London Marathon - Need advice from muslims?

Question

Wanting to run London Marathon in future but don't know whether it would be ok, I would need to wear head scarf and cover up, and don't know if would be suitable for muslim women to compete. For a good cause though? Plus scared head scarf would come off and sweat alot. Advice please

Answer 1

I am a woman, and I am a muslim.
As a woman, I would tell you - run :-)

As a muslim woman - I would tell you consider your priorities.

If you can - dress modestly accordingly to islamic rules and not expose any of the awrah you are not allowed to expose accordingly to slam; if you can avoid any physical contact with men contestants (it is indeed crowded there) - in sha Allaah it would not be anything wrong.

Personally, I do think it is difficult to fullfill these 2 conditions.

One sister stated the Prophet used to race with Aisha - probably ;-) - but

a) she was his wife;

b) I doubt whether it was a public race where men and women would participate. ;-)

I do understand that sometimes, it is difficul to resign from your dreams... But - if you do it for Allah and because of Allah, he will reward you more, then winning a price (if) in marathon... Maybe you could prove yourself in other ways...

Answer 2

hi - i think it would be fine - and if you needed to cover your hair up you could easily wear a hat - in fact wearing some sort of head wear is advised as it helps protect you from burning and also you can wet your headwear which will help to cool you down whilst running. I dont see why it would not be suitable for a muslim woman to compete - the london marathan is not exactly about what you look like but about the charities supported. I would not advise covering up/dressinjg in too much clothing - you will find that this could raise your blood pressure and could cause you to pass out. You need to wear suitable clothing that you are used to training /running in - wearing new clothes just for the race can end up in chaffing etc. and more importantly you dont want to overheat!
hope this helps!
xx

Answer 3

You are free to run the marathon if you want. There is nothing in the faith that stops you. If you normally wear a headscarf and exercise then you know already that it says on.
As long as you feel you are dressed appropriately and have your scarf securely on then i dont see a problem.
People run it wearing full bear and bunny costumes and still get past the finish line. I dont think its too much of an issue.

Answer 4

Depends on your maddhab, and how strictly you adhere to it.

There are already many Muslim women competing, but you should still try and do it with friends of family.

There is sporting wear you can buy that may be less restrictive, and try to avoid being in areas where a lot of people can squeeze together.

I have attached a link which lists retailers which stock Muslim sportwear.

good luck, raising money for Zakat, or sadaqa, always brings sawab, Masha Allah.

Answer 5

Here's something to consider:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=1887619 (scroll down till you see the sister)
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/04/0427_060424_muslim_sports.html?source=rss
http://religion.info/english/articles/article_80.shtml

Oh, and don't forget that the Prophet (saws) used to race with Aisha (ra)! ;-)

For hijab I would recommend a cotton two piece. They work great for swimming, so I'm sure they'll work for marathon, lol. Depending on the weather in London, a training suit might work out for you. Something loose enough to not show the body but also compatible with the activity.

Good luck sis!! I'm rooting for you! :-D

Answer 6

check out www.ahiida.com! They've got cool sports/swimwear for Muslimas. Another Muslimah shared and I bookmarked to help out.

_()_

Answer 7

Where in the Koran does it state you as a woman should not do a sporting event, let alone even cover up!

Answer 8

You should not try running it w/o practice - original Marathon runner died from heart attack after delivering the message.

You can figure out appropriate and comfortable way to dress as you practice.

Answer 9

wear a sprinter's suit with the head cover thingy, your head's covered then and it won't fall off...and it'll absorb all the sweat.

Answer 10

Stay home and let real women do the sports. You just tend your beating old Mustafa gave you the night before and cook his bean pies like a good little brainwashed muslima.