Question

 Are there any narrations indicating that swimming is virtuous in Islam?

Answer

There are numerous narrations explaining the virtue of swimming. In fact ‘Allamah Suyuti (rahimahullah) has authored a booklet on this topic.

Among these narrations is the following:

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Any action which is void of the remembrance of Allah Ta’ala is futile (lahw) except for four actions.

a) Walking between two targets, ie. practicing with a bow an arrow/spear

b) Training one’s horse

c) Playing with one’s wife

d) Learning how to swim

(Sunan Nasai, Hadith: 8940 and Tabarani, Hadith: 1785)

Hafiz Mundhiri and Hafiz Haythami (rahimahumallah) have authenticated the above narration.

(Targhib, vol. 2 pg. 279, Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 5 pg. 269. Also see Al Maqasidul Hasanah, Hadith: 708 for other Hadiths that encourage swimming)

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

 

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

 

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar

 

Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar