Question : A question was asked on [the validity of] participating in science competitions, and/or those of newspapers, magazines and shops.

Fatwa in Brief: This is permitted providing that the competition concerns matters of religion. Thus, it [the competition] must quiz Muslims on their knowledge of law (fiqh), monotheism (tawhid) and Qur’anic interpretation (tafsir). Magazines in which these competitions are posted may not include advertisements, or other [ways of] wasting time.

Shaykh Ibn Jebrin, al-Lu’lu al-Makin, 213-214

Response:

[Participating in] A competition is permitted for Muslims as long as the purpose of this competition is to bring relaxation or education, or any other worthwhile and legally permitted benefit. This is the case providing that there is no authoritative text prohibiting it, that no religious obligations are missed because of it, that it does not cause harm to any living creature, that it is not connected to any prohibited act or substance, and [finally] that it does not lead to corruption (mafsada).

Commentary:

On the basis of clear evidence, Islamic law dictates that competition is permitted as long as its purpose is to bring relaxation or education to Muslims. Likewise, there must exist no authoritative text prohibiting it; no religious obligations will be missed because of it; it does not cause harm to any living creature; it is not connected to any prohibited act or substance; and [finally] it does not lead to corruption (mafsada).

There is no doubt that competitions are allowed if these benefit the Muslim, allowing him/her, for instance, to improve his/her physical condition body, to gain knowledge or to develop other abilities and skills. Running races are permitted [between individuals]; so too are horse races; and/or competitions between animals and birds, archery, shooting [with any variety of weapons]. Likewise, there is no problem for Muslims to participate in boat races, athletics, weight-lifting, and [most types of] boxing. The rules for [and nature of] these competitions may be secular, and not religious.

The more dangerous and aggressive competitions, in which the competitors risk serious injury – among which are included some types of boxing, wrestling and Kung-fu – are not permitted in Islam, as they exhibit vulgarity (safah) and cruelty. This is also the case when there is cruelty to animals [in the name of sport]. Cruely to animals is not permitted in Islam; hence, there should be no dog, cock, ram or bull fights.

Ibn ‘Abbas (r.a.) narrated the Prophet prohibited fighting (literally: “harassment”, al-tahrish) between sheep. This account is included in Abu Dawud’s hadith collection, as well as elsewhere. [On these grounds] It is incorrect to use an animal as a target in sport. Once, ‘Abd Allah ibn ‘Umar (r.a.) passed by a group of boys from Quraysh who were shooting at a bird [with bow and arrows]. On seeing Ibn ‘Umar, they ran away. Ibn ‘Umar said: “who did that? May God curse the one who did that [shooting at the bird]. The Messenger of God (upon him be peace) cursed the one who takes any living creature as a target [for sport]”. This hadith may be found in both Bukhari and Muslim.[1]

And God knows best.

Dr. Anas Abu Shadi