Women can indeed partake in sports. The "extent" is regulated by the modesty that Islam prescribes. Hence any activity that is participated in by any Muslim, man or woman, should observe the etiquette of appropriate self-presentation and behavior. If the aforementioned is maintained while performing athletics then it would not be correct to give a judgment that it is prohibited by the Shari'ah (Islamic Law). As it regards the hadith (i.e. tradition) you have mentioned it is found in the more popular books of ahadith of Musnad Ibn Dawood: Narrated by Aisha While she was on a journey along with the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him): I had a race with him (the Prophet) and I outstripped him on my feet. When I became fleshy, (again) I had a race with him (the Prophet) and he outstripped me. He said: This is for that outstripping. Sunan Abu Dawood - Book 14, Number 2572 The rest of your answers are as follows: Above is the narration and its reference. There is no indication, from this hadith, if there was an audience or not. Mention of the clothing is not made in the hadith. As should be clear one should not accept the opinion that women cannot participate in sports unless a valid reason based on the Shari'ah (i.e. Islamic Law) is given, thus, the said religious opinion is incorrect. I hope I have clarified the issue. God knows best. Ronnie Hassan May 6, 2005 Answer published by Ronnie Hassan Discussion(s) regarding this Question Leaving the Criterion of Modesty Upon Individuals