Is it permissible to practice martial arts, which are said to have originated in Masonic countries and include symbolic movements (such as triangulation and drawing angles and circles) and pagan beliefs, even if these symbols and beliefs are avoided during practice?

The basic ruling on training in martial arts is permissibility. However, for its learning and training to be permissible, it must be cleansed of any associated sorcery, superstition, polytheistic beliefs, and misguidance. Furthermore, its practitioner must adhere to Islamic conditions. Thus, it is impermissible to expose awrah (private parts), neglect prayers, strike the face, or bow to the trainer or anyone else, as bowing is permissible only to Allah in glorification of Him.

The scholars of the Permanent Committee stated: "The people of knowledge have unanimously agreed that bowing is not permissible for any created being, because it is only for Allah the Almighty, in glorification of Him, Exalted be He."

They also stated: "It is not permissible for a Muslim to bow his head in greeting, whether to a Muslim or a disbeliever, because it is an act of non-Arabs towards their great ones, and because it resembles bowing in prayer (ruku'), and bowing in prayer as a greeting and glorification is only for Allah."

Thus, the prohibition is lifted by benefiting from these arts when polytheistic and superstitious acts and violations of Islamic law are abandoned, and when the general Islamic regulations for sports are adhered to.