Parenting Perspective 

Emphasise How You Play the Game 

Teaching your child sportsmanship and fairness in competitions is essential for helping them to develop a healthy attitude towards both success and failure. You can start by explaining that winning is not the only important aspect of a competition; it is also about playing fairly, supporting others, and having fun. Emphasise that everyone has the opportunity to win or lose, and how they handle both situations says a great deal about their character. You can say, ‘It is not always about winning, but about how you play the game and treat others that matters most.’ 

Be Gracious in Both Victory and Defeat 

Encourage your child to be gracious, whether they win or lose. Praise them when they show good sportsmanship, such as congratulating the winner, offering encouragement to others, and remaining calm when they lose. If your child becomes upset after losing, gently remind them that everyone faces challenges and that the most important thing is to keep trying and to learn from the experience. Teach your child that losing is an opportunity to improve and that it is a natural part of life. 

Teach the Importance of Fairness 

Fairness is also an important part of sportsmanship. Teach your child to follow the rules of the game, to be honest, and to respect the referees or judges. You can explain that playing by the rules helps to ensure the competition is fair for everyone involved. If your child is tempted to cheat or to take shortcuts to win, calmly remind them that fairness is more important than the outcome, and that winning through dishonesty is not truly winning. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, fairness and integrity are essential virtues, and these principles extend to all areas of life, including competition. Allah Almighty teaches us the importance of justice and fairness in Surah Al Baqarah (2), Verse 190: 

‘And wage war in the way of Allah (Almighty) against those (who wish to) destroy you, and do not (even in those circumstances) cross limitations (of the rules of war); indeed, Allah (Almighty) does not like those who transgress (set limitations).’ 

This verse teaches that fairness and respect for rules are important, even in the most intense situations. 

The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also emphasised the importance of fairness and good character. It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 3587, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The best of you are those who are the best to their families.’ 

This Hadith reminds us that fairness and respect should extend to all aspects of life. By teaching your child sportsmanship and fairness, you are helping them to align with the values of justice, respect, and integrity in Islam, fostering both their personal growth and their spiritual development.