistan. He did his Ph.D from University of the Punjab, Lahore Pakistan on “Message Consumption and Adoption of Agricultural Innovations.” Specialized field of media studies are, Research Methods in Communication, Communication Theories, Development Communication, Social Communication and, International Communication. Currently he is serving as Chairman of the department of Mass Communication, Gomal University, D.I.Khan.