Engaging in Sports in Schools is Haraam for Girls

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. 

Source: Fataawa ash-Shaykh ‘Abd al-Kareem al-Khudayr (1/21, 22). Click here fore more details