ISLAM FOR SPORTS

Muslims are encouraged to take up sports as they are a form of ‘jihad,’ provided they do not go against Islamic teachings. The head of National Sports Council (NSC) Islamic Affairs Unit of Malaysia Mohammad Hasnol Bakar said that ‘jihad’ in Arabic may have been translated as holy war but what it actually meant was to do something wholeheartedly. “Sports are a form of jihad for Muslims provided the intentions are good and are not against Islamic teachings,” he added. Muhammad Hasnol said history had it that Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless and greet him) had been known to join fellow Muslims in archery and had also gone horse-back riding with wife Ayesha. The prophet’s close friend Umar Al-Khatab had also been known to encourage archery, swimming and horse-back riding. Muhammad Hasnol however said there should be a limit to interaction between athletes of the opposite sex, not only to conform with Islamic teachings but to prevent untoward incidents. He said Islam allowed women to compete in sports but they must follow the Muslim dress code to keep the ‘aurat’, (parts of body that need covering); the same applies to men.