Question
Assalamoalikum,
Water Parks are a mode of entertainment in a lot of countries these days. A lot muslims are going to these parks without considering the negative environment inside these parks. Certainly to lower ones gaze in such an place where women and men are practically naked is a task too difficult.
What is the ruling on going to water parks? Shouldnt this come under the same ruling given for Bars and Clubs.
Answer
Wa Alaykumu Salam
Rulings are supposed to be well researched and deeply pondered opinions of knowledgeable people to help guide individuals or the masses. This should not be confused with the Shari’ah (i.e. Islamic Law). Even if the opinion seems in harmony with the Shari’ah one still cannot impose it upon people. The only rules that have to be followed are those that are from the divine. Sometimes we need a clarification or explanation for a particular matter but that is different than establishing rules based on what one believes to be the proper Islamic understanding of a particular matter. Having said that, we give our opinions not so that people adhere to them as if they were divine injunctions; rather, it is to help explain what we believe to be the proper understanding of an issue. In fact, we believe that a great amount of burden is upon every individual who wishes to live in accordance with the Divine Will. In other words, each and every person is responsible to the Almighty to behave in a way they believe is appropriate after they have sought proper guidance on an issue they could not fully appreciate.
Let us take for example the issue of bars and clubs. There is nothing in the Shari’ah that explicitly mentions them; obviously, it was not a feature of the time and place. However, we can give the opinion that such places are discordant with the message of Islam. The believer who wishes to immerse him/herself in the religion would feel that they should avoid such places. This is a result of their spiritual state and their personal decision that such places are disharmonious to their religious understanding. It is our understanding that this is the type of relationship that Islam is supposed to instill in us. Each of us has to decide for him/herself what is right. No one should think for us. In fact, no matter how many scholars or religious leaders we go to in the end it is our decision to take the information, internalize it and act upon it accordingly in a true manner to ourselves. You will find that when people realize this responsibility, they may consider things more deeply before they indulge. There is a thought process that goes on instead of merely adhering to an opinion. There is an active role in the religion. In such a manner, we are engaging Islam and not allowing others to do it for us. We also have to remember not to be judgmental. One person’s realization is not another and some people “get there” earlier or later than others. So in all our dealings and affairs in life, we must remember that the burden is upon us and we carry the scales for the decision making.
Thus, to answer your specific question water parks are not mentioned in the Shari’ah. However, from what you have gathered in your understanding do you feel that you could enjoy yourself at a water park or resort without being sinfully distracted? Do you have the will to keep in mind that most people are there for exactly the same purpose that you are there for – not for scandalous reasons? How well are you disciplined? If your spiritual sensibilities find that you cannot be in such a place then you must make that decision for yourself. Once you have reconciled your spiritual and material worlds, your answer should be clear.
I hope this helps.
God knows best.