Jeddah: In his Friday sermon today, Prophet's Mosque Imam Sheikh Abdulbari Al-Thubaiti affirmed that recreation is permissible in Islam provided it stays within lawful bounds, aids rejuvenation without neglecting religious duties, and has a positive impact on worship and conduct.

According to Saudi Press Agency, Sheikh Al-Thubaiti cautioned against the modern reduction of recreation to screen time and social media, warning that excessive digital consumption causes mental distraction, emotional emptiness, and weakened family ties. He called for a balanced approach to recreation that pairs physical enjoyment with spiritual and intellectual nourishment.