As Muslims, we believe Islam is a complete way of life, providing a foundation and framework for all its aspects. In a time when increasing emphasis is being placed upon physical fitness and recreation, we should know how to maximize our benefit from these pursuits in accordance with our Islamic values. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) was a healthy, fit and active human being. He always encouraged being active and health cautious.

Hasan bin Ali (ra) reported, “…All the parts of his (saw) body were of moderate size, and fully fleshed. His (saw) body was proportionately jointed. His (saw) chest and stomach were in line, but his (saw) chest was broad and wide. The space between his (saw) shoulders was wide. The bones of his (saw) joints were strong and large (denoting strength). When he (saw) removed his (saw) clothing, his (saw) body looked bright and had a lustre (or rather those parts of the body that were not covered by his (saw) clothing were also bright and shining, compared with those parts of the body that were covered by his (saw) clothing.” (Shamaa’il Muhammadhiya)

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.)
Various reports indicate that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) participated and or encouraged the following sports related activities:
• swimming
• archery
• horse riding
• walking
• racing
• playing with one’s family

Prophet (saw) said, “Anything which is not included in the remembrance of Allah is useless and futile except for four things; playing with one’s spouse, training one’s horse, walking between two targets (while aiming arrows), and learning how to swim”. (al Jami’ al Saghir)

He 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”

Ai’sha (may Allah be pleased with her) says: “I competed with the Messenger of Allah (in running) and overtook him. Later, when I had put on some weight, I once again competed with him, but this time he overtook me and said: “We’re even now”. (Sunan Abi Dawud)

Prophet (saw) said, “The strong (active) believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, while there is good in both.” (Muslim)

While there are many kinds of strength, the obvious type is physical strength. A great Muslim mind from our history, ibn Taymiyya, also thought the Prophet was talking about physical strength. He wrote that it was preferable and more virtuous for a Muslim to have the ability to properly perform their prayers.

A contemporary scholar of our times, Salih al-Fawzaan had the following to say about physical strength and its relation to our belief and actions:
“The believer who is strong in his belief, body, and actions is better than the weak believer, the one who has weak belief, or a weak body or weak actions. That is because the strong believer is productive and accomplishes things for the Muslims, and thus they benefit from his physical strength, actions, and his strong belief.
“So this hadith is an encouragement to have strength, as Islam is the Religion on strength, the Religion of honor, the Religion of prestige!

“So the strength that is sought from us in Islam is strength in belief and its tenets, as well as strength in our actions and bodies, because all of this brings forth good things for the Muslims.

“The believer who has strong belief is more likely to be fit and in shape. This is because he understands the importance of striving and staying in shape in preparation for it, while the weak believer may easily get fat and out of shape, from his overeating and laziness. Physical strength is a direct result of strength in belief.”

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.  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.

Prophet (saw) said, “O `Abdullah! Have I not been formed that you fast all the day and stand in prayer all night?” I said, “Yes, O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)!” He said, “Do not do that! Observe the fast sometimes and also leave them (the fast) at other times; stand up for the prayer at night and also sleep at night. Your body has a right over you, your eyes have a right over you and your wife has a right over you.”

It was narrated from Sakhr Al-Ghamidi that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “O Allah, bless my nation in their early mornings (i.e., what they do early in the morning).” (Hasan) He said: “When he sent out a raiding party or an army, he would send them at the beginning of the day.” He said: (1) “Sakhr was a man engaged in trade, and he used to send his goods out at the beginning of the day, and his wealth grew and increased.”

Miqdam bin Madikarib said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: ‘A human being fills no worse vessel than his stomach. It is sufficient for a human being to eat a few mouthfuls to keep his spine straight. But if he must (fill it), then one third of food, one third for drink and one third for air.'

Hence, it is necessary that we pay attention to our bodies by training ourselves to increase our physical strength and keeping our bodies in shape through exercising, regardless of age, weight and gender. One doesnt need to be obese or overweight to think about their physical well being. A healthy body means a healthy mentality as well. Exercising is known to relieve stress and keep you motivated. Let us all pave our path to a healthier life, in sha Allah!

Abdullah bin Mash Al ansari (r.a) that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) has said: “The one who is physically healthy, safe in his community and is sufficiently nurtured will possess the whole world.”