What is the ruling on playing with lances and similar martial training activities?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Testimonies

Book 63 · Issue 2 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

Activities such as playing with lances (*harab*) are permissible because they constitute training for warfare, being one of its instruments. This is analogous to horse racing and marksmanship, and all forms of permissible play. The foundational principle is permissibility, provided the activity does not entail harm or distraction from an obligatory duty.