In today’s fast-paced world, the pursuit of physical fitness has become a common goal for people of all backgrounds and religions. However, for Muslims, the question often arises: Is working out haram?
This article delves into the Islamic perspective on physical fitness and exercise, exploring whether it aligns with the principles of Islam or if there are any restrictions or guidelines that followers of the faith should consider when striving to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
Is Working Out Haram
Working out is not inherently haram (forbidden) in Islam, but it’s permissibility depends on the intentions and context. If the goal of working out is to improve health and fitness, it is considered halal (permissible).
However, if the intention is to show off or seek admiration, it may be considered haram due to the encouragement of vanity or pride. Several Quranic verses emphasize this point. These verses, while not directly referencing physical exercise, provide a framework within which Muslims can assess their intentions and approach towards activities like working out, emphasizing health, sincerity, and avoidance of vanity.
“And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.”
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195)
This verse encourages spending in the way of Allah and avoiding self-destruction. In the context of working out, it can be interpreted as encouraging maintaining health and fitness as a form of doing good and taking care of the body, which is a trust from Allah. However, it also warns against actions that might lead to harm, which can include exercising with harmful intentions such as showing off or vanity.
“The Day when neither wealth nor sons will avail, but only he (will prosper) that brings to Allah a sound heart.”
Surah Ash-Shu’ara (26:88-89)
This verse emphasizes the importance of a ‘sound heart’ or sincere intentions in the sight of Allah, especially on the Day of Judgment. In terms of physical exercise, it suggests that actions are valued based on their intentions. Working out for the sake of health and fitness with a sincere heart is commendable, while doing it for show or vanity is not.
“O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing and Acquainted.”
Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13)
This verse speaks about righteousness and nobility in the eyes of Allah, which is based on piety and not on outward appearances. In the context of working out, it implies that physical fitness or appearance does not elevate one’s status in the eyes of Allah; rather, it is one’s piety and righteousness that matters.
Hadiths About Working Out
Here are a few hadiths related to physical exercise. These hadiths collectively showcase that physical exercise, when done with the right intentions and within the bounds of Islamic principles, is not only permissible but also recommended in Islam.
Strength and Belief
- Hadith: “The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, while there is good in both” [Muslim].
- Meaning: This hadith, spoken by Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H), primarily discusses the strength of faith and character. However, it also alludes to the importance of physical health, suggesting that maintaining good physical, spiritual, and emotional health is part of a Muslim’s duty. The emphasis on a strong believer being more beloved to Allah indicates the value placed on physical strength and fitness, as long as they are pursued with good intentions.
Activity and Remembrance of God
- Hadith: “Any action without the remembrance of God is either a diversion or heedlessness excepting four acts: Walking from target to target [during archery practice], training a horse, playing with one’s family, and learning to swim.” (At-Tabarani)
- Meaning: This hadith highlights specific physical activities that are exceptions to the general rule of actions requiring remembrance of God. The inclusion of activities like archery, horse training, family play, and swimming suggests that these forms of physical exercise are not only permissible but encouraged in Islam. They are seen as beneficial and productive, combining physical health with permissible enjoyment or practical skills.
Encouragement of Sports and Physical Competence
- Hadith: “The Prophet passed by some people from the tribe of Aslam while they were competing in archery (in the market). He said to them: ‘Shoot children of Ishmael (Prophet) your father was a skilled marksman. Shoot and I am with so and so.’… ‘Shoot and I am with you all.’… Aisha said: ‘I raced with the Prophet and I beat him. Later when I had put on some weight, we raced again and he won. Then he said: ‘This cancels that (referring to the previous race).’” (Al-Bukhari)
- Meaning: These narrations show the Prophet’s encouragement of physical activities like archery and racing. His involvement and support for these activities reflect the importance of physical competence and sports in Islam. The hadith also reveals a playful and competitive spirit, demonstrating that physical activities are not just about fitness but also about enjoyment and healthy competition. The mention of racing with his wife Aisha further shows the inclusive nature of these activities, encouraging physical fitness among both men and women.
Is Bodybuilding Haram in Islam
Various Islamic scholars, including Mufti Tariq Masood Sahib and Dr. Zakir Naik, have expressed that bodybuilding is halal (permissible) as long as it adheres to Islamic guidelines.
However, it becomes haram (forbidden) if it involves uncovering the ‘awrah (parts of the body that should be covered according to Islamic law), missing prayers, or mixing with women inappropriately. Specifically, men engaging in bodybuilding must not uncover the area from the navel to the knee.
Bodybuilding for Muslim women is also permissible, provided it is done with modesty. Women are encouraged to maintain physical fitness but should be cautious about the choice of clothing during exercise to ensure it does not expose or highlight the private parts. The context of exercising at home or in front of one’s husband is considered acceptable.
Is It Haram for a Woman to Go to the Gym
No, it is not haram for a woman to go to the gym. Muslim women can go to a gym or fitness center that is exclusively for women, as long as they dress appropriately. However, if the gym is mixed-gender, it is only allowed if the woman is fully covered according to Islamic dress code. This means that when in the presence of non-mahram men, a woman should cover herself as prescribed in the Quran i.e. cover the entire body except for hands, feet, and face.
When considering mixed gyms, factors such as the presence of music, level of intermingling, and others’ attire should also be taken into account. If a gym respects Islamic guidelines, such as having a women-only section and promoting modest exercise without free intermingling, it may be allowed.
However, it is not permissible for women to attend mixed gyms that do not adhere to the Islamic rules of hijab and modesty.
In some cases, scholars note that attending a mixed gym may not be outright haram under certain circumstances, such as living in a non-Muslim majority country where finding gender-segregated facilities is difficult. In such cases, it’s advised to visit during less crowded times, maintain modesty, and lower one’s gaze to minimize exposure to potentially inappropriate situations.
Is It Haram for a Woman to Be Muscular
In Islam, the concept of whether it is haram (forbidden) for a woman to be muscular is not directly addressed in religious texts, but it can be inferred through general Islamic principles regarding health, fitness, and modesty.
Islam encourages maintaining good health and physical fitness. Being muscular, as a result of exercise and maintaining physical strength, is not inherently haram for women.
However, Islam emphasizes moderation in all aspects of life. Women, like men, are advised to exercise moderation in their pursuit of physical fitness.
Excessive focus on bodybuilding or becoming overly muscular might conflict with Islamic principles if it leads to vanity, excessive pride, or neglect of other important duties. The intention behind pursuing a muscular physique should be for maintaining good health and not for vanity or attracting undue attention.
Furthermore, Islamic teachings emphasize modesty in dress and behavior for both men and women. Women who engage in activities to become muscular should ensure that their exercise routines and attire adhere to Islamic guidelines of modesty. This means avoiding tight or revealing clothing and not displaying their bodies in a manner that could be considered immodest.
