By Sister: Hikmat Beiruty
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] .
