Is it permissible to practice martial arts that involve punching with gloves?
The Japanese sport "Yoseikan Budo," which means "place for teaching truth," includes multiple martial arts such as Judo, Karate, and Boxing. In adapting the Sharia ruling on martial arts, it becomes clear that the determining factor relates to causing harm to the opponent, especially to the face and head, without sufficient precautions. Islamic Sharia has prohibited harming others, particularly striking the face, based on the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: "Do not strike the face," and his saying: "There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm." The Islamic Fiqh Council has ruled that boxing and freestyle wrestling are forbidden due to the severe harm they entail, which can lead to disabilities or death. Therefore, it is not permissible to call them a sport or to practice them; rather, they must be removed from sports and television programs.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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