Sports in Islam

  “Teach your children swimming, archery and horse-riding”, said the Holy Prophet (SAW) in a hadith reported by Ibn Umar. This shows that the Holy Prophet (SAW) himself encourages sporting activities. In another narration reported by Tabarani, the Prophet  (SAW) said, “Any action without the remembrance of Allah is either a diversion or heedlessness except for four actions: Walking from target to target (during archery practice); training a horse; playing with one’s family; and learning to swim”. The Prophet (SAW) did not only encourage sports, he also engaged in them. It was reported that Aisha (RA), the Prophet’s wife used to compete with her husband in foot racing for fun and pleasure. 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 are even afterwards”. This also indicates that sports is not restricted to men only, women can also partake.

Islam permits anything that is beneficial for us in as much as it is not against the laws of the Holy Quran and guidance of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Participating in sports brings several benefits such as improving physical fitness, body strength and overall health. A healthy and strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than a weak believer, as reported in another hadith of the Prophet (SAW). A believer who is healthy and physically fit is in better position to perform his spiritual duties and obligations adequately, ranging from daily prayers to fasting during Ramadan to actions performed during Hajj or Umrah. Also, sports enhance relationships between communities and countries. Sports bring together people from different cultural backgrounds, environments, races and help build and strengthen relationships between them. With this, sports can serve as a tool for promotion of peace and unity.

As stated earlier, the practice of sports is encouraged by Islam. However, Islamic stipulations must be followed to maintain morality and prevent transgression as Allah (SWT) said in the Holy Quran that “O you who believe; do not forbid (yourselves) the good things which Allah has made lawful for you and do not exceed limits; surely Allah does not love those who exceed limits” (Al-Maidahvs 87). A Muslim should not become so engrossed in sports to the extent of neglecting his religious and other important responsibilities. Islam forbids mixed-gender sport games as these can provoke seduction or temptation. Also, sporting activities that could incite sexual arousal, such as women dancing in public, are not permissible in Islam. Blind fanaticism, violence, foul language or slandering in opposition or support of a team is not allowed in Islam, as these go against Islamic teachings that call for unity and love. When outpaced by a nomad in a camel race, the Holy Prophet (SAW) said “Almighty Allah has decreed that nothing shall have a permanent glory”, and this statement serves as consolation to those that were sad because of the result of the race. Engaging in sports should be done carefully to avoid going against the commandments of Allah (SWT) and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

REFERENCES

1.    fiqh.islamonline.net

2.    themuslimvibe.com

3.    ummahsports.net

 Abdulsabur Akinade