The benefits derived from sport can
not be denied. Not only do they have physical and social benefits,
but also essential psychological consequences. Since sport is
also a compulsory part of the curriculum in all schools, it is
important to address the many Islamic conflicts that us sisters
may face.
The Need for Sport
Men and women alike are in need of sport
and exercise. Physical fitness is certainly encouraged, just
as a balanced diet is endorsed, and harmful substances are prohibited.
Exercise is also conducive to a more balanced emotional state,
as it aids in the release of harmful free radicals and excess
hormones. Mundane routines must also be broken otherwise it could
affect a women's input into society, as well as her relationship
with her husband and family.
The Sahaabah were aware of these issues,
and would exhort others for the same. 'Ali bin Abi Talib (radiAllahu anhu)
said: "Refresh your minds from time to time, for a tired
mind becomes blind." Abu Darda (radiAllahu anhu) also commented:
"I entertain my heart with something trivial in order to
make it stronger in the service of the Truth."
The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) advised his followers
to engage in many forms of sport, which even today are considered
of the best form of exercise. The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) himself would
engage in wrestling, racing, archery and horse races.
While Aisha (radiAllahu anha) was on a journey
along with the Apostle of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam), she had a race with
him and outpaced him. As time passed, the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) wished
to avenge for his loss, so he raced her again, in which case
he outpaced her, and remarked: "This is for that outpacing."
The Etiquette's
of Sport
The restrictions on women participating
in sport or physical activity is more than that of men. All Islamic
observances must be followed, regardless of any school policies
or social stigmas. Our obedience to our Creator cannot be given
preference to a creature of Allah.
When participating in sports, the clothing
must be Islamically acceptable. This would therefore exclude
shorts, t-shirts, leotards, swimming costumes etc.
It is very important to ensure that
there are no males watching. Mixing of sexes is forbidden in
normal situations, except in special situations under certain
conditions, let alone in a sporting arena or exercise facility.
It also restricts your activities, and modesty would not allow
this in any case.
Swimming
In most female-only schools, there are
always male teachers around. Hence wearing even body suits is
not sufficient, therefore to remove yourself from this activity
is the only solution. There are some female-only baths or swimming
complexes, yet even this is not suitable for the purposes of
Muslim women. The following tradition treats this point:
"Some women from Homs or from Sham
(now the area of Damascus) came to 'A'ishah (radiAllahu anha). She asked, 'Do you
enter the public baths? I heard the Messenger of Allah saying
that a woman who undresses anywhere else other than in her own
house tears off the Satr (shelter) which lies between her and
her Lord .' "
[At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud]
It is not only a problem of Satr, but
also revealing yourself to disbelievers, an important point which
ssisters are ignoranor careless of. Permission for a Muslim woman
to reveal her hair, arms etc. is permitted to her husband, father,
mother and so on.
Non-Muslim women are excluded from this
permission, because contact with them might easily lead to disastrous
results. That is why the Khalif 'Umar wrote to Abu 'Ubaidah Ibn
al-Jarrah, the Governor of Syria, to prohibit the Muslim women
from going to the baths with the women of the Ahl al-Kitab (the
People of the Book).
[At-Tabari, Ibn Jazir].
According to Ibn
'Abbas "...a Muslim woman is not allowed to display herself
before the women of the unbelievers and non-Muslim poll-tax payers
(Ahl al-Dhimmah) any more than she can display herself before
other men"
[At-Tabari].
This distinction between women on grounds
of character and religion is intended to safeguard Muslim women
against the influence of women whose moral and cultural background
is either not known or is objectionable from the Islamic point
of view.
Gyms
Although many women-only gyms have become
popular, we have the same problem as with baths, that being in
the presence of non-Muslim women. However, as long as loose clothing
is worn along with proper head covering, this problem can be
avoided.
Self-Defence
Particularly in Western countries, this
is an important form of popular exercise. Sisters must be careful
to train only with other women, to maintain loose clothing and
head cover, and not to attack at the head, as the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam)
has forbidden us to hit on the face while training.
Watching Sport
Many sisters find themselves in situations
where they will be watching sports on TV, at school carnivals,
or going to matches. Stadiums are not advisable places for Muslims
in general, because of the language, drinking and scenery. Allah
has commanded the believing women to lower their gaze, and sport
comes as no exception, especially with guys in shorts.
Other Points
Sports and exercise should be judged
according to the level of modesty involved. Games such as netball
played in a public arena is not befitting to the honour of a
Muslimah. No compromises can be made in terms of clothing or
mixing. Public showers at female schools is totally forbidden.
Many sisters will also apply deodorants after a work-out. What
must be kept in mind is the Prophet's warning on a fragrant perfumes:
"The woman who perfumes herself and passes through a gathering
is an adulteress." Some fragrant-free deodorants are available,
otherwise apply enough so that the fragrance is not apparent.
A married woman must also have the permission
of her husband beforehand, and must ensure that non of her duties
as a wife are being sacrificed as a result of her activities.
To keep in line with today's excessive
and unwarranted demands for women to have a "supermodel"
physique, many sisters will exercise for this sole purpose, only
adding more stress and anguish to themselves. Keep it as a fun
activity, involve your husband with it and make it an intimate
part of your marriage life. Keep in mind that over-exercising
can result in unrepairable tissue damage, and will turn you off
it. Bodily exhaustion is not called for, as Allah (subhanahu wa Ta'ala) tells
us: "Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope."
[2: 286].