A prominent Saudi Islamic scholar was reported on Wednesday as saying wrestling and other dangerous games are prohibited in Islam because they harm the body.

Sheikh Ali Al Hikmi, a member of the 7-man Supreme Scholars Authority in the Gulf Kingdom, said Muslims are not permitted to hurt themselves under any circumstances.

“Therefore, dangerous games such as wrestling and other fighting duels are not permitted in Islam since they cause unnecessary harm to oneself and the opponent,” he was quoted as saying by the Arabic language daily Alhayat.

“It is not permissible for a Muslim to hurt oneself in one way or another…dangerous games like wrestling and other fighting duels could lead to impairment or harm in the brain or the body….therefore, it is prohibited to practice such games.”

He said that God has forbidden Muslims and others from hurting themselves without what he described as a legitimate reason.

“Fighting games could lead to serious fractures or in some cases, to concussion, to those involved in such games because of the blows the opponent might receive on the head with the aim of hurting the opponent and winning the game.”