Question:
Salaam.I am re-sending my question as requested.
I attend a gym that is only for men. It is mainly Muslims who attend and manage it.
In the changing rooms, not everyone covers their satr i.e. some wears shorts above the knees and their top is below the navel.
There is no music and certain days are set a side for both genders. It’s as close to pure halal as you can get. Would it permissible to attend a gym with all the members not adhering to the satr rules.
Jazak’Allah.
Answer:
In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
Brother,
It is pleasing to note your concern in ensuring you go to a gym where practices against Shariah are not taking place.
You state you go to a gym that has no music and where certain days are allocated for each gender to avoid intermingling. However, you also state that not everyone covers their satr. Although the above rules are being adhered to contrary to a normal gym where there is music and intermingling, there is still the possibility of one’s glance falling on another man’s satr similar to a normal gym. Consider the following hadith:
عَنْ عَلِيٍّ، قَالَ قَالَ لِي النَّبِيُّ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ “ لاَ تُبْرِزْ فَخِذَكَ وَلاَ تَنْظُرْ إِلَى فَخِذِ حَىٍّ وَلاَ مَيِّتٍ”(ابن ماجه: 1460 ابو داود: 3140)
Translation: Narrated Ali ibn AbuTalib: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: “Do not unveil your thigh, and do not look at the thigh of the living and the dead.” (Ibn Majah: 1460/Abu Dawud: 3140)
From the aforementioned hadith, the prohibition of looking at another mans satr is understood. Accordingly, we would advise against going to such a gym.
It is important to stay fit and maintain one’s health.However, this should be done within the limits of Shariah.Thus, we recommend that you look for another place to exercise. Alternatively, you may also try to carry out your exercise at home.
