MMA is currently one of the most popular sports in the world. Many Muslims love to watch this game. But many people may not know whether this game is halal or haram. Our post today will play a role in awakening the unconscious Muslim society. Here we write – Is MMA Haram?
What is MMA?
MMA stands for Mixed Martial Arts. This is a fighting game. Which includes different martial arts and different types of fighting techniques.
In MMA, fighters use striking (such as punches, kicks, and knees) and grappling techniques (including wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and judo) to defeat their opponents.
MMA competition takes place in a controlled environment, usually, a cage or a ring, and fighters wear gloves.
When did MMA start?
The game gained popularity in the late 20th century and has since become one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide.
MMA, like the Ultimate Fighting Championship UFC, is rapidly gaining popularity worldwide. Athletes from various martial arts backgrounds have played an important role in popularizing it.
MMA events are controlled by a director, and fighters are subject to rules and regulations designed to ensure their safety during competition.
Is MMA Haram?
Yes, MMA is Haram. Because it is harmful and dangerous. In particular, it causes physical and mental damage. Moreover, it is a huge waste of time and money. For this reason, most Muslim scholars say MMA is Haram.
Narrated Uqba Ibn Amir (RA). He said: I heard the Messenger of Allah, may God bless him and grant him peace, say,
لَيْسَ مِنَ اللَّهْوِ إِلَّ ثَلَثٌ : تَأْدِيبُ الرَّجُلِ فَرَسَهُ وَمُلاعَبَتُهُ اَهْلَهُ وَرَمْيُهُ بِقَوسِهِ وَنَبْلِهِ, وَمَنْ تَرَكَ الرَّمْىَ بَع “
No entertainment other than the three types of entertainment is allowed.
- For the man to train his horse in tricks.
- Having fun with one’s wife.
- Being trained to handle the bow and arrow, he left a good fortune. Or he said, Ne’amat refused and became ungrateful. (Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith No-2513, Ifaba-2505)
In the mentioned hadith, three types of games are excluded from the list of ‘useless entertainment’. Because, “لهو” is called such a thing, which has no religious or worldly benefit. But all three pastimes are beneficial. Those who get religious and worldly benefits. So these three are kept valid.
Jihad is trained through archery and horsemanship. Helping to get the rights of the child through good stories with the wife.
Evidence of MMA is Haram
Fuqbahye Keram has laid out some basic principles regarding sports and recreation keeping the above hadith in mind.
If we keep those principles in front, we know the rules of all kinds of games today.
The principles are as follows:-
1- The game must be fundamentally fair. There should be nothing impermissible in it. Such as running, riding, etc.
2- It should have religious or worldly benefits. Like physical exercise etc. The only waste of time should not be for useless entertainment.
3- Do not intrude anything against Shariat during the game.
4- The game should not be transgressed so much, due to which the obligation comes to negligence.
If we look at a hadith, when the Companions were fighting with each other, the Prophet (PBUH) said, “Do not hit each other in the face”.
So hitting the face is not allowed in Islam. But in MMA, hitting the face gets you more points, which is against Islam. So the majority of Islamic scholars based on this say that MMA is Haram in Islam.
Some scholars say, “If you want to protect yourself and not for competition or to harm others, then you can learn MMA. So, hearing the above reasons, we can say that MMA is Haram in Islam.
Why is MMA Haram?
The following reasons are against the teachings of Islam. Islam teaches us to live a decent and polite life. But this sport has many inappropriate behaviors which are not acceptable in Islam. For example:
- Face attacks are used in MMA, but Islam forbids them.
- It wastes time, whereas Islam teaches us to value time.
- This game is harmful, harming both mind and body.
- This game is a waste of money. And Islam says that the spendthrift is the brother of Satan.
- The game evokes the chaotic spirit of tribalism and nationalism. Islam does not support nationalism.
- The Awrah is revealed in this game. But exposing the awrah in front of people is haram.
Opinions of scholars
Islamic pundit Zakir Naik said, “I find the view of Muslim pundits worrisome; how can we call this sport halal when many non-Muslims are against it?
One of the main reasons why the sport was banned was because many boxers were injured or killed in the sport. No country except Sweden disagreed. Sweden is the only country that considers boxing a sport.
According to Huna magazine published in London, they say that from 1935 to 1983 about 350 boxers died and thousands were injured. For this reason, many non-Muslims are against this game.
Now, if we look from the Islamic point of view, in Islam, beneficial games are allowed for people. But MMA is not good for humans and is terrible for us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is watching MMA Haram?
Yes, watching MMA is Haram. Because the game exposes players to Awrah, some argue that it encourages violence. So it is not in line with Islamic principles.
Does Islam allow competitive sports?
Islam allows physical fitness and sports, but it is haram if it violates Islamic principles. For this reason, due to the violent nature of MMA, scholars call it haram.
Are there specific instructions for MMA in Islam?
Islam guides avoiding harm and promoting goodness. MMA does not align with these principles. So no explanation is needed on this matter.
Is participation in MMA Haram?
Participation as a fighter is prohibited. Thus participation as a spectator is argued by some to go against Islamic values, while others see it as legitimate if conducted within ethical and legal limits.
Is it necessary to seek guidance from religious authorities?
Of course, seek guidance from a local Islamic scholar or authority. They can give you context-specific advice.