Several scholars have even reported a consensus that, in principle, this is permissible.
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said: “Horse racing, shooting with arrows, and whatever resembles them from the implements of war are matters Allah and His Messenger have enjoined, for they assist in striving in the path of Allah.”
He also said: “Racing, wrestling, and similar activities are acts of obedience when one’s intention is to support Islam, and accepting the prize money is therefore taking what is rightfully due. It is permissible to play at things that bring benefit and cause no harm, whereas playing on a swing is disliked.”
The Shaykh further remarked: “Anything that distracts and occupies a person from what Allah has commanded is forbidden, even if the act itself is not intrinsically unlawful—such as buying, selling, and trade. As for all the diversions with which idlers amuse themselves—various forms of entertainment that serve no lawful purpose—all of that is prohibited.”
Scholars have given this subject careful attention, referring to it as the chapter of furūsiyyah (martial horsemanship) and have authored well-known works about it.
Furūsiyyah comprises four disciplines:
- Riding horses and charging and retreating with them.
- Archery with the bow and the weapons current in each era.
- Jousting with spears.
- Fencing with swords.
Whoever masters these four disciplines has perfected furūsiyyah.