We are aware that boxing and hitting the face or head isn’t allowed. In some places, training is undertaken with headgear and other protection, this happens under the supervision of trained professionals. This is only for training and not on a professional level. Is this permissible Mufti Sahib?
Bismillahi Ta’ala
Walaikum Assalam Warahmatullah
Firstly, one should keep in mind that a person’s face is the most dignified part of the body and it is a place of honor. For this reason, Allah Ta’ala has referenced the face in numerous places in the Quran to highlight its significance and to assert a person’s honor through the mentioning of the face. Therefore, any action /act that is done to the face of another individual that is disrespectful or dishonors their value will be deemed impermissible.
The Prophet ﷺ has mentioned in a hadith: “When anyone of you beats his brother, he should avoid the face” (Bukhari)
Therefore, even while disciplining another individual or executing a corporal punishment prescribed by the shariah we have been commanded to avoid striking one’s face due to the dignity and honor associated with it.
Having said this, it is also important to keep in mind that there is encouragement to maintain physical discipline which involves exercising and physical preparedness for one’s defense.
Physical preparedness for one’s defense can be achieved without striking the face. However, a person engaging in sparring or any martial arts techniques may be required to do so for the sake of preparedness for defense. If in doing so, one learns techniques or active combat skills which involve striking the face this it is permissible.
Even during practice and training one must maintain the decorum and ensure that its sanctity is not violated.
Wallahu A’lam
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mufti Faisal al-Mahmudi