Muslim Women in Sport
Nida'ul Islam magazine
By Sister: Hikmat Beiruty
<LEFT>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 (r.a.a) said: "Refresh
your minds from time to time, for a tired mind becomes blind."
Abu Darda` (r.a.a) also commented: "I entertain my heart with
something trivial in order to make it stronger in the service
of the Truth."
The Prophet (s.a.w) advised his followers to engage in many
forms of sport, which even today are considered of the best
form of exercise. The Prophet (s.a.w) himself would engage in
wrestling, racing, archery and horse races.
While Aisha (r.a.a) was on a journey along with the Apostle
of Allah (s.a.w), she had a race with him and outpaced him. As
time passed, the Prophet (s.a.w) 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. 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 (s.a.w) 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 (s.w.t) tells us:
"Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope." [2: 286] .