Question

Is there any authentic narration in which women are condemned for riding horses?

 

Answer

I have not come across any authentic Hadith which specifically condemns women for riding horses. Those Jurists who were of the opinion that it is not permissible for women to ride horses have based on their ruling on the general rule extracted from other authentic Hadiths.

 

The narration ‘Allah has cursed the private parts of those women who sit on saddles’ has been declared a fabrication. However, the Hanafi jurists say ‘The meaning of this Hadith is sound’ as it conforms to the general ruling that women should not emulate men.

Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) cursed those men who imitate women and those women who imitate men. (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith:  5885)

 

(Refer: Raddul Muhtar, vol. 6, pg. 423)

 

Note:

I have merely answered your question regarding the Hadith/proof. This should therefore not be viewed as a fatwa. Kindly refer to a Mufti/Darul Ifta for a Fiqh ruling.

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

 

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

 

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar

 

Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar