[Q 296] Ruling on Wrestling in Islam

Question

Is wrestling Sunnah?

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

الجواب بعون الملك الوهاب اللهم هداية الحق والصواب

Answer

Defeating various wrestlers is proven from the actions of the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم. Therefore, if someone wrestles with a good intention, such as for bodily improvement or preparing to face disbelievers, and observes proper covering (pardah), then it is permissible.

However, nowadays, wrestling is often done in a manner where the area from the navel to the knees, which must be covered, is exposed, or it is conducted merely as a sport and entertainment. Wrestling in such a way is impermissible and goes against the objectives of Shariah. Therefore, wrestling in this manner is not allowed.

It is stated in Fatawa Faqih e Millat:

Wrestling competitions are permissible if they are not intended as fun and play, but rather to build physical strength and capability to fight against the disbelievers, provided it is done with covering of the body from the navel to the knees. However, nowadays they wrestle practically naked, wearing only a langot (loincloth) or jangiya (shorts), which is impermissible and unlawful (Haram).
As for cricket and tournaments, they involve waste of time which is incorrect. And if they cause one to miss prayer, as is commonly seen nowadays in tournaments where people participate neglecting the prayer, then it is unlawful (Haram).

(Fatawa Faqih e Millat, Kitab Al-Huqar wal-Ibaha, Volume 2, Page 339, Published by Shabbir Brothers))

Answered by: Asif Raza Madani (Ask Mufti scholar)

Verified by: Mufti Sajid Attari 

Translated answer

Date: 18th May 2024