The history and the philosophy of sport in Islam

This paper investigates the history and philosophy of sports in Islam, including women sports. Based on available research, Holy Qura'anic Scriptures, prophetic heritage, Islamic jurisdiction, history, and current related literature, the paper extracts the philosophy and history of sports in Islam and the status of women's sports in Islam and Muslim communities, as well as the current status of sports in Muslim communities in modern times.For this purpose, the study utilizes all available resources in both the Arabic and English languages. Online resources provided reports on current events that bear on the topic. The procedure adopted herein is a historical and philosophical analysis. Overall, the paper concludes that Islam is pro-sports, with some reservations (conditions) to women's gear and appearance when participating in sports. Such conditions mostly determine whether women sports should be intersexual or intrasexual. Put differently, women sports are required to be intrasexual, which restricts them to (1) the confines of family and/or relatives and (2) female spectatorship and participation. This precludes intersexual sports, meaning segregation of the sexes in sports is religiously enforced. Sports like soccer, volleyball, basketball and the like seldom have intersexual (of both genders) teams, they are either completely female or completely male. This is that state of affairs worldwide, even in the United States. However, as far as non-team sports are concerned, the popular attitude is different today; there are no restrictions at all, as attested by the participation of Muslim communities and individuals in world sporting events. The current status of sports in Muslim communities is definitely pro-sport, which is witnessed worldwide.School of Physical EducationThesis (M.A.