Can a Muslim be a referee or umpire?
Yes. Refereeing or umpiring is a lawful job or hobby, and it's a good way to practise justice, which Islam values highly. Keep prayer in your schedule, stay fair under pressure, control your temper and your speech, and never take bribes or fix results.
Justice is the heart of the job
A referee's whole role is to be fair, and the Quran gives a clear standard for that:
On the pitch that means the same rules for every team: no favouritism for your club, your friends, your community or fellow Muslims, and no revenge against a team or player who upset you earlier. Being fair in a small match is a real act of worship.
Staying calm and speaking well
Players, coaches and parents will shout at you. The Prophet ﷺ said, "The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger" (Sahih al-Bukhari 6114). He also said that anyone who believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak what is good or keep quiet (Sahih al-Bukhari 6018). So:
- Stay calm and respond with short, polite explanations or a card, not an argument.
- Don't swear, insult or mock, even when you're provoked.
- Apologise if you make a mistake. It earns respect.
Players also need to keep their words clean. See Is trash talk haram?
No bribes, no fixing
The Prophet ﷺ cursed the one who bribes and the one who takes a bribe (Sunan Abi Dawud 3580). Taking money or gifts to influence a decision, passing on inside information or helping fix a result are all serious wrongs. The same applies to cheating by bending the rules for someone. See Is it haram to cheat in sports? and Is sports betting haram?
Prayer, kit and schedule
- Prayer: tell the person who assigns matches that you need a few minutes to pray between games. Most are flexible.
- Friday: try to avoid Friday-noon fixtures if you can.
- Ramadan: take fewer or shorter matches if the heat or the hours are difficult.
- Kit: wear knee-length shorts or leggings under your uniform shorts, and a long-sleeved top if the weather suits.
- Mixed games: keep your gaze low and your conversation professional, as in any job.
For longer tournament days, see How do I pray during a sports tournament?
- Refereeing is a lawful job and a way to practise justice.
- Be fair to everyone, including teams you dislike.
- Control your anger and your words under pressure.
- Never take bribes or help fix results.
People also ask
Can I do dhikr while running or lifting?
Yes, you can do dhikr while running or lifting. It needs no wudu, and short phrases like SubhanAllah or La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah suit exercise.
Read the full answer →Can I break my fast if I get dizzy during exercise?
Yes, if dizziness, fainting or heat illness during a workout is real. Stop, drink, break your fast and make up the day later. Mild thirst is not enough.
Read the full answer →Can a Muslim athlete break the fast during a match?
It depends on why: an athlete may break the fast at sunset or if a match makes them ill or faint, but not just for extra energy. Make up the day later.
Read the full answer →Are weight loss supplements and fat burners haram?
It depends. Fat burners aren't haram in themselves, but risky stimulants, laxatives or hidden drugs should be avoided; check halal status and ask a doctor.
Read the full answer →Are anabolic steroids haram in Islam?
Yes, in general. Most scholars forbid anabolic steroids for building muscle because of harm and cheating; doctor-prescribed treatment is different.
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