An interest in bodybuilding is on the rise through out the world. It’s a lifestyle consumed by progressive resistance training and proper diet. Bodybuilding frequently merges with another way of life- Islam. Muslims are members of the Islamic faith; they must adhere to Islamic laws and values. So, what is the view in Islam about bodybuilding is a major concern among those who loves to pump the iron while maintaining Islamic values.
Bodybuilding can be practiced in Islam but its intentions must involve the obtainment of greater physical fitness, better health and mental relaxation – not for personal gratification, self-admiration, pride or if it leads to missed prayers.
“Bodybuilding aims to make the body strong and sound, which is an important and desirable goal” said Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al Munajjid, a prominent Saudi Muslim lecturer and author. “Islam is concerned with man’s well-being in both body and soul, and it encourages all kinds of sport that will strengthen the body and maintain good health as well as provide relaxation and leisure, such as swimming, shooting, horseback riding, sword fighting and wrestling.”
“But when Islam accepts sports and encourages us to engage in them, it does not make them a goal. Rather sport is considered to be a means of protecting the sacred limits of Islam and the dignity and rights of the Muslims, in the belief that strength is one of the most important means of achieving victory and prevailing in the face of challenges and warding off the threats that face Islam. If the purpose of sport is to prepare the body to be fit to engage in jihad for the sake of Allah, and to do the acts of worship which require physical strength such as Hajj – then sport is essential.”
He added “If the aim is relaxation and maintaining good health, then sport is permissible. If it involves something haraam, such as missing prayers, showing off, uncovering any part of the ‘awrah or mixing with women and so on, then it is haraam.”
Those who engage in bodybuilding uncover their ‘awrah when practicing this sport, which is undoubtedly haraam. The ‘awrah of a man extends from the navel to the knee, and it is not permissible for him to uncover it in front of anyone other than his wife. It is also not permissible for him to look at the ‘awrah of anyone else. The basic principle concerning this matter is the hadeeth of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): “What is between the navel and the knee is ‘awrah.” Al-Albaani.
Another point is that, those who engage in bodybuilding to attract other, specially opposite sex or proud for their body, this is also haram. Remember, Messenger of Allah said: “The thing I fear for you the most is ash-Shirk al-Asghar.” The companions asked “Oh! messenger of God, what is that?” He replied “Ar-Riya (showing off), for verily God will say on the Day of Resurrection when people are receiving their rewards, ‘Go to those for whom you were showing off in the material world and see if you can find any reward from them.” [Ahmad, at-Tabaraanee and al-Bayhaqee in az-Zuhd]
If the sport is free of these haraam things, then there is nothing wrong with engaging in it. Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al Munajjid then noted two points:
- Some of those who engage in this sport are motivated by self-admiration and love of pride and showing off before others because of their beautiful bodies and strong muscles… and other bad motives, some of which are worse than others. The believer should shun such things and seek the adornment of good attitude, humility and fairness.
- Going to extremes in making the body look good and being concerned with that is not a good thing. What is good in this regard is that which helps the Muslim to maintain good health, to practice Islam, to engage in jihad for the sake of Allah and to do the acts of worship which require physical strength such as Hajj.
What benefit can a Muslim gain if his body is as strong as a bull, but his heart is devoid of faith and all virtue? We ask Allaah to help us to do that which is good for us and will bring us happiness in this world and in the Hereafter.
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Despite living in a “quite” catholic country, I’m not religious. Despite being a non-religious dude, I do share some of your principles and values: I despise pride.
Reading this article, out of curiosity, I realized it’s not even about Islam or Fitness. It’s about what kind of human being we decide to be upon waking up in the morning.
Truth is Honesty. Love is Compassion. Courage is Valor. You start mixing them up and you get Justice (Truth + Love), Honor (Truth + Courage) and Sacrifice (Love + Courage). The absence of Truth, Love and Courage is Pride, the opposite of which is Humility.
And that’s how we should live our lives. Without selfishness. Without showing off. Without pride. We should practice humility every single waking moment. This is true in every aspect of life. Work, fitness, relationships.
Then , as you said, fitness is essential for a good health. We cannot do good nor protect the others if we cannot do good to our own body and mind. In this sense, fitness is functional to improving our abilities in doing good and withstanding the required effort.
Obviously, being a non believer, I’m leaving out the jihad part, but whenever someone (be it a person or a group of people) has to face a challenge, he’s required both physical and mental strength to overcome the struggle.
That’s because you can’t always use logical thinking against someone who just want to do you harm, I guess.
Peace,
Jim