Like many other Muslims, I was also confused about this issue that “Is bodybuilding halal in Islam or not?”
Since I consulted different scholars and conducted alot research on this topic I believe I have no cleared the contentions I had regarding this issue, I am here to remove your confusion,so that Muslims don’t hesitate to build up their body. Moreover, some related verses from the Holy Quran and Hadiths of Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) would also be brought in account.
Bodybuilding is the “use of progressive exercise to control and develop one’s musculature”. Before going for the permissibility or prohibition of it in Islam we should know the intention of the one who is building up his body, as our religion is all about “intention” ,our deeds would be judged and we will be rewarded on the basis of our intention. There is Hadith Sahih Al Bukhari 1.1 narrated by Umar bin Al Khattab, regarding importance of intention, Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said,
“The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended.”
If bodybuilding is done for exposure and pride, then it is haram, as pride is forbidden in Islam and showing awrah (body from navel to knee) to others, other than spouse is also haram in Islam. Bodybuilding itself is not haram or wrong, but if you do so for professional purposes then exposure of your body becomes necessary which makes it haram.
If your intention is to have a strong and fit body for Allah’s cause, like Jihador any religious practice which involves strength and power, like Hajthen there is nothing wrong in doing so, to the contrary you will be rewarded on the Day of Judgement; furthermore, if you do it to get fame and if there is any involvement of opposite gender, then it is haram because usually bodybuilders are more susceptible to pride and arrogance which is considered wrong in Islam.
Since health is one of the greatest blessings of God, He has entrusted us with healthy body and we are responsible to take care of it and would be questioned about it on the Day of Judgement, we should keep it healthy and fit and this can be only done by having healthy diet and proper exercise. I would like to mention here, Hadith of our Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) indicating love of Allah for His strong believer.
Sahih Muslim Hadith 6441, narrated by Abu Hurayrah, Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “A strong believer is better and is more loveable to Allah than a weak believer,”we can ascertain from this Hadith that,“strong believer and weak believer” can be taken as both, spiritually and physically strong.
So, if you join gym or build up your body with this intention then there is nothing wrong and it is absolutely halal.Though bodybuilding needs you to eat more and take some extra protein supplements or protein enriched foods, you must avoid the foods, which contain intoxicants, impure ingredients like pork and anything consumed should not be harmful to your body.
Summing up, bodybuilding is not Haram in Islam if done by taking the right measures.
I hope this article would be helpful in removing confusion regarding “concept of bodybuilding in Islam”.
I wrote according to my knowledge and understanding, whatever is written true or helpful is only because of Allah’s guidance and assistance, since Allah alone knows best.
