BENEFIT 306: Football, boxing, and wrestling competitions

The Permanent Committee issued the following Fatwa (15/194 - Question 8 from Fatwa No. 3323): "Competitions are permissible when they involve activities that assist in warfare against disbelievers, such as camel and horse racing, archery, and similar war-related tools, including airplanes, tanks, and submarines, whether these competitions involve prizes or not. However, activities that do not contribute to warfare, such as football, boxing, and wrestling, are impermissible if they involve prizes for the winners. If they do not involve prizes, they are permissible provided: (1) they do not distract from obligatory duties, (2) lead to prohibited actions, or (3) result in harm. Otherwise, they are prohibited. And Allah is the Grantor of success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and companions." The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Issuing Fatwas Member: Abdullah ibn Qa’ud Member: Abdullah ibn Ghudayyan Deputy Chairman: Abdul Razzaq ‘Afifi Chairman: Abdul Aziz ibn Abdullah ibn Baz