𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻'𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 (366)

Women’s Swimming Lessons There are certain issues related to girl's/women's swimming lessons that are well known among Muslims—such as the impermissibility of free-mixing (e.g. male instructors) and inappropriate swimwear. However, even if a session is advertised as “females only,” there are other concerns that may not be as apparent. Below, we aim to shed light on some of these lesser-known issues to raise awareness among our fellow Muslims. 1⃣ Surveillance Cameras: Are there any CCTV cameras in or around the swimming pool area? If so, it is impermissible for women to wear revealing swimwear in view of these cameras—even if no males are physically present at the pool. 2⃣ Mobile Phones: With phones being waterproof and discreet, are there adequate measures in place to prevent their use by the pool or in changing areas? Some individuals, including parents, may record under the pretense of filming their own children. 3⃣ ’Awrah Among Women: A woman’s ’awrah must also be covered in the presence of other women. This coverage must be loose-fitting and modest, not tight swimsuits. Will the facility allow Muslim women to swim in loose, modest clothing? And would that comply with their health and safety policies? 4⃣ Instructor/Lifeguard Attire: If the instructor or lifeguard is male, the session is clearly impermissible. However, even if the staff are female, how are they dressed? Standard uniforms such as shorts and T-shirts may expose parts of the ’awrah, making it problematic to look at them. 5⃣ Leaving the Home: Fundamentally, a woman’s place is in the home unless there is a valid need to go out. Allah ﷻ says: {وَقَرۡنَ فِی بُیُوتِكُنَّ وَلَا تَبَرَّجۡنَ تَبَرُّجَ ٱلۡجَـٰهِلِیَّةِ ٱلۡأُولَىٰ} "Remain in your homes, and do not display yourselves as women did in the days of pre-Islamic ignorance." [Surah Al-Aḥzāb: 33] Regularly attending swimming lessons implies frequent outings. Is this necessity enough to justify a woman leaving her home regularly—especially in settings that may involve the concerns mentioned above? These are some of the reasons why such sessions are generally discouraged. And Allāh knows best. ___ Related benefit ⤵️ https://t.me/womensbenefits/334