May 3, 2008
Finally Freedom or More Guidelines to Follow?
By Asma Bibi Abdul Haqq
Published by: The Islamic Post, May vol.1 2007
Finally freedom or more guidelines to follow? In the Islamic faith, ladies are required to fully cover their bodies and must remain modest in character and conduct, hence the common thought that Muslim woman can’t swim. There are also contradictory opinions as to whether or not ladies can swim in public pools and at the beach. Is there literature that supports or opposes this thought?
Well, there is an answer for everything in Islam, but you must be committed enough to find these answers and then follow the guidelines that have been set. There is nothing in Holy Qur’an that speaks directly to the issue of swimming. However, there are guidelines for how we pattern our lives and with these guidelines we find an answer for the questions posed about this topic. In Holy Qu’ran, it says “[33:59] O Prophet! Say to your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers that they let down upon them their over-garments; this will be more proper; that they may be known, and thus they will not be given trouble; and Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.” Currently, there are several modest swimsuits that have been designed with a loose fit, and that fully cover the body and shape; catering to the needs of our Muslim communities. This gives Muslim ladies the opportunity to participate in different water sports and activities, finally!!!
Does this mean “finally freedom, or more guidelines to follow??” I ask this question because some think that since American culture does not discourage intermingling, it therefore is acceptable for Muslim ladies and men to go to public pools, beaches, etc. and swim. However, this is not the case. There are hadiths that speak about the Adab of non-Mahram relations (Mahram is a man whom a woman can never marry because her close relation with him e.g. father, brother, uncle, son, etc. Her husband is also her mahram).
“Nothing in the Quran says women and men can’t swim or scuba dive together,” said Sabet, whose parents are from Egypt, “It’s just a question of finding a solution.” Imam al-Bukhari and Imam Muslim narrate in their Sahih from Uqba ibn Amir (Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (SAS) said: “Do not go near [non-Mahram] women.”
A person inquired: “What about in-laws?” The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) responded, “The inlaws are death.” This explains very clearly that men and women do not mingle unless they are Mahram.
Consequently, how is it that we see our ladies and men at these public places in situations that are not Islamically acceptable? The solution is found in having separate gatherings and activities for ladies and men, when there are concerns of the Adab being broken.
Islam encourages physical fitness and activities but also requires ladies, and men alike, to remain modest and cover themselves according to Shari’ah. So to answer this question “finally freedom, or more guidelines to follow?” Yes, there are guidelines to follow; however, knowing you can swim in a comfortable and modest swimsuit is something to look forward to; as long as you do it so it fits into religious precepts.
