Islamic Perspectives with Reference to Health and Participation in Sports

Playing is the natural phenomenon. The essence of playing is natural either it is in the case of birds, beasts or it is human being. Like human beings, all birds and beasts use to play as and when their living conditions favor it. Health is the prerequisite for affective participation in any activity either it is sport or any other undertaking of the life. The activity of playing is mainly subject to the state of health and fitness of the participant. Different Islamic principles and guidelines with reference to man’s participation in sport and upkeep and maintenance of the health are examined in this paper. From the viewpoint of Islam, health and fitness are vital for properly performing the different religious obligations including offering five times daily’s prayer, taking Ramadan’s fasts, performing Hajj and going to Jihad (fighting for the cause of Islam. In addition to Islamic guidelines, medical as well as scientific principles with reference to the maintenance and promotion of health and participation in different activities of sport have also been taken into consideration.