Is shouting at the referee haram?
It depends on what you shout. Cheering, groaning and even a polite protest about a decision are normal parts of watching sport. But screaming insults, swearing, threatening or mocking a referee or a player is not how a Muslim behaves. Allah praises people who control their anger.
Normal reactions versus abuse
Being disappointed with a decision, shouting "come on, ref!" or raising your hands is human and is not haram in itself. The problem starts when the words become abuse:
- cursing or swearing at the referee, a player or the other fans,
- insulting someone's family, looks, race or religion,
- threats, or telling a referee you know where he lives,
- constant screaming that leaves you with a pounding heart and spoils the match for everyone around.
Anger and the tongue
The Prophet ﷺ said, "The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger" (Sahih al-Bukhari 6114). He also said, "The believer does not insult the honor of others, nor curse, nor commit Fahishah, nor is he foul" (Jami at-Tirmidhi 1977). A referee's mistake does not cancel these rules.
Fairness to the referee
Referees are people doing a hard job in a few seconds, with thousands of fans watching. Allah tells believers, "Do not let the hatred of a people lead you to injustice. Be just! That is closer to righteousness" (Quran 5:8). Blaming a referee for every loss, or seeing a conspiracy in every call, is unfair. If you have a real complaint, make it through the club or league, not at the touchline.
This matters even more at children's games. Kids learn manners from the adults on the sideline, so set a good example.
Calming down
- Say the words of refuge. When a man was furious, the Prophet ﷺ said that if he said, "I seek refuge with Allah from Satan, the outcast," his anger would go (Sahih al-Bukhari 6115).
- Sit down. The Prophet ﷺ advised that a person who is angry while standing should sit, and lie down if it does not pass (Sunan Abi Dawud 4782).
- Breathe, and look at the next play. The call has already been made.
- Take a short walk or a drink if you notice yourself boiling over.
The same manners apply to rivalry between players and fans. See Is trash talk haram? and Can Muslims sing football chants? If you go to games regularly, see Can Muslims go to football stadiums?
- Cheering and mild protest are normal; abuse is not.
- No swearing, insults or threats, even when the call was wrong.
- The strong person is the one who controls his anger.
- Seek refuge in Allah, sit down and let it go.
People also ask
Is swimming sunnah?
It depends: no hadith commands swimming, but it fits the sunnah. Islam praises strength and useful skills, and learning to swim can save lives.
Read the full answer →Is sweat najis in Islam?
No, sweat is not najis in Islam. Human sweat is pure, so sweaty clothes, mats and gym equipment don't affect prayer. Smell is a matter of courtesy only.
Read the full answer →Is my body a trust from Allah?
Yes, scholars call the body an amanah, a trust from Allah. Care for it with food, sleep and exercise, and avoid harm such as steroids, without obsession.
Read the full answer →Is joining an office March Madness pool haram?
Yes, if you pay in and the winner takes the pot. A buy-in bracket pool is gambling, but you can join for fun without paying. How to decline kindly.
Read the full answer →Is it haram to work out just to look good?
No, working out to look good is allowed, and Allah loves beauty. Watch out for showing off, pride and obsession, and add intentions of health and strength.
Read the full answer →