Following Big Ramy Olympia Win, Egyptian Preacher Forbids Bodybuilding

While this is not a law or legally binding decision, a fatwa is very serious within the Islamic community. A fatwa is a ruling made by Islamic scholars who interpret rules and determine what would go against Islam. Bodybuilding has been seen as troublesom, particularly for women, in Islamic communities in the past. It would seem Big Ramy’s win has sparked negative attention towards the sport again.

Abdullah Rushdy explained his fatwa decision on Twitter and in more detail on Facebook. While he did not mention Big Ramy by name – his statements come just weeks after Ramy’s victory at the Mr. Olympia and a well documented homecoming celebration in Egypt shortly thereafter.

Rushdy explains that bodybuilders show sensitive parts of the body, known as Awrah. This is interpreted as anything between the naval and knees for men. The traditional bodybuilding trunks in Men’s Open obviously showcases this area openly. Due to this, Rushdy believes bodybuilding should not be practiced by those following Islam:

“Men are prohibited from participating in bodybuilding championships and showing intimate parts, which should be covered according to the Sharia,” Rushdy wrote.

لا يجوز للرجل المشاركة في بطولات #كمال_الأجسام التي يُشْتَرَطُ للمشاركةِ فيها إبداءُ شيءٍ من العورة التي أمره الشرعُ بسترها.
مارسْ من الرياضةِ ما شِئتَ دونَ أن تَخرِقَ ضوابطَ الشرعِ الشريف.

— عبدالله رشدي (@abdullahrushdy) October 11, 2021

Abdullah Rushdy continued in more detail on Facebook: