Is it permissible to fly kites?
Answer:
Regarding affairs as such, there is a legal maxim in Islamic Law which states;
الأصل في الأشياء الإباحة
The norm in regards to things is that of permissibility.
In other words, permissibility is the natural state and will prevail unless there is evidence warranting its prohibition. Based on this principle, flying kites would be permissible. However, if there are evils and harms associated with this action it would not be permissible, for example;
(1) A person preoccupies himself so much so that he neglects his religious duties.
(2) There is intermingling between the two sexes.
(3) Sharp and harmful objects are attached to the string of the kite e.g. razor, glass etc.
NB: Even though intermingling may not exist, a female should not participate in such an even or sports in general, except that she is secluded from the view of Non-Mahaarim.
The Holy Prophet ﷺ raced with Aisha (may Allah ﷻ be pleased with her), but before he raced with her, he commanded his companions to advance and only when they were well advanced did the Holy Prophet commence the race.[1]
Christians normally fly kites at “Easter” time, which according to their false beliefs, symbolizes the ascension of Jesus (peace be upon him) after his crucifixion. Their kites were traditionally diamond shaped with wooden cross struts, symbolising the cross on which Jesus (peace be upon him) allegedly died.
However, nowadays the tradition survives without any religious symbolism attached to it. Furthermore the kites are not a symbol of Christianity nor is it something specific to their beliefs and rituals. In fact, kites were invented in China and were used initially for measuring distances, testing the wind, signalling, communication for military operations and scientific purposes. It was then used as a form of entertainment and amusement.[2]
Therefore, it would be permissible to fly kites taking into consideration the aforementioned conditions. However, as a precautionary measure, it is advisable to refrain from flying kites at Easter time, as it is further away from at-tashabuh bil-kuffar (emulation of the disbelievers).
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mufti Kaleem Muhammad
Darul Iftaa, Jaamia Madinatul Uloom
Trinidad, West Indies
[1] مسند أحمد ط الرسالة (43/ 313)
26277 – حدثنا عمر أبو حفص المعيطي، قال: حدثنا هشام، عن أبيه، عن عائشة، قالت: خرجت مع النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم في بعض أسفاره وأنا جارية لم أحمل اللحم ولم أبدن، فقال للناس: ” تقدموا ” فتقدموا، ثم قال لي: ” تعالي حتى أسابقك ” فسابقته فسبقته، فسكت عني، حتى إذا حملت اللحم وبدنت ونسيت، خرجت معه في بعض أسفاره، فقال للناس: ” تقدموا ” فتقدموا، ثم قال: ” تعالي حتى أسابقك ” فسابقته، فسبقني، فجعل يضحك، وهو يقول: ” هذه بتلك
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kite#History