Tips for a Muslim practicing sports:

1-A Muslim should not occupy himself with sports to the extent that leads to neglecting religious and other duties. 2-A Muslim is not permitted to give himself loose rein in practicing sports in a way that involves inflicting harm on others. Practicing sports in crowded streets, for example, thus causing traffic jam is not an Islamic way for example. 3-Blind fanaticism in favor or against a team has nothing to do with Islam, for this really contradicts the Islamic teachings calling for unity and love. 4-While practicing sports there should be no room for foul words, bad behavior and slandering. 5-Islam does not allow matches or games that involve both sexes, in a way that opens channels for seduction, temptation and corruption. 6-Islam rejects also all games and sports that stir sexual urge or encourage moral perversion such as women practicing dancing and being watched by the public. Males are to practice sports that suits their nature and vice versa. In Islam, it is not allowed for females to practice sports that are unique for men. In conclusion, it is to be made clear that upon declaring something permissible, Islam places some stipulations that aim at maintaining morality and that cope with the general wisdom of legislation. Sports are to be practiced following these stipulations so as to avoid any undesired harms. The general rule of Shari`ah is that any act that involves transgressing limits whether in eating, drinking, clothing or anything else, is prohibited. The Qur’an declares: (O ye who believe! Forbid not the good things which Allah hath made lawful for you, and transgress not. Lo! Allah loveth not transgressors.) (Al-Ma’idah 5: 87)

** Sheikh `Atiyyah Saqr is a former head of Al-Azhar Fatwa Committee.