Q. I have a Muslim friend and she is a great athlete in physical education class (P.E) she is a really great player. She was chosen to play for a school game which was soccer but she said no. I asked her why she wouldn’t join in and she told me that her parents thinks its bad for girls to play sports. Does that contribute to her religion? I am really interested in Islam. She explained it to me but i was confused was her parents stopping her or her religion? Thank You very much..

A: We are thankful that you have directed your question to our religious department.

As good believers, we should praise our Creator for having bestowed upon us the ability to use good judgment on matters that reflect our satisfaction and contentment with the choice we have made to be part of a given faith. As Muslims, we are called upon to live a life of ‘righteousness’ and ‘modesty.’ Our good behavior should not be limited to our mere households, but should  prevail upon every domain.

Islam wants its citizens to present themselves in a manner that would show honor and dignity, healthy community relations and the true face of religion at all times. All traditional religions demand that we take part in activities that reflect such choices. As we are aware, amongst the negative attributes of modern sporting events is the requirement of a uniform code that maximizes the flagrant display of flesh and skin. For a man to intentionally display from navel to the knee would be incorrect; a woman should not show the shape of her figure to strangers from the neck to her ankles. As noted, modern sporting events thrive of neglecting such decency.

Woman partaking in sported activity should observe the following basic criteria:

· The sport activity would be inclusive of only woman

· She is not made into a public spectacle, in that, boys/men, non-Muslims can admire her, or portions of herself. After all in Islam, a woman is fully human, not a piece of meat to viewed by lustful eyes

· It must be proven that the sport she would be part of would continue to maintain her dignity on every level. There would be nothing forbidden taking place, nor would she contribute to any haram (forbidden actions)

· She would not be viewed by strangers via recordings, etc. If monies are to be derived from the event, it would be from avenues that are not linked to anything forbidden. E.g., alcohol, etc. Such monies would also be used as religion would demand, in a noble cause

· The sport is viewed as part of sunnah (tradition of the faith)

As would be noted, the above criteria maintains the highest of standards for believers of the faith. It would be advised that for health purposes, it is important to take part in exercise. This exercise should be done in a manner that would uphold every criterion of human dignity (self respect) whilst maintaining the protocols of religious tradition.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.