Horses

My love for animals began at a young age, as I was living in an area with lots of farms. I've had sheep, chickens, dogs, cats and birds as pets. I did go for a few horse trails when I was young, but that was at fairs and shows. My love for horses really materialised when I heard the following Hadith about two years ago:

Uqbah bin Âmir reported that the messenger of Allâh (Azza wa jall) said: Everything with which a man plays is unlawful except his shooting with arrows, and his training his horse, and his sporting with his wife; and verily these are of the truths. (Tirmidhi, Abu Dawoo,Ibn Majah

So I began doing out rides on a farm close to home and really enjoyed every second of it. Three weeks ago, I rode a registered thorough bred boerperd. The most enjoyable ride ever, since this particular horse is feisty and quick on his feet. There are many benefits to horse riding as well besides the joy and excitement. It helps will balance, fitness, coordination and is therapeutic. Insha-Allah I would like to go into archery very soon.

Another Hadith:

The Holy Prophet (Sallallâhu alaihi wasallam) is reported to have said: "There is blessing in the forelocks of horses."(Ahmad)

Quran Chapter 100 - Quran Translation of Surah Al-Adiyat
(The Chargers)

1. By the (steeds) that run, with panting (breath),
2. Striking sparks of fire (by their hooves),
3. And scouring to the raid at dawn
4. And raise the dust in clouds the while,
5. Penetrating forthwith as one into the midst (of the foe);
6. Verily! Man (disbeliever) is ungrateful to his Lord;
7. And to that fact he bears witness (by his deeds);
8. And verily, he is violent in the love of wealth.
9. Knows he not that when the contents of the graves are brought out and
poured forth (all mankind is resurrected).
10. And that which is in the breasts (of men) shall be made known.
11. Verily, that Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection) their Lord will be Well-
Acquainted with them (as to their deeds), (and will reward them for their
deeds).

Hazrat Ibn Umar (R.A) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallâhu alaihi wasallam) said: "Teach your sons swimming and archery and teach your daughters sewing."(Baihaqi)

The Prophet (Sallallâhu alaihi wasallam) himself raced with his wife. Hazrat Ayesha said: "I raced with the Prophet (Sallallâhu alaihi wasallam) and beat him in the race. Later when I had put on some weight, we raced again and he won. Then he said, 'This cancels that', referring to the previous occasion."(Ahmad, Abu Dawood)

I would like to encourage the youth of the Ummah to take up these sports (keeping within the laws of Shari'ah) as they are permissible, healthy and do not necessarily lead us to Haraam. Horse riding, archery, swimming, sewing, foot racing and wrestling.