Many psychological and social studies confirm that many family problems are due to the absence of "recreation" and the culture of fun between parents and children, as it increases cohesion and bonding, and breaks the monotony and rigidity.
This investigation raises this issue at the beginning of the summer season, in an attempt to formulate a recreational, enjoyable, and purposeful program for the family.
Dr. Mohamed Ghanem, Head of the Psychology Department at the Faculty of Arts, Helwan University, says: Family recreation is not a luxury or a marginal matter, as some might think, but it is a necessity to break the monotony and rigidity of life, especially if we know that leisure time has increased more than four times in human life due to scientific and technological advances that have saved effort and time in human life, making it more comfortable than before. However, worries have doubled due to the increased aspirations to achieve more means of comfort and luxury and the dominance of material ambitions in family life, making families more in need of recreation, which increases their family cohesion and provides better opportunities for psychological comfort, thus increasing the chances of children's success and well-being.
Family Recreation is Necessary to Break the Monotony and Rigidity of Life
Multiple Benefits
Ghanem points out that family recreation leads to mental health and the productive use of leisure time, as well as better shaping the personality of family members of all ages.
He adds: It is strange that we are among the nations that get the most holidays, which constitute a significant percentage throughout the year, yet we are among the least keen on family recreation. This is why we find ourselves living in continuous family crises and tensions due to unproductive leisure time. We fail to use it effectively for work, which could increase the family's income and improve its material and social situation, or for recreation, which could provide stability, mental comfort, and reduce the likelihood of marital silence or silent divorce.
Leisure Time Has Quadrupled Due to Technological Advances A Social Necessity
Dr. Mona Kamal, Professor of Sociology at Ain Shams University, points out that if one contemplates the meaning of the word "recreation," they will find it associated with a state of relaxation and enjoyment, and the removal of worries and fatigue through various human activities that bring joy after a state of toil. Recreation can be a religious act of worship, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "O Bilal, call for prayer and bring us comfort by it." It can also be a worldly act that starts with a smile, kind words, and uplifting spirits, leading to physical and mental activities like sports and others, which rejuvenate the spirit, strengthen the body, and bring happiness and joy to the soul. This ultimately leads to self-satisfaction and a love for life and those around us, especially our family members.
Educational Protection
She adds that family recreation is the best way to occupy leisure time with something beneficial, protecting family members from bad ideas, bad company, and alleviating family pressures, which have doubled the divorce rates in our Arab societies, especially in the early years of marriage.
Recreation Eliminates Marital Silence and Silent Divorce
Family recreation also helps alleviate the hardships of current life. Imam Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) beautifully said: "Refresh the hearts from time to time, for if they become tired, they become blind." Recreation in general life is a beautiful and necessary thing that renews energy and strengthens resolve, and it is even more necessary in married life because it spreads happiness and joy among family members, helping them become more beneficial individuals for themselves and their society. This is because humans are inherently social beings, and one of the most important social qualities is to be friendly and sociable, becoming a source of happiness and joy for those around them, especially their immediate family.
Deadly Leisure
Social studies confirm that leisure time has increased in contemporary human life from about 10% at the beginning of the 20th century to more than 30% at the beginning of this century, almost a third of a lifetime, due to the development of modern life, means of transportation and communication, work systems, vacations, and human rights. However, not utilizing this leisure time has doubled social and moral problems, causing people to fall prey to addiction, crime, and bad company, as people are negligent of two blessings: health and free time.
Kamal points out that family recreation does not necessarily have to be financially costly, as some may think. It can involve activities focusing on aesthetic values and creativity in various forms, literary and artistic appreciation, and expanding social harmony through maintaining family ties.
It is Religiously Forbidden to Associate Family Recreation with Sins Commendable Recreation
Dr. Saif Qazamel, former Dean of the Faculty of Sharia and Law at Al-Azhar University, emphasizes that Islam encourages family recreation as long as it does not involve sin but rather is done in a wholesome and permissible manner. Allah Almighty says: "Say, 'Who has forbidden the adornment of Allah which He has produced for His servants and the good [lawful] things of provision?' Say, 'They are for those who believe during the worldly life [but] exclusively for them on the Day of Resurrection.' Thus do We detail the verses for a people who know." (Al-A'raf: 32).
He continues: The prophetic biography provides us with a practical example. Umm al-Mu'minin Aisha said: "I was with the Prophet (peace be upon him) on a journey, and I raced him, and I beat him on foot. Later, when I had put on some weight, he raced me, and he beat me. He said, 'This is for that victory of yours.'" In another narration, she said, "The Prophet (peace be upon him) raced me, and I beat him. We stayed until I gained weight. Then he raced me, and he beat me. He said, 'This is for that victory.'"
Qazamel concludes by affirming that Islam calls for diligence in worship while also recognizing the importance of recreation for oneself, the family, and those around. Recreation helps Muslims endure the challenges of family life and avoid monotony and boredom. It is religiously forbidden to associate family recreation with sins.
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