Wrestling and boxing

Question

Are wrestling and boxing permissible?

Answer

 بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

الجواب حامدا ومصليا ومسلما

The permissibility of wrestling and boxing are contingent on the following conditions:

  1. One’s awra (part of the body which sharia has prescribed to be concealed) is covered.
  2. Engaging in either activity does not cause one to miss/delay fulfilling his religious obligations.
  3. One avoids critically injuring his opponent. 
  4. One avoids striking their opponent’s face, as the Prophet of Allah (may Allah bless him and give him peace) strictly forbade us from hitting the face. [Sahih Bukhari]

Thus, if the aforementioned conditions are fulfilled, wrestling and boxing would be permissible. However, since these conditions are not met at the professional level, taking part in professional boxing/wrestling would not be permissible.

والله اعلم

Allah Knows best.

Approved by: Mufti Husain Ahmad Madani