Islam encourages physical strength, health, and well-being for both men and women. The Prophet ﷺ said: “The strong believer is more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, though there is good in both.” (Muslim).

There is nothing inherently wrong with a Muslim woman exercising, participating in sports, running, or maintaining physical fitness. In fact, preserving one’s health is a praiseworthy objective in Islam.

The question, therefore, is not whether sports are permissible, but rather whether the manner in which they are practiced complies with Islamic guidelines.

The scholars generally mention several considerations:

A Muslim woman should strive to maintain proper Islamic dress, covering what Allah has commanded her to cover. If a particular sport requires clothing that is tight, revealing, or inconsistent with hijab, then that aspect would be problematic.

Likewise, unnecessary mixing, inappropriate interaction, or environments that commonly lead to immodesty should be avoided.

However, the mere fact that non-maḥram men may be present in a public place does not automatically make an activity forbidden. Muslim women throughout Islamic history attended the masjid, traveled for Hajj, participated in community life, and conducted necessary affairs while observing modesty.

Therefore, if a woman:

• maintains proper hijab and modest dress,
• conducts herself with dignity and modesty,
• avoids inappropriate interaction,
• and participates in a lawful activity such as exercise, running, or sports,
• then many contemporary scholars consider this permissible.

This is especially relevant in Western societies where opportunities for women’s physical activity may be limited. A Muslim woman should not feel that she must choose between her health and her faith. Rather, she should seek the most Islamically suitable way to achieve both.

In practice, the preferred options would generally be:

• women-only sports programs or gyms,
• women-only swimming times,
• female running groups,
• private exercise facilities,
• or outdoor exercise while maintaining proper hijab and modesty.

As for sports such as soccer, if they can be played while observing Islamic standards of dress and conduct, then the basic ruling remains permissibility. The concern arises not from the sport itself, but from accompanying factors that may conflict with Islamic teachings.

It is also important not to place unnecessary hardship upon oneself. The Sharīʿah encourages balance. A healthy body can assist a believer in worship, family responsibilities, work, and service to others.

Therefore, the stronger and more balanced view is that a Muslim woman may engage in exercise and sports, including outdoor activities, provided she maintains proper modesty, Islamic dress, and appropriate conduct. Rather than avoiding physical activity altogether, she should seek the most suitable environment in which to remain healthy while honoring her religious commitments.