Is it permissible to study martial arts such as Tai Chi as it is also a form of meditation?
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| Public Notes | Note from Yasin – added on 01/07/2008 @ 23:17pm: Reply to the concern from a forum member questioning the answer: From Ulamaa ID 04: Bismillah Al-jawab billahi at-taufeeq (the answer with Allah’s guidance) According to Shari’ah, one may engage in sports activities to enhance good health or preparation for Jihaad, as long as they do not encompass forbidden acts. 1) Wrestling Meaning of wrestling, ‘a sport or contest in which two unarmed individuals struggle hand-to-hand with each attempting to subdue or unbalance the other’. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wrestling Wrestling is not based on any religious rituals and meditations. Wrestling has been practiced by the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) and the Sahabah (Radhiallahu Ta’ala Anhum). In principle, one may follow a Mubaah act on condition it is not contaminated with anything un-Islamic. 1) Exposing one’s Awrah etc. 2) Being neglectful of Salaat etc. 3) Intermingling of sexes taking place. 4) To injure your partner. Also, the intention is solely gaining strength and to build the physique in preparation for Jihaad. 2) Yoga means, A Hindu discipline aimed at training the consciousness for a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquillity.’ http://www.thefreedictionary.com/yoga 3) Tai chi means, An ancient Chinese discipline of meditative movements practiced as a system of exercises.’ http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tai+chi The ruling for Yoga and Tai Chi, one must refrain from these practices as these contain certain religious rituals aiming at educating and disciplining the soul. However, if these two practices become free of its religious and ritual expressions, by introducing new situations in it to alter and avoid comparisons with them, which will then become a simple physical exercise. This will be permissible. Remember, true Sakinah (tranquillity) of the soul and its purity are attained by remembering Allah Ta’ala and following the Sunnah. Allah Ta’ala says, “Those who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh – Islamic Monotheism), and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah, Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (13:28) And Only Allah Ta’ala Knows Best. |
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