Sports & Games

Learning kung fu and other self defense exercises

Q: Is it permissible to learn kung fu for fitness, self defence and other legal extreme purposes, without reciting any thing, only to learn that art (strictly with out any chants etc.) Could you please tell me? If not then with what niyyat we can learn these kind of things like yoga, exercises (strictly without any chanting for only permissible and clear intention).

Muslims cycling

Q: It is this time of the year when a few bicycle races take place. E.g. Argus, Tour Durban, etc. Many Muslim people with big beards etc. take part in these. It is done with thousands of people all scantily dressed. Some so called pious Muslims claim it is exercise and that they lower their gaze. Allah Ta’ala knows best how they avoid accidents like that.

1. Is it permissible to take part in a cycle race?

2. On a weekly basis to cycle as a group, early in the morning, along a similar route, would that be permissible?