Playing sports in Islam will be permissible after considering the reasons for playing. In a Hadith, Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) permitted 3 types of playing, a) Playing with one’s wife, b) Archery and, c) Riding a Horse.
The purpose of these sports were to keep fit. Keeping this in mind, if we play sports in such a manner that no Shar’ee rule is broken, it would be in order. Great care should be taken that Hijaab is adhered to. Today, we hear of many women going to gyms, wearing skimmy clothing and training next to each other including men as though they are training their eyes and thoughts.
In brief, sports is permissible for females provided laws of Hijaab are adhered to. It is also necessary these sports are beneficial and not harmful to one’s body, mind and soul.
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai