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FEMALE SOCCER TEAMS
(ANSWERED BY: Mufti Mohammed Desai)
Question:-
Is it permissible for females (girls) to play soccer (football). In other words, is it acceptable for females to play soccer against each other by creating two female teams?
Answer:-
A female is not permitted to emerge from her home except due to necessity (which is regarded as a necessity in Shariah). Hadrat Abdullah Bin Umar Radiallahu Anhu narrates that Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam is reported to have said, “A woman should be concealed. When she emerges from her home, then Shaytaan peeps at her (meaning that he pursues her and gets her involved in sin), and she does not remain more closer to Allah Ta’ala than when she is in a corner of her home (as the Shaytaan of the marketplace cannot get her involved in sin).” [Kanz-ul-Ummaal Pg.171 Vol.16]
When a woman leaves the home then Shaytaan pursues her until he gets her involved in sin, either by making her expose herself before others, or displaying her beauty to others. This obviously refers to the human Shayaateen; such human beings that are flagrant transgressors of the laws of Shariah and chase women all the time. They cast lustful glances at almost every woman they pass by, and look for every opportunity to initiate some conversation with them. It is really an act of shamelessness and humiliation that females adorn themselves and emerge from their homes in order to attract the attention of the opposite gender, or give them the opportunity to cast such lustful glances at them. Therefore, this is such a sin where both parties are equally guilty; the male is guilty for casting lustful glances, whilst the female is sinful for giving him the opportunity to do so, and thus inviting him towards adultery.
It is recorded in Kanz-ul-Ummaal and Sharhu-Ihyaa-ul-Uloom that, when females adorn themselves with attractive clothing (and leave their homes), then Shaytaan encourages them (to do so), so that they attract attention. It is for this reason that they do not want to emerge wearing simple clothing. Women should, therefore, be prevented from emerging from the house (without necessity) and particularly, in attractive clothing.
It is recorded in another narration of Kanz-ul-Ummal, narrated on the authority of Maimoona Bint Sa’ad Radiallahu Anha, who states, “Whenever a woman applies scent and emerges (from her home) to display herself, (and consequently) men cast lustful glances at her, then she continuously remains in the displeasure of Allah Ta’ala until she returns home.” [Kanz-ul-Ummaal Pg.161 Vol.16]
Hadrat Aisha Radiallahu Anha narrates, “Whilst Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam was sitting in the Masjid, a female from the tribe of Muzaina who was adorned (in attractive clothing) entered the Masjid. Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, O people! Prevent your women from emerging in attractive clothing and walking with pride in the Masjid. The Bani Israeel were not cursed until their women adorned themselves and walked with pride in the Masjid.” [Targheeb Pg.61 Vol.3]
We understand from the above narration that females adorning themselves and emerging from their homes is a means of them being worthy of the curse and punishment of Allah Ta’ala. In fact, this is such an abhorred and evil act that it causes an entire nation to be destroyed. Hence, it is obligatory on the senior males of the household to prevent the females from emerging in this manner, otherwise the entire family (such as parents, elder brothers etc.) will be sinful. [Re:- Jannati Awrat – Mufti Muhammad Irshad Qasmi Pg.77]
After understanding the above discussion, it is quite clear that it is not permissible for females to engage in a soccer match which comprises of various forms of evil such as, emerging from their homes, dressing in incorrect and impermissible attire, engaging in Kuffar sports, becoming a means of Fitnah and a means of other men looking at them etc. They may argue that only females will be present at the arena or stadium, but it is without doubt that they will definitely encounter males at some stage or another. The male family members should, therefore, prevent them from engaging in such sporting activities or else they will be sinful for approving such an event.
In conclusion, it is not permissible for women to participate in soccer matches. If females carry out their household chores, it will be a means of keeping fit and a means of attaining great rewards in the court of Allah Ta’ala. The beloved daughter of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam, Hadrat Fathima Radiallahu Anha serves as a perfect example.
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
