Hakami, a member of the Board of Senior Ulema, has said that exercise for women is not only permissible but a necessity according to Shariah. “It is permissible for women to exercise if the intention is to maintain good health, become more active and prevent obesity, and it is a necessity according to Shariah, as exercise as a means of maintaining physical health is one of the necessities called for by Shariah,” Al-Hakami told Okaz newspaper. Al-Hakami's comments come in the light of recent controversy surrounding the issue of all-female sports clubs, which the Shoura Council recommended be set up some time ago. “There is nothing stopping setting up women's sports clubs provided nothing forbidden by Shariah occurs, such as mixing with men, exposing what should not be exposed, and other issues forbidden by Shariah,” Al-Hakami said. “What is feared is that opening sports clubs will eventually lead to clubs where men and women mix which is forbidden. Keeping women's exercise to the rules of Shariah is required, and exercise also becomes recommended, provided it abides by Shariah rules.” Another member of the Board of Senior Ulema, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Suleiman Al-Manee', agrees with Al
