Is Bodybuilding Haram? It has been discussed in the Muslim community and among Islamic scholars, who have presented charming views.
Bodybuilding is a very beneficial activity for health nowadays; it requires regular daily exercise and keeps good health. There was a time when agriculture was prevalent worldwide.
Almost all people were involved in it. Agricultural activities were normal for them. However, with time, people are diverted from the food industry due to various advertisements.
People gradually get used to corporate jobs. The physical benefits of being involved in agriculture are no longer there, and the normal physical health we used to enjoy is no longer happening.
Moreover, if one spares a little time in this working life and strives for his body, he gives manual labour. However, as a result, he can protect his body from various diseases.
Moreover, bodybuilding makes it very easy. Therefore, in today’s article – Is Bodybuilding Haram in Islam? I am discussing this.
Is bodybuilding Haram for men?
Now we ask our main question, is bodybuilding Haram? I answer. We have already introduced the Quran and Hadith.
You know, there is a positive attitude towards Islamic bodybuilding, which is very encouraging. There are several actions in the life of Muhammad – may Allah bless him and grant him peace – the leading man of Islam – in which bodybuilding is evidenced as valid.
Although he did not do what we mean by physical exercise in the literal sense, his actions were such that physical activity was done through them.
Similarly, most of the Companions were involved in occupations that complemented their physical activity, as most of the Sahaba Karam were engaged in agricultural work. They cultivated the land, planted palm trees, reared animals, etc.
Since we are not involved in these activities, we have a particular need for exercise. Everyone can do that, and it will not be forbidden.
Is bodybuilding halal in the Quran?
In the Holy Quran, Muslims are instructed to protect their health and care for their bodies.
Self-destruction is prohibited. One verse says, “Do not kill yourselves” (Surah Baqarah – 195)
That means no Muslim can destroy himself and not do any work, which leads to physical destruction.
The extent to which we are busy in our lives, in distress, in pain, and stressed makes our lives miserable. It causes disease at some point. Moreover, at the final stage, I rushed toward death.
If it is possible to do physical exercise for some time to be free from this busyness of life, it is not prohibited in the Qur’an.
Instead, people are encouraged to pay attention to their health in different verses. So any Muslim can do this to strengthen his arms and legs, reduce belly fat, and make his chest wider.
In this way, believers are instructed to exercise physical and military strength in verse 60 of Surah Anfal of the Holy Qur’an.
From these verses, we understand that believers can be attentive to their physical activity, and that is not haram but rather a commendable undertaking.
Guidance in the hadith about bodybuilding
The whole life ideal of the Prophet – may Allah bless him and grant him peace – are a unique means to make the worldly life of every Muslim prosperous, happy and healthy.
The importance of physical exercise can be understood from the following hadiths. In these hadiths, the Prophet – may God’s prayers and peace be upon him – kept his body fit by engaging in one or more activities in his own life.
The Prophet (PBUH) said, “A strong believer is more desirable to Allah than a weak believer.” (Muslim – 2664)
In addition, walking is a means of exercise. Our beloved Prophet (PBUH) used to walk fast, and sometimes he also used to race.
Abu Huraira (RA) said, ‘I have never seen anyone walking faster than the Prophet. (Tirmidhi – 3648)
Running is a form of exercise. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) participated in a race with Ayesha (RA).
Ayesha (RA) said, ‘The Prophet (PBUH) ran and competed with me. Then I went out first.
Later, when my body became heavy, the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) raced with me and defeated me, and he said, “This time I have avenged the previous time.” (Musnad Ahmad and Abu Dawud)
Wrestling and physical exercise are also permissible in the eyes of Islam. The Prophet (PBUH) fought with a famous wrestler named Rukana. He was solid. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) defeated him more than once. (Abu Dawud)
Along with physical care for a healthy body, cheerfulness and mental cheerfulness have a unique role.
The Prophet (PBUH) himself had a very kind and smiling face. The Companions said we have never seen anyone more cheerful than Rasool (PBUH). (Tirmidhi – 3641)
Is bodybuilding Haram for Muslim girls?
Yes, of course, Muslim girls can exercise. They need it. Many Muslim women are physically fit before marriage. Looks well-built.
However, after marriage and childbirth, their body is destroyed. Does not look that appealing. Then they become unattractive in the eyes of their husbands, which hinders the loving relationship.
There is no love and romance like at the beginning of married life. Nowadays, Muslim girls do not get as many entertainment opportunities as they did earlier. Earlier Muslim girls participated in horse racing and archery.
They were involved in various other activities which were beneficial for their body. Still, nowadays, Muslim girls cannot be involved in these activities due to the lack of safety in the social system, fear of various types of irregularities, rape, eve teasing, etc.
That is why Muslim girls can keep their bodies fit by sitting at home, and they can do bodybuilding.
However, it should always be noted that while doing bodybuilding, such tight clothing cannot be worn – which exposes the private parts and presents them attractively.
Because the secret organs must always be kept secret, if you are alone in your room, in front of your husband, there is no problem with dominical exercise, even wearing attractive clothes.
Opinions of Islamic scholars about bodybuilding
Almost all Muslim scholars agree that bodybuilding is halal. They have given various arguments in favour of it and described its benefits.
Mufti Tariq Masood Sahib, Pakistan’s famous sculler, said that bodybuilding strengthens the body, and another beneficial aspect is that it helps to control impulses.
However, he said that while doing bodybuilding, it is obligatory to cover the entire body except for the hands, face, and feet for men, from the navel to the knees, and for women.
Dr Zakir Naik said that these are okay and that there is no problem, but while doing it, there are rules of Islam that must be fulfilled on time, and it is not desirable if the prayer time is over while doing bodybuilding.
Another Muslim Muslim scholar, Mufti Manik Sahib, praised bodybuilding. Could you support those who do it? All in all, every Muslim scholar has approved it.