When you ask Muslims the definition of Islam, most of them will tell you that “Islam is the complete way of life” and yet most of us are quite oblivious of the fact that indeed Islam covers all aspects of life. Islam is a religion that is in touch with all walks of life including exercise.
The Prophet SAW said
“The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak
believer, while there is good in both.” (Sahih Muslim).
What Should a Muslim Do?
Believers in
Islam must take care of their spiritual, emotional and physical health. Our bodies, the most complex of machines, are
given to us by God as a trust. They
should not be abused or neglected but maintained in good order. As previously discussed, diet and nutrition
play a big part in maintaining the best possible health, so does a lifestyle
incorporating exercise. Islam lays
emphasis on a simple diet combined with physical exercise.
Prayer
requires movement of the muscles and the joint and concentration of the mind;
Fasting requires health to cope with the rigors of hunger and Hajj requires
strength and endurance to complete its tasks.
Islam
encourages anything that promotes refreshing the mind or revitalizing the body
provided it does not lead to or involve sin, cause harm, or hamper or delay religious
obligations. The traditions of Prophet
Muhammad undoubtedly encourage involvement in sporting activities to promote
a healthy lifestyle and encourage
brotherly love and family togetherness.
Exercise
increases muscle tone, improves flexibility, enhances endurance, strengthens
the heart and fights depression.
Exercise also helps achieve significant weight loss. Aerobic exercise fights heart disease and
high blood pressure, and reduces the risk of diabetes, while weight training
increases muscle strength and reduces fat, increases bone density, fights back
pain and arthritis, and improves overall mental health.
Daily Exercise Benefits
Respected
Islamic scholar Imam Ibnul-Qayyem stated that movement helped the body get rid
of waste food in a very normal way and strengthened the body’s immune
system. He also stated that each bodily
organ has its own sport (or movement) that suited it and that horse riding,
archery, wrestling and racing, were sports that benefited the whole body.
Fitness and Exercise in The Life of Muhammad SAW
in a hadith
reported in Sahih Bukhari, Aisha (ra) stated that, “I raced with the Prophet SAW
and I beat him. Later, when I had put on some weight, we raced again and he
won. Then he said, ” This cancels that (referring to the previous race).
The Prophet SAW
once wrestled with a man called Rukhanah who was well known for his strength,
throwing him down more than once.
(reported by Abu Dawud.
He SAW
himself used to walk at a fast pace and those who walked with him had
difficulty keeping with him.
In a hadith
reported by Ali (r) in Tirmidhi, he described Muhammad’s (SAW) vigorous way of
walking: “When he walked, because of the speed and force of the legs, it seemed
as if he was descending from a high place.”
Abu Huraira
in another hadith in Tirmidhi narrated that, “I did not see anyone walk faster
than him, as is the earth folded for him. A few moments ago, he would be here,
and then there. We found it difficult to keep pace when we walked with him and
he walked at his normal pace.”
A true believer recognizes the wonder of the human body and is grateful to the Creator. This gratitude is shown in the care and attention given to maintaining optimum health. Islam’s holistic approach to health covers all aspects of the mind, body and soul. A truly health conscious person blends diet, nutrition and exercise with the remembrance of God and an intention to fulfil all their religious obligations.
A true believer recognizes the wonder of the human body and is grateful to the Creator. This gratitude is shown in the care and attention given to maintaining optimum health. Islam’s holistic approach to health covers all aspects of the mind, body and soul. A truly health conscious person blends diet, nutrition and exercise with the remembrance of God and an intention to fulfil all their religious obligations.
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this point is very important for health
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