Is wrestling haram? why?

1) A person by the name of Rukhana came to Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) and said, 'I am the strongest of the Arabs, if you could overpower me, I'll accept your faith.' Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) agreed, when they wrestled, he was overpowered by Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam)

2) Whenever an army of Mujahidin moved out from Madinah, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) first inspected them to ensure that nothing was lacking in men and equipment. If anyone was underage, he would send them back to Madinah. While setting out for Uhud, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) carried out this inspection. He ordered the young boys to go back. Among them were 'Abdullah bin Umar, Zaid-bin-Thabit, Usamah-bin-Zaid, Zaid-bin-Arqam, Baraa-bin-Aazib, 'Amr­bin-Hazam, Usaid-bin-Zuhair, 'Urabah-bin-Aus, Abu Said Khudri, Sumurah-bin-Jundub and Raf'e-bin- Khadij. All of them had just entered their teens. Khadij said to the Prophet ((Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam), 'O Prophet of Allah! My son Rafe'e is a very good archer.' Rafe'e too stood on his toes to show himself taller than he actual was. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) permitted him to stay on. When Samrah bin Jundub learnt about this, he complained to his step-father Murrah bin Sanaan saying, 'Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) has permitted Raf'ee and rejected me, while I am sure to beat him in a wrestling contest and, therefore, I was more deserving of the Prophet's favour.' This was reported to Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam), who allowed Samrah to prove his claim by wrestling with Rafe. Samrah did actually beat Rafe in the bout and he too was permitted to stay in the army.

In view of the above two incidents, it is clear that wrestling itself is a permissible (Mubaah) skill that obtained Deeni benefits. In principle, one may follow a Mubaah act on condition it is not contaminated with anything un-Islamic. Some of the un-Islamic factors which may render wrestling prohibited are: a) Being commercialized venture, hence, un-Islamic factors, intermingling of sexes, exposure of Satar, etc. b) Being unmindful of Salaat.

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai