Shaykh ‘Abd al-Kareem al-Khudayr (may Allah preserve
him) was asked:
With regard to the introduction
of physical education in girls’ schools in such a way that it does not
contradict Islamic teachings, what is the ruling on introducing this course
into girls’ education?
He replied: Demanding the
introduction of physical education in girls’ schools is following in the
footsteps of the Shaytaan, which Allah, may He be exalted, has forbidden to us
in the verses in which He says: “O
mankind! Eat of that which is lawful and good on the earth, and follow not the
footsteps of Shaytaan (Satan). Verily, he is to you an open enemy” [Soorah
al-Baqarah: 168]
“O you who believe! Enter perfectly in Islam (by obeying
all the rules and regulations of the Islamic religion) and follow not the
footsteps of Shaytaan (Satan). Verily! He is to you a plain enemy” [Soorah al-Baqarah: 208]
“And of the cattle (are some) for burden (like camels
etc.) and (some are) small (unable to carry burden like sheep, goats etc. for
food, meat, milk, wool etc.). Eat of what Allah has provided for you, and
follow not the footsteps of Shaytaan (Satan). Surely he is to you an open
enemy” [Soorah
al-An‘aam: 142]
“O you who believe! Follow not the footsteps of Shaytaan
(Satan). And whosoever follows the footsteps of Shaytaan (Satan), then, verily
he commands Al-Fahsha (i.e. to commit indecency (illegal sexual intercourse,
etc.)), and Al-Munkar (disbelief and polytheism (i.e. to do evil and wicked
deeds; to speak or to do what is forbidden in Islam, etc.))” [Soorah an-Noor: 21].
Allah has made it perfectly clear to us that the
Shaytaan is an enemy to us, and He has commanded us to take him as an enemy.
The Shaytaan is eager to lead the children of Adam astray, as he swore to do by
the might of Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, when he said – as Allah
tells us – : “ ‘By Your Might, then I
will surely mislead them all’” [Soorah Saad :82].
If we look at what the Shaytaan did, as a result of
this so-called sport, stirring up enmity and resentment, and barring people
from remembering Allah – as is obvious to everyone – (then we will realize how
serious the matter is). It is sufficient for us to remember what happened to
neighbouring countries when they ignored the commands of Allah, may He be glorified
and exalted, and followed the footsteps of the Shaytaan.
The first step was playing sports in modest
clothing, in women-only environments, then they gave up these conditions
gradually, little by little, until it ended up with the situation that no caring
and mature-thinking Muslim could approve of, let alone anyone who is
religiously committed. If men are expected to prepare themselves and be
physically strong, then women are expected to focus on their role by staying at
home and raising the next generation with religious commitment, good morals,
virtues and Islamic etiquette.
What I have no doubt about is that
playing sports in school, for girls, is Haraam, because of the negative
consequences that result from it, as is obvious to anyone who has a mind to
think. It is not permissible to demand it, let alone approve of it.
