FatwaFederal TerritoriesSocial & Contemporary Issues
AL-KAFI #1919: HUKUM MEMANGGIL GREATEST OF ALL TIME(GOAT) KEPADA PEMAIN BOLA SEPAK
What is the ruling on calling a football player the GOAT (Greatest of All Time)?
Short answer
Calling an athlete or footballer the GOAT does not equate them with God.
A reference, not a fatwa. First sentence of the summary below — read the original fatwa and consult your state authority before acting.
- Authority
- Federal Territories Mufti Office
- Date
- Status
- Opinion (irsyad)
- Series
- Al-Kafi li al-Fatawi
- Topic
- Social & Contemporary Issues
No evidence of gazettement in the source — this is not a gazetted fatwa.
Summary
Calling an athlete or footballer the GOAT does not equate them with God. It is merely a title of admiration for a champion in a sport. Praise is permissible as long as it does not exceed proper limits, since excessive praise can lead to showing off, vanity and arrogance, and become a trap of Satan. Muslims are advised to be moderate in admiring idols so as not to fall into fanatical devotion to an individual.
Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.
Namun begitu, seorang muslim hendaklah berpada-pada dalam menyanjungi seseorang idola supaya tidak terjebak dengan budaya taasub terhadap sesuatu individu.
Read the full fatwa on the Federal Territories website (new tab)
How to cite
Cite the original fatwa and its authority. Rujuk Fatwa is only where you found it.
Federal Territories Mufti Office. “AL-KAFI #1919: HUKUM MEMANGGIL GREATEST OF ALL TIME(GOAT) KEPADA PEMAIN BOLA SEPAK”, 14 February 2023. https://muftiwp.gov.my/ms/artikel/al-kafi-li-al-fatawi/5532-al-kafi-1919-hukum-memanggil-greatest-of-all-time-goat-kepada-pemain-bola-sepak. Found via Rujuk Fatwa: https://rujukfatwa.com/en/fatwa/ruling-calling-footballer-goat-greatest-of-all-time/