My wife wants to swim in the sea, and I told her that it is not permissible, but I couldn't find a fatwa explaining the prohibition and the reasons behind it. Can she swim in the sea? What are the conditions that would allow or disallow it?
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1 Answer
Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.
Ayatollah Al-Uzma Sayyid Sistani (may God protect him):
It is permissible for a woman to swim in the sea or elsewhere in itself, as long as it does not involve any prohibitions. For example, if there are men on the beach who are uncovered, it is not permissible for a woman to look at parts of a man's body that are not typically seen, such as the chest and abdomen, as a precaution. Additionally, it should not lead to any prohibitions or evils, such as swimming in front of non-mahram men, which could cause her clothing to cling to her body, revealing her figure and leading to forbidden gazes, societal corruption, and the woman not appearing in modest clothing, among other legal concerns.
Source: Minhaj al-Salihin, Vol. 3, Rules of Looking, Touching, and Covering, Articles 15 + 19 + Official Website + Office of His Eminence Sayyid Sistani in Lebanon.
Ayatollah Al-Uzma Sayyid Khamenei (may God protect him):
It is permissible for a woman to swim in the sea or elsewhere in itself, as long as it does not involve any prohibitions. For instance, if there are men on the beach who are uncovered, it is not permissible for a woman to look at men if the observation is direct (even if it does not cause excitement or corruption) or indirect (such as looking at their image on a camera, etc.) if there is a fear of falling into sin and corruption. Additionally, it should not lead to any prohibitions or evils, such as swimming in front of non-mahram men, which could cause her clothing to cling to her body, revealing her figure and leading to forbidden gazes, societal corruption, and the woman not appearing in modest clothing, among other legal concerns.
Source: Special Inquiry
May you be successful in all good.