Muslim Leisure?

Question

Please dont get on my back, this is an honest question to any Muslims on line. We are told that you must visit the Mosque 5 times a day and know the Koran inside out. The majority of honest Muslims I know are hard working individuals who have families to look after. You tell us that you are not allowed to drink alcohol, smoke or gamble. My question is, when you get home of an evening or when you get some spare time to yourself, what do you do to kick back, relax and enjoy yourself. Do you, in the privacy of your own home sit down, put your feet up and crack open a beer. What happens when its party time if having a glass of wine and a smoke is a no no?
Im not having a go, Im just interested

2 out of the 3 I dont do. My point is we are told a lot what Muslims arent allowed to do. I want to know what they do instead. For example. At the weekend. I will go out to a pub with some friends, have a few pints and watch some football, that is what I do at weekends, last weekend I did something different, the week before that I spent with my girlfriend. Im trying to find out about a different culture and some people are slagging me off.

Vijay. Who said I wasnt happy? I have many people and things in my life that contribute to my happiness.
I asked and respect what you guys do in your spare time. Please dont judge me for what I do in mine

Answer 1

Nice Question Mick...
Theirs alot of stuff we can go - it just has to exclude ALCOHOL, SMOKING and some other stuff which is to detail to go into.

On weekends i go out with my girls to the beach, sit on the sand and just talk about the good old times, our plans for the future, girl talk etc...
Sit at a cafe, order coffee and cake, even have dinner at Halal restaraunts...
Go cinemas... play sports... spend time with family... family is very important to us.
Watch tv, surf the net, read books... we are no different to you [minus alcohol and smokes] :-)

God Bless. Take care

Answer 2

Well, I'm a Muslim studying abroad in Germany and this is what I do for fun.

I hang out with friends and we go and drink coffee, tea or eat German food.
I take walks along the Neckar (a river) and admire the scenery.
I like to stop by the zoo and see the animals.
I go to the castle when I have time and explore history.
I go to museums.
I eat yummy crepes with nutella.
I eat delicious Chinese food prepared by one of my roommates.
I read books and no it's not the Quran. I can't find an English version here.
Then I spend way too much time on yahoo answers, however next month classes start so I'll won't be able to spend a lot of time.
The last thing that I do is travel. Hopefully, next month I will go to Paris!! I'm so excited about that!

When there is a party then I'll be chugging down coke or pepsi, because I'm addicted to those chemicals.
BTW, we don't go to Mosque's five times a day. We must pray five times a day.

Answer 3

Yes brother but not to that extent. You can pray at home and be the imam while your family is praying behind you.. this is = to the prayers in the Mosque. Also you may pray at work when prayer times come. it is only 5 minutes for each prayer, otherwise you can save them till you go home, no problem..

Regarding knowing the Quran; it is recommended that you do your best, read it when you can.. understand the meanings and apply them.. If it is hard to read the Quran for you, play it on a tape.. No problem.

Relaxation is ordered by Islam brother, Muhammad ordered us not to pray or read the Quran all the time, He said: "Maintain the rights of your body", relax, have sex with your wife, and drink Beer.. I drink beer but NON ALCOHOLIC, many people who actually drink liqurs told me it's the same taste, No fermentation, no alcohol, only the benefits of washing my Kidneys and system and enjoying a drink. I smoke occasionally also.. This wont hurt my Islam brother, It's all in the heart and dealings with others.. Muhammad said: "Our religion is the peaceful dealing with others".

Watch the Movie "the 13th warrior" where Antonio banderas was a Muslim who can't drink, though he was happy and lived happily among non Muslims, This is what we are supposed to be and what we are ordered to do.

Answer 4

There are so many things we Muslims do to relax and enjoy ourselves. We spend time with our loved ones, watch tv, play games, go out with friends and have a great time minus the drinking. Why is it that people seem to think that you need to have alcohol in your blood to have fun? And what can you benefit from conversations where you're half drunk, you probably don't remember anything.

Basically, we do the same things non-muslims do to have fun.. just minus the drinking. And there will always be non-alcoholic drinks at parties.

In my opinion, drinking is just an excuse to lose touch with reality. But you have to face reality, that's life. For better or worse.

Answer 5

Well framed question, getting good answers. I have observed Muslims I know throwing themselves into work and family and wondered if they ever get a minute's rest. With reference to leading a virtuous life, I agree about the health effects of smoking but I wonder at what level of world population that Catholic and Muslim leaders would consider promoting smaller families as being more virtuous? My guess is, as it's not in the holy books it'll never be taught. Best wishes to all.

Answer 6

I am a Muslim who don't somke or drink and does not have a girl friend.

Now your sense of pleasure is different than other friends of you or are you all the same?

now where did you get the idea that "you must visit the Mosque 5 times a day and know the Koran inside out"?

you are advised to do this but it is not a MUST.

I can spend time with my kids, read, visit family or on Yahoo Answer. might be boring for you but it is fun for me.

God bless

Answer 7

Sad really if thts how u run your life, having a beer, smoke, u should seriously reconsider abt how u spend ur time, all this smoking and drinking has never done anyone any good, so i wouldnt call it relaxing, id call it more stress and wasting money where u could use tht for important things in your life, ie giving it to charity, helping ur neighbour, etc... seriously u should consider studying about muslims and u will realise how calm and serene life they lead,
Basically there is more thn drinking and smoking,........ Muslims spend that time with their family n friends now wouldnt u agree tht is better than getting drunk and losing all senses and smoking which leads to cancer?

Answer 8

If people of all religions need Alchohol or need to smoke to relax than there is something wrong with that picture.

I am muslim, I have never drank Alchohol or smoked in my life & i never will because thier a many forms of relaxation, prayer being one of it.

You dont need anything to relax , you just need to clear your mind & have clear thoughts.

So i dont think anyone should use Alchohol, tablets or smoking as a form of relaxation besides all they do is damage your body.

Try Herbal tea, Prayer, reading or a bubble bath as a form of relaxation instead of Alchohol & other substances

Answer 9

Well I watch and play cricket and football with friends on the weekends. When I am with my friends we tend to eat a lot. Just spend sometime with the family watch tv etc. Just gather with friends and family talking about stuff you would at a pub minus the alcohol.

Answer 10

The practice of following divine happiness is such a huge thing that these pastimes will not at all appeal to you. What will happen when that happiness actually comes to you is any bodies guess.

This is not true for the Muslims only. This is equally true for all those who have concern for their souls. There are Hindus, Christians and other believers who do not indulge in pastimes. For them each moment of life is important and they don't waste it. And they are happy about it.

Why do you waste your precious time thinking about them. Instead you can plan out for this evening's binge!