is a man who does not like futile amusement.” Such amusement does offer pleasure; otherwise, people would not seek it.

Yet whatever helps one attain the pleasure sought through jihad and marriage is worthwhile, whereas whatever does not help achieve that is futile and offers no benefit. Nevertheless, if its harm does not outweigh its benefit, it is neither forbidden nor prohibited. Engaging in it may, however, be disliked because it distracts from the pleasure one ought to seek. If, instead of amusing himself, a person occupied that time with something beneficial that would bring him the intended pleasure, that would be better for him.

Weak souls, such as those of children and women, may not occupy themselves with something better for them if they give up such amusement. Rather, they may occupy themselves with something worse, or with something from which abstaining would bring them closer to Allah. Allowing them such amusement is therefore a form of kindness and charity toward them, like giving them food and drink. For this reason, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said that certain kinds of amusement are worthwhile. Young girls used to beat tambourines in his presence, and he, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, would allow them to engage in this futile amusement before him out of kindness to them