Islam on sports!

Sports is very important for our health and for creating a healthy environment. However, as a Muslim, it is very important to know as to what Islam says about sports.

The Prophet's wife Aisha said:

"I raced with the Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) and beat him in the race. Later, when I had put on some weight, we raced again and he won. Then he said, 'This cancels that,' referring to the previous occasion." (Reported by Ahmad.)

By the above hadis we can say that one of the ways husband and wife can interact and establish greater love is through sports.

As always, a Muslim man and woman is required to dress appropriately while exercising, being sure to cover his or her nakedness and to not wear revealing and tight clothing like spandex. In terms of unlawful sports, (and Allah knows best) that boxing is not lawful because a Muslim should not hit in the face for sport.

Muslim should put aside some time daily or weekly to maintain his or her physical health. The average gym these days entails mixed sexes in revealing clothing and loud music and thus should be avoided. If running outside is not a practical option, consider buying a treadmill for the house and maybe a few weights. Organized sports like basketball and football are a good option for some, but one must be careful not to overindulge in these and waste too much time.
In supporting a team, hooliganism should be avoided. Also, there is no place for gloating. Having an upper hand in games does not warrant jeering at a defeated opponent. Islam views sports as a means of enhancing mutual love and cooperation among people, not a means of hurting feelings. That’s why the winning party should never be carried away with joy to the extent of insulting the opponents, nor must the defeated party be eaten up with envy at his counterpart’s advantage. He must keep in mind that his today’s loss will pave way for his tomorrow success, if he keeps patience and tries to improve himself.

This reminds us of the occasion when a nomad’s camel outpaced the Prophet’s she-camel which was known to be ever-first in racing, Muslims felt sad. Commenting on the issue, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him said: “Almighty Allah has decreed that nothing shall have a permanent glory (meaning that every situation has its ups and downs and no condition is permanent).” The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, made this statement to cool down the feelings of those who found his camel being outpaced a difficult thing to swallow.

Women and men are not allowed to play together until and unless they are mehram. When playing sports the rules of shariah still apply.

Ramsha Amir.