Islam encourages anything that promotes refreshing the mind or revitalizing the body provided it doesn’t lead to or involve sin, cause harm, or hamper or delay religious obligations. The traditions of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) undoubtedly encourage involvement in sporting activities as a way to promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage brotherly love and family togetherness.
In a narration recorded by Imam Bukhari, in his authentic book of the Prophetic Tradition, it states that “The Prophet passed by some people from the tribe of Aslam while they were competing in archery (in the market). He said to them, ‘O’ Children of Ishmael (Prophet), shoot) your father was a skilled marksman. Shoot and I am with so and so.’ One of the two teams therein stopped shooting. The Prophet (PBUH) asked, ‘why do not you shoot?’ They answered, ‘How could we shoot while you are with them (the other team). He then said, ‘Shoot and I am with you all.”
In another hadith, Prophet Muhammad’s beloved wife Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), is reported to have said, while mentioning their love of games and sports “I raced with the Prophet and I beat him. Later when I had put on some weight, we raced again and he won. Then he said, ‘this cancels that (referring to the previous race).’”
Sheikh Assim Al-Hakeem addresses a group of Muslim youth on TV about this firm relation between Islam and sports.
Al-Hakeem is one of the prominent propagators of Islam in English in Saudi Arabia. He had a High diploma in Islamic studies from Umm Al Qura University in Makkah.