Can I still wear shorts to the gym as a Muslim?
It depends on the length, and on whether you're a man or a woman. Most scholars say men must cover from the navel to the knee, so shorts that reach past the knee are fine, while short running shorts aren't. Women in a mixed gym cover more, usually with leggings plus a long top or loose pants.
What "awrah" means
In Islam, awrah is the part of the body that should be covered in public. The Quran describes clothing as a gift:
Men: navel to knee
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ once told a man whose thigh was showing: "Cover your thigh, for indeed it is awrah" (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 2798, graded hasan). Based on this, the majority of scholars (Hanafi, Shafi'i, and the main Hanbali view) say a man's thighs must be covered. See Is yoga haram?
Some scholars, including views within the Maliki and Hanbali schools, consider the thigh a "lighter" awrah, based on reports that the Prophet's ﷺ thigh was sometimes uncovered. Even so, covering it is the safer and more common practice.
In practice: knee-length gym shorts, or short shorts with compression tights underneath.
Women: more coverage around men
In a mixed gym, women cover everything except the face and hands, with loose clothing that doesn't show the body's shape. Popular options:
- Leggings with a long, loose top that covers the hips.
- Loose joggers or wide training pants.
- A sports hijab that stays put during workouts.
In a women-only gym or class, the rules are more relaxed, though most scholars still say to cover from the navel to the knee in front of other women.
Lowering the gaze
Gyms can be a challenge in another way: lots of other people in very little clothing. Islam asks both men and women to lower their gaze. Choose quieter hours, face the wall during stretches, or wear headphones and focus on your own workout.
Other clothing questions? See Can I pray in jeans?
- Men: most scholars say cover navel to knee.
- Knee-length shorts, or shorts over tights, work well.
- Women in mixed gyms: loose, full coverage.
- Lower your gaze and focus on your workout.
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