Engaging in Physical Activities and Sports in Islamic Law

Abstract

Based on the religious concept of sports as neither an end nor a goal in itself, it has become necessary to shed light on sports that build the human body and preserve health so that one can fulfill religious and worldly duties, and be suitable for carrying out beneficial tasks. These are the sports that Sharia permits for both males and females, on one hand, and on the other hand, the nature of physical sports as carried out today and the extent to which they comply with religious rulings. Since sports today have become one of the most attention-grabbing activities for audiences and widely noticed by people, and have a significant impact on their lives, and since both sexes practice them in various locations and events with distinct attire, and children cannot do without sports activity which may not strengthen some of them physically, may not cultivate good morals, and may even lead to moral corruption, stir emotions, and provoke conflicts, enmity, and hatred… The question that arises in light of dissatisfaction with certain types of sports, as well as how and when they are conducted, is whether one can remain silent without explaining the aspects of permissibility and prohibition related to these activities, or if, at the very least, it is necessary to shed light, clarify religious concepts, and present the opinions of scholars on these matters. The issue, with the intention of attempting to modify what can be modified, and cancel what must be canceled? Importance of the research and its objectives: Through his research, the researcher hopes to clarify the Islamic concepts closely related to physical sports, monitor the violations and consequences resulting from practicing sports activities away from the Islamic perspective, and attempt to present an alternative legitimacy to what currently occurs in the world of sports in order to alleviate the negative health, moral, and mental repercussions of the policies of Islamic countries concerning physical sports and their various activities.