Is Boxing allowed in islam? Is it permissible to learn and teach boxing with the aim of self defense or guarding?

Is Boxing allowed in islam? Is it permissible to learn and teach boxing with the aim of self defense or guarding?

Dear Brother / Sister,

As it is known boxing is not like playing football, running or wrestling. The aim in boxing is fighting each other and harassing your opponent. As cock, goat, camel, ram and bull fighting harass animals, it is not permissible. Our religion does not allow harassing animals and cannot give man, who is the caliph of earth and highest of all living beings, the permission of harassing and fighting with one another.  (See, Yusuf Ardabili, Anwaru'l-Abrar, II/388, Halil Günenç, Günümüz Meselelerine Fetvalar, p. 199)

However, it is permissible to learn and teach boxing with the aim of self defense or guarding.

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