Q 8:
What is the ruling on football games, boxing, and wrestling matches
that exist nowadays, are they Muharamah (prohibited), Makruhah (reprehensible) or Mubahah (permissible)?
A:
Contests are only permissible when they can be sought for help in fighting Kuffar (disbelievers) like that of camels, horses, arrows, and the like of other fighting machines such as planes, tanks and submarines, whether they are held for prizes or not. Whereas if these games are not sought for help in wars like football, boxing and wrestling, it is impermissible to take part in them if the contests include prizes for winners. If not, it is permissible to contribute as long as they do not distract from an obligation, lead to the indulgence in prohibition, or cause harm for in these cases practicing such games is prohibited. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.