SPORTS IN ISLAM
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| Mo Farah prostrates to Allah [swt] after winning in Rio. |
Yes. Allah prohibits that which is harmful to the physical, mental and
spiritual health of individuals and to overall health of society. Because many
Islamic scholars believe music is forbidden, there has been some debate over
the permissibility of sports among Muslims.
After all, the same idol-worship that often occurs from fans toward
musicians and entertainers also happens with athletes. Some of the harmful
behaviors glorified in music are also glorified (and practiced) in the sports
world. And in the same way that becoming wrapped up in music is distracting to
what should be one’s purpose of submitting to the will of Allah, many sports
fans become so obsessive that it distracts their focus and brings out the worst
in them.
However, Allah wants us to have sound bodies, as well as sound minds
and sound morals. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The strong
(active) believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer,
while there is good in both.” The Prophet himself participated in swimming,
archery, running and horseback riding, and was said to have encouraged parents
to involve their children in these sports.
There is also a famous story in which Muhammad (pbuh) encountered
Rukaana, a renowned strongman and wrestling champion in Mecca. After the
smaller Muhammad took Rukaana down multiple times in a row, the champ converted
to Islam:
Being physically fit and active enhances the body’s immune system and
protects it from diseases. From daily prayers to fasting during Ramadan to the
actions performed during Hajj, a Muslim who is in shape is better equipped to
perform the duties of Islam.
As in every activity in life, Muslims who play sports (and are sports
fans) should conduct themselves respectfully and in a manner that pleases
Allah. That means showboating, cheating and unnecessary roughness are
discouraged. Humility and modesty should be a trait of all Muslims, and it’s no
different for Muslims when competing in sports. As the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
said: “Almighty Allah has decreed that nothing shall have a permanent glory,”
which means every situation has its ups and downs, and no condition is
permanent.”
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| Ibtihaj Muhammad |
Are Muslim women allowed to play
sports?
Yes. Aisha, the wife of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon them),
competed against her husband in footraces. She said, “I competed with the
Messenger of Allah (in running) and overtook him. Later, when I had put on some
weight, I once again competed with him, but this time he overtook me and said:
‘We’re even now.'”
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| Saya Raisa Aribatul Hamidah |
Islam does not allow co-ed participation in some sports and does not
allow men to watch women compete in certain sports, in order to close doors to
seduction, temptation and corruption.
For me Islam is using all this special way of doing things to prevent
some anomalies, misconduct and respect for both genders especially the women
and doing the right thing at all time.
