Games are activities played for enjoyment, recreation or competition, according to agreed rules. They may be physical, mental or both, and they range from cricket and hockey to chess, traditional village games and modern video games. This article explains the main types of games and their physical, mental and social benefits, and then looks at games and sports from an Islamic perspective.

The Sunnah shows that the Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged beneficial recreation: he raced with his wife, encouraged archery, and allowed people to display their skills with spears even in the mosque. At the same time, Islam sets clear limits: games must not involve gambling, must not cause people to neglect prayer and duties, and must not lead to harm, indecency or addiction, a concern that is especially relevant to video games today. The article closes with a brief look at popular sports and sporting heroes of Pakistan and some unusual sports from around the world, concluding that games, kept within healthy limits, build strong bodies, sharp minds and good character.

Keywords: Games and Sports, Types of Games, Benefits of Sports, Islam and Recreation, Video Games and Addiction, Sports in Pakistan, Healthy Lifestyle

Introduction: What Is a Game?

A game is an activity carried out for enjoyment, recreation or competition, according to a set of rules. It may be played alone or in a group, and it may challenge the body, the mind or both. From children playing tag in the street to professional athletes competing in front of millions, games are one of the oldest and most universal parts of human culture.

Games are not only a way to pass time. They are closely connected with health, social relationships and mental development. A child who plays learns to cooperate, to wait for his turn, to win without arrogance and to lose without anger. An adult who plays a sport keeps his body active, relieves stress and builds friendships.

At the same time, games can be misused. They can take up time meant for study, worship and family, become a source of gambling or addiction, or encourage violence and bad language. This article looks at both sides and offers a balanced view based on Islamic teachings.

Types of Games

Games can be grouped in several ways. The table below summarises the most common types.

The Olympic Games are held in summer and winter editions, and the Paralympic Games give athletes with physical disabilities the opportunity to compete at the highest level. These events show how sport can bring nations together and celebrate human effort and determination.

Benefits of Games

Physical benefits

Regular physical activity strengthens the heart, muscles and bones, helps maintain a healthy weight, and improves sleep. For children, active play is essential for healthy growth. The World Health Organization recommends that children and adolescents get an average of at least an hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day, and sport is one of the most enjoyable ways to achieve this.

Mental benefits

Games such as chess, puzzles and word games sharpen concentration, memory and planning. Physical sport also benefits the mind: exercise is widely recognised to help reduce stress and improve mood and focus, which in turn supports better learning.

Social and character benefits

• Teamwork and cooperation: team sports teach players to work together toward a shared goal.
• Discipline and patience: following rules, training regularly and waiting for one’s turn build self-control.
• Sportsmanship: learning to win humbly and lose gracefully is a lesson for life.
• Leadership: captains and senior players learn to guide and encourage others.
• Cultural exchange: international sports introduce people to other nations and cultures, while traditional games keep local heritage alive.

In short, the world of sport is colourful: winning teaches determination, losing teaches resilience, and every moment of fair play teaches the real joys of life.

Sports and Recreation in the Sunnah

Islam is a practical religion that recognises the human need for rest, recreation and physical strength. The life of the Prophet (peace be upon him) contains many examples.

Strength is valued

The Prophet said: “The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, while there is good in both” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2664). Scholars explain that this strength includes strength of faith and resolve, and physical fitness supports both.

Racing

‘A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that she raced with the Prophet on a journey and won. Some years later, when she had put on weight, they raced again and he won, and he said with a smile: “This is for that” (Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith 2578). The Prophet also organised horse races between the Companions (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 420).

Archery

The Prophet passed by some people of the tribe of Aslam practising archery and said: “Shoot, O children of Isma’il, for your father was an archer” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2899). He encouraged skills that build strength, focus and readiness.

Recreation in the mosque

On a day of celebration, a group of Abyssinians displayed their skill with spears in the Prophet’s mosque. The Prophet stood and let ‘A’ishah watch from behind him until she had had enough (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 454). This shows that healthy, skilful recreation is not opposed to religion.

Recreation with family

The Prophet was gentle and playful with children and family. He would let his grandsons Hasan and Husayn climb on his back, and he joked with children in a way that made them feel loved. Balanced recreation is part of a healthy Muslim home.

A widely circulated saying attributed to ‘Umar bin al-Khattab advises teaching children swimming, archery and horse riding. While scholars discuss the strength of its chain, its message matches the spirit of the Sunnah: teach children skills that make them strong, confident and useful.

Islamic Guidelines and Cautions

Islam permits and encourages games that are beneficial, but within clear limits. Scholars generally mention the following conditions:

1. No gambling or betting. Allah says: “Intoxicants, gambling, stone altars and divining arrows are filth from the work of Satan, so avoid them so that you may succeed” (Al-Ma’idah 5:90). Any game played for money that one side wins from the other falls under gambling. For this reason, games like poker, and any game played for stakes, have no place in a Muslim’s life.
2. No neglect of prayer and duties. A game that makes a person miss prayer, delay obligations or neglect family and studies has crossed its limit. Allah describes the believers as people whom “neither trade nor sale distracts from the remembrance of Allah and establishing prayer” (Al-Nur 24:37).
3. Modesty and decency. Clothing, language and behaviour during sport should remain within Islamic limits. Abusive language and mocking opponents are contrary to good character.
4. No harm to oneself or others. Dangerous practices, deliberate injury and cruelty to animals are not allowed.
5. Moderation in time. Recreation is meant to refresh a person for his responsibilities, not to replace them.

Scholars have discussed certain dice-based games in detail, because of a hadith in Sahih Muslim (Hadith 2260) warning against the game of nard (backgammon). Families who wish to be careful about specific board games should consult a scholar they trust.

A special word on video games

Video games can develop problem-solving and coordination, but they also carry serious risks when overused. The World Health Organization has recognised “gaming disorder” in its International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), describing a pattern in which gaming takes priority over other interests and daily activities despite harmful consequences. Many popular battle games also involve violence, foul language, inappropriate content or in-game purchases that resemble gambling.

Practical advice for parents and young people:

• Set clear time limits and keep gaming after homework, prayer and family duties.
• Check the content and age rating of a game before allowing it.
• Avoid games with loot boxes or paid chance-based rewards, which resemble gambling.
• Prefer outdoor and physical games, especially for children.
• Watch for warning signs, such as anger when asked to stop, falling grades, poor sleep or withdrawal from family. If gaming seems to be taking control, speak to a counsellor or doctor.

Sports in Pakistan and Around the World

Popular sports in Pakistan

• Cricket is by far the most popular sport. Pakistan won the Cricket World Cup in 1992, the ICC World Twenty20 in 2009 and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017.
• Field hockey is widely regarded as Pakistan’s national game. Pakistan won Olympic gold medals in hockey three times (1960, 1968 and 1984) and won the Hockey World Cup four times (1971, 1978, 1982 and 1994), a record.
• Squash brought Pakistan unmatched glory through players such as Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan.
• Kabaddi is a traditional sport loved across Pakistan and South Asia, combining strength, speed and breath control.

Famous Pakistani sports figures

• Jahangir Khan (squash): widely regarded as one of the greatest squash players of all time. He remained unbeaten in competitive matches for more than five years in the 1980s.
• Hanif Khan (hockey): a legendary forward and a member of the team that won Olympic gold in 1984.
• Shahid Afridi (cricket): an all-rounder famous for his explosive batting, popularly known as “Boom Boom”.

Some unusual sports from around the world

• Cheese rolling (England): competitors chase a round cheese down a very steep hill at Cooper’s Hill in Gloucestershire.
• Buzkashi (Afghanistan and Central Asia): riders on horseback compete to carry a goat carcass to a goal, a test of horsemanship and strength.

Conclusion

Games and sports are a bright and lively part of human life. They keep the body healthy and the mind sharp, teach teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship, keep cultural traditions alive, and bring people and nations together. The Sunnah shows that the Prophet (peace be upon him) valued strength, raced, encouraged archery and allowed joyful recreation.

At the same time, Islam reminds us that recreation is a means, not an end. Games must stay free from gambling, must not make us neglect prayer and responsibilities, and must not become an addiction, especially in the case of video games. Within these limits, we should take part in healthy games ourselves and encourage others, particularly children and young people, to do the same, so that our bodies, minds and characters remain strong.

References

1. The Holy Qur’an: Al-Ma’idah 5:90; Al-Nur 24:37.
2. Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 420, 454, 2899.
3. Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2260, 2664.
4. Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith 2578.
5. World Health Organization, guidelines on physical activity for children and adolescents, and International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), entry on gaming disorder.

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A well-known Urdu proverb says, “Health is a thousand blessings.” Yet human beings often forget to thank Allah for good health until they lose it. This article reflects on the blessing of health in the light of the Qur’an and Sunnah, drawing on observations from a hospital ward, where some patients remain grateful and hopeful while others fall into complaint and despair.

It explains Surah Al-Taghabun 64:11, which teaches that no calamity strikes except by Allah’s permission and that Allah guides the heart of the one who believes, and Surah Ibrahim 14:7, which promises increase to those who are grateful. It discusses authentic hadith on health and free time as blessings that people waste, on illness as a means of purification, and on the virtue of visiting the sick. It also shares a true lesson from a hospital ward about the responsibility of giving advice, since in Islam the one who is consulted is in a position of trust. The article concludes with practical ways to show gratitude for health, including caring for the body as a trust from Allah.

Keywords: Health as a Blessing, Gratitude (Shukr), Illness and Patience, Al-Taghabun 64:11, Ibrahim 14:7, Visiting the Sick, Advice as a Trust

Introduction: Why We Forget the Blessing of Health

When a person is healthy, he rarely stops to thank Allah for the countless blessings he enjoys: the ability to see, to walk, to breathe easily, to eat and sleep without pain. It is often only when illness strikes that he suddenly remembers Allah and begins to pray.

The Qur’an describes this human tendency precisely: “When harm touches a person, he calls upon Us, lying on his side, sitting or standing. But when We remove his harm from him, he goes on as if he had never called upon Us for a harm that touched him” (Yunus 10:12).

The believer is asked to break this pattern: to remember Allah in health as in sickness, and to thank Him for the blessings he usually takes for granted. A visit to any hospital is enough to remind us how great those blessings are.

Health as a Blessing in the Qur’an and Sunnah

As if the whole world were given to him

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

مَنْ أَصْبَحَ مِنْكُمْ آمِنًا فِي سِرْبِهِ، مُعَافًى فِي جَسَدِهِ، عِنْدَهُ قُوتُ يَوْمِهِ، فَكَأَنَّمَا حِيزَتْ لَهُ الدُّنْيَا (جامع الترمذی: 2346)

Translation: “Whoever among you wakes up secure in his home, healthy in his body, and has food for his day, it is as if the whole world has been gathered for him.”

This hadith answers the question: is it a small favour that we wake up in the morning without pain? According to the Prophet, health together with safety and daily food is equal to possessing the entire world.

A blessing most people waste

The Prophet also said: “There are two blessings in which many people are at a loss: health and free time” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 6412). And he advised: “Take advantage of your health before your illness” (al-Mustadrak of al-Hakim). Health is not only to be enjoyed; it is an opportunity to worship, work and serve before it fades.

Healing is from Allah

Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) described his Lord in these words: “And when I am ill, it is He who heals me” (Al-Shu’ara’ 26:80). Notice the beautiful manners of a prophet: he attributes illness to himself and healing to Allah. The believer takes medicine and visits doctors, as the Prophet said that for every disease Allah has sent down a cure (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2204), but his heart knows that the cure comes from Allah alone.

Scenes from a Hospital Ward

Imagine a patient lying in a hospital bed. His condition is serious, and the doctors have not been able to give him a reassuring answer. Still, there is a ray of hope in his eyes: hope that he will recover and live like other people again. Outwardly he shows that he is still hopeful, but inside he may already feel defeated. The mixture of curiosity, hope and innocence in such eyes is something one can only feel, not describe.

Walk through any hospital ward and you will meet different kinds of patients. Some are constantly engaged in remembering Allah and thanking Him, even in pain. Their calm gives strength to the people around them. Others rarely thank Allah and are often heard complaining, and their complaints lower the spirits of everyone nearby, including themselves.

The verse that changes the heart

مَآ اَصَابَ مِنْ مُّصِيْبَةٍ اِلَّا بِاِذْنِ اللّٰهِ ۭ وَمَنْ يُّؤْمِنْۢ بِاللّٰهِ يَهْدِ قَلْبَهٗ ۭ وَاللّٰهُ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيْمٌ (التغابن: 11)

Translation: “No calamity strikes except by the permission of Allah. And whoever believes in Allah, He will guide his heart. And Allah is All-Knowing of all things.”

The early scholar ‘Alqamah, a student of ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud, as reported by Ibn Kathir and others, explained this verse as describing the person struck by a calamity who knows that it is from Allah, and so he accepts it and is content. That is the difference between the two kinds of patients. The illness is the same; what differs is the heart. The one who believes that his illness came by Allah’s permission and wisdom is granted a guided, settled heart. The one who sees only bad luck and injustice is left restless.

Why complaint harms

Human beings are prone to error, and many are so absorbed in the colours of this world that, when a test from Allah arrives, they begin to wail and lament instead of turning to Him. Islam permits a sick person to describe his pain and to seek treatment, but complaining against Allah and despairing of His mercy is disliked. Allah loves those who are patient (Al ‘Imran 3:146).

Illness as a Test, Patience, and Visiting the Sick

Illness purifies

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that no fatigue, illness, worry or pain befalls a Muslim, not even the prick of a thorn, except that Allah removes some of his sins because of it (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 5641). For the patient believer, a hospital bed can become a place of purification and closeness to Allah.

The example of Prophet Ayyub

Prophet Ayyub (peace be upon him) suffered long illness and loss, yet his prayer was full of manners: “Indeed, adversity has touched me, and You are the Most Merciful of the merciful” (Al-Anbiya’ 21:83). He described his condition to Allah without complaint, and Allah answered him, removed his affliction and restored his family. Allah praised him: “Indeed, We found him patient. What an excellent servant!” (Sad 38:44).

Patients supporting one another

In hospital wards, patients often become a support for one another. They talk, share their stories, encourage each other and sometimes pray for each other. A word of hope from a fellow patient can lift a heavy heart. Visitors also play a great role.

The virtue of visiting the sick

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that a Muslim who visits his sick brother remains in the harvest of Paradise until he returns (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2568). In a hadith qudsi, Allah will say on the Day of Judgment: “O son of Adam, I was sick and you did not visit Me.” The person will ask how he could visit the Lord of the worlds, and Allah will say: “Did you not know that My servant so-and-so was sick and you did not visit him? Had you visited him, you would have found Me with him” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2569).

When visiting, the Prophet would say to the sick person: “No harm, it is a purification, if Allah wills” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 3616). Visitors should keep visits short, speak hopefully and avoid words that frighten or discourage the patient.

Advice Is a Trust: A Lesson from the Ward

In Islam, consultation is a Sunnah and sincere advice is a trust. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The one who is consulted is in a position of trust” (Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith 5128; Jami’ al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 2822). He also said: “The religion is sincere advice (nasihah)” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 55).

What happened in the ward

In one hospital, a patient who had himself come there for treatment began advising another patient: “This hospital is not good, and it is too expensive. Go to another hospital instead.” The second patient was already exhausted by his illness, and these words left him even more anxious. His case was serious; this hospital was his last hope after many other doctors and hospitals had been unable to help him. One can only imagine what he felt on hearing such discouraging words.

Both patients were operated on the same day. By Allah’s will, the operation of the patient who had been discouraged went well, and he regained consciousness after three days. The patient who had given the discouraging advice spent seven days in intensive care, needed a second operation and remained in hospital for many more days.

The lesson

We cannot know Allah’s wisdom in every outcome, and no one should treat another person’s illness as a punishment. But the story leaves a clear lesson about our words:

• Do not give advice without knowledge. If you do not know the facts, it is better to stay silent. The Prophet said: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 6018).
• If you give advice, make it honest and helpful. Genuine information, shared gently, is a service; careless opinions can break a person’s hope.
• Be especially careful with the sick. People in pain and fear are vulnerable. A discouraging word can harm them more than we realise, while a hopeful word can strengthen them.
• Decisions about treatment belong with the patient, his family and qualified doctors. Seeking a second medical opinion is reasonable, but it should be based on proper medical advice, not on rumours spread in a waiting room.

Gratitude for Health

وَاِذْ تَاَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمْ لَىِٕنْ شَكَرْتُمْ لَاَزِيْدَنَّكُمْ وَلَىِٕنْ كَفَرْتُمْ اِنَّ عَذَابِيْ لَشَدِيْدٌ (ابراہیم: 7)

Translation: “And remember when your Lord proclaimed: ‘If you are grateful, I will surely give you more; but if you are ungrateful, indeed My punishment is severe.'”

This verse contains a divine promise stated with strong emphasis: gratitude brings increase. Scholars explain that the increase may be in the blessing itself, in its blessing (barakah), or in reward in the Hereafter. However much we thank Allah for our health, it will never be enough, because every breath we take is a new gift.

Gratitude has three parts

Scholars explain that true gratitude involves the heart, the tongue and the limbs:

1. The heart recognises that every blessing, including health, is from Allah alone.
2. The tongue praises Allah, saying “Alhamdulillah” often, especially on waking. The Prophet taught us to say on waking: “Praise be to Allah who gave us life after He had caused us to die, and to Him is the resurrection” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 6312).
3. The limbs use the blessing in obedience to Allah: praying, working honestly, helping others and avoiding sin.

Practical ways to thank Allah for health

• Care for your body as a trust. Eat moderately, as Allah says, “Eat and drink, but do not be excessive” (Al-A’raf 7:31), and the Prophet warned that the son of Adam fills no vessel worse than his stomach (Jami’ al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 2380).
• Stay active and get enough sleep, since “the strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2664).
• Follow medical advice and get regular check-ups when needed.
• Use your health for worship while you have it: night prayer, fasting and serving others.
• Visit and help the sick, remembering that you could have been in their place.
• Give charity in thanks for good health.

Conclusion

Health truly is a thousand blessings. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught that waking up safe, healthy and with food for the day is like owning the whole world, yet most of us waste this blessing and remember Allah only when it is taken away. A hospital ward shows us both kinds of people: those whose belief that every trial comes by Allah’s permission gives them a guided, peaceful heart, and those whose complaints only deepen their distress.

The lessons are clear. Thank Allah every morning for the gift of health, use it in His obedience, and care for your body as a trust. When illness comes, meet it with patience and hope, take the means of treatment, and remember that it purifies. Visit the sick, speak to them with hope, and never give careless advice that could break a suffering person’s heart. As Allah has promised: “If you are grateful, I will surely give you more.”

References

1. The Holy Qur’an: Al ‘Imran 3:146; Al-A’raf 7:31; Yunus 10:12; Ibrahim 14:7; Al-Anbiya’ 21:83-84; Al-Shu’ara’ 26:80; Sad 38:44; Al-Taghabun 64:11.
2. Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 3616, 5641, 6018, 6312, 6412.
3. Sahih Muslim, Hadith 55, 2204, 2568, 2569, 2664.
4. Jami’ al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 2346, 2380, 2822.
5. Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith 5128.
6. Al-Hakim, al-Mustadrak (hadith “Take advantage of five before five”).
7. Ibn Kathir, Tafsir al-Qur’an al-‘Azim, commentary on Al-Taghabun 64:11 and Ibrahim 14:7.

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Setting goals and maintaining a positive mindset is a significant key to getting in shape. When you remain positive you will drive yourself to get the fit body you’ve always wanted.

2. Eat the Good Foods and Portion in Each Meal

Try to stay away from sweets, no matter how bad your stomach tells you to go for candy over healthy food. Candy won’t help you get into shape. Even if it’s just a single candy bar, one ends up leading to another. The best thing to eat when you get into shape is fruits and vegetables.

Apples do a good job, for example, of making the stomach feel full for up to 34 hours. Green vegetables like broccoli and green beans help the digestive system healthy and running.

Stick to lean meats such as turkey and chicken too. Seafood like tilapia is a great alternative as well. These foods are full of protein and healthy nutrients to help fit and prepare the muscles for workouts. Also, be sure to take portions of what you eat. Having a good metabolism comes from having meals portioned. Instead of making three large meals throughout the day, try to plan to eat six times a day and setting smaller portions. This will also help you find yourself breathing more smoothly as you work out rather than huffing for air. This is because your digestive system will fewer foods, this means that your workout uses more energy.

3. Keep Track of Calories and Meals Per Day

It will be helpful to keep track of how many calories you consume in one day when preparing your physical exercise. Always wonder why body masses are so high for bodybuilders? This is because they prepare their meals and eat more calories (healthy) than the average person. physical exercise than calories you ingest. On the other hand, losing weight and striving for a skinnier physique will involve. On the other hand, more physical exercise will involve losing weight and striving for a skinnier physique than the calories you ingest.

4. Daily Exercise

At least an hour of exercise per day. You don’t have to destroy yourself from running, jogging but in your everyday life, you should have to moderate physical activity. If you are looking to quickly shed a few pounds, do an intensity workout at a higher level. For example, take an hour’s walk at a brisk pace. Or, during that hour, you can jog and set those intervals to sprint. Make sure you’re not in severe pain when exercising. Just a tip, after a high-intensity workout, the muscles will get ache. It can be annoying, but that means that your body is changing for the better. After each workout, be sure to remain hydrated, stretch, and eat foods with a decent amount of protein. The protein will help to rebuild your muscles and not fat.

5. Be Sure to Get Sleep

Since most of us have eight hours of work during the day or night, it is crucial to get enough sleep to recharge batteries from the body. Six to eight hours of sleep should keep your body working throughout the day, but if you get tired at any time when you come home from work take a small nap before you exercise anyway. You should just snuggle for about half an hour. This prevents you from staying up later in the evening.

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