Can I Wear a Long-Sleeved Shirt Under My Short Sleeves for Gym Class?
Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad
Question
Is it permissible to attend a program where male teachers occasionally teach? And is it permissible to attend this program if they might show a movie/video that offers valuable qualifications? Can I wear a T-shirt under my short sleeves for Physical Education?
Answer
Thank you for your question. I assume that you are female. In that case, your answer is yes, yes and yes.
Sleeves
Wearing long sleeves under your T-shirt would mean that your ‘awra (nakedness) is covered during class, and that is fulfilling an obligation. No matter what you use, you are doing what is obligatory, so wearing long sleeves underneath a short-sleeved shirt is a good way to do what you must.
Male Teachers
It is permissible to learn from male teachers as long as Islamic etiquette is upheld. A female student should be properly covered and not be alone with him at any time. Speaking and behaving with careful consideration and not being too casual is important.
Please see more details here:
- Is It Permissible for a Male Teacher To Teach a Female Student?
- What Is the Etiquette to Follow for a Woman Towards a Male Teacher? (Habib Umar)
Videos
Watching videos is tricky as most of these contain music and uncovered members of the opposite gender. That being said, some scholars have deemed it permissible to watch videos where the images, themes, language, and general content are not immoral. See the explanation of this in the links below.
Righteousness
It’s important to consider all your actions and ask if they are colored with concern for the afterlife. The believer knows that his time is more precious than a jewel and is irreplaceable. Consider this before you do anything and choose what you do for the pleasure of Allah (Most High).
It was reported that Wabisa Ibn Ma‘bad (Allah be pleased with him) said: “I came to the Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and give him peace, and he said ‘You have come to ask about righteousness?’ I said: ‘Yes.’ He said: ‘Consult your heart. Righteousness is that about which the soul feels tranquil and the heart feels tranquil, and wrongdoing is that which wavers in the soul and moves to and from in the breast even though people, again and again, have given you their legal opinion [in its favor].’” [Ahmad & Darimi]
Please see more details here:
- Hearing Music vs Listening to it
- Am I Being Too Dogmatic about Watching Television?
- Is It Permissible to Watch the Umar Series?
May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.
[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied aqida, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin and completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.
