Q. Is skiing allowed?

A. Islam advocates a healthy mind and body. As Muslims, our first choice in exercise or sports should be those exercises that are linked to sports that have been sanctioned by the religion, exercises mentioned in the Hadeeth, such as horseback riding, fencing, archery, swimming, and brisk walking. However, if one cannot take part in those activities, and skiing is the only alternative due to the area in which a person lives, (i.e., you’re in a place where it snows a lot) then to not equip oneself accordingly would also not be in the best interest of a Muslim.

By contrast, if skiing has been proven to be dangerous, then it would be best to refrain from it. However, a person skiing according to his capability, taking the appropriate classes to make themselves a good skier would be part of taking the necessary precaution. This rule would apply towards all sports that have in it an element of danger. Once the necessary precaution have been taken, and thereafter if one gets hurt, it would not be the same as a person doing a risky activity in a reckless manner.

To chose a sport that is chosen by disbelievers so as to emulate them would also make the choice of a given exercise forbidden.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.