Praise be to Allaah.

My advice to my brothers is not to let their women go to swimming clubs and sports clubs, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) urged women to stay in their homes. When speaking about women going to the mosques, which are the places of worship and shar’i knowledge, he said: “Do not prevent the female slaves of Allaah from going to the mosques of Allaah, although their homes are better for them.” This is also in accordance with the words of Allaah (interpretation of the meaning):

“And stay in your houses” [al-Ahzaab 33:33]

 Moreover, if a woman gets used to that she will form a strong attachment to it, because her emotions are so strong. Then it will distract her from her religious and worldly duties, and it will become all that she thinks and talks about. If a woman does something like this, it will be a means of taking away her modesty, and if a woman’s modesty is taken away from her, do not even ask about the evil consequences that may follow, unless Allaah blesses her with righteousness which will restore to her the modesty which is her birthright.   

I will conclude my answer by repeating my advice to my believing brothers not to let their womenfolk – whether they are their daughters, sisters, wives or anyone else under their guardianship – go to these clubs. I ask Allaah to bless all of us with strength and caution against the misleading ways of temptation, for He is able to do all things. Praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the Worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and all his family and companions.