| Fitness, a duty in Islam. |
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| Friday, 15 August 2008 22:08 |
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A Muslim is strong physically and spiritually. In order to gain the strength necessary to become a better Muslim, one needs to train his body and spirit by practicing sports and performing the prescribed prayers.
The prophet (PBUH) is the best that walked this earth and his advice and teachings come second after God’s commands in the Quran. He said that: “A strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than a weak one, and in each one of them there is good.” (Reported by Muslim). He also added that: 'Your body has rights over you.'(Reported by Al-Bukhari)This should really encourage Muslims to hit the Gym, or take on a sport. Of course within the confine of Sharia law, but the premise is that a Muslim has to be diligent in giving due rights to his body, and not abuse it.The spread of obesity and diseases resulting from sedentary living is a phenomenon that Islam is trying to avoid and protect people from falling prey to.The prophet (PBUH) has advised and, short of ordered, his followers to raise their children in a healthy manner and provide them with the means to play sports and strengthen their bodies. He said:” Teach your sons the art of swimming, sharp shooting, and horse back riding”. Those sports are meant to strengthen the body and teach specific skills, and playing similar sports that would provide the same benefits would also be beneficial. In his well known book ‘Zad-Al-Ma`aad’, Imam Ibnul-Qayyem states that movement is the core of sports. It helps the body get rid of waste food in a very normal way. It makes it active, enhances its immunity and protects it from diseases. Each organ has its own sport that suits it. As for horse-riding, archery, wrestling and racing, they are sports that benefit the whole body.Muslims should have no excuse, but rather an incentive to practice sports and work out their bodies. Women are also encouraged to strengthen their bodies and keep themselves healthy. The prophet (PBUH) has raced his wife Aicha, and there were famous Muslim women that could ride horses better than men, and even fight with the sword. If one of us doubts the strength necessary to ride a horse or fight with a weapon, they should ask the experts. One famous woman in Islamic history who possessed great physical prowess, solid fighting skills, and great honor is the knight Khawla Bint Al Azwar. She was encouraged by her brother and taught by him the art of horse back riding, and the skills of sword fighting. She contributed to the success of the Muslim Army under the leadership of Khalid Ibn Alwalid in driving the Romans out of Syria. The prophet Mohammed (PBUH) was also a good wrestler who defeated his opponents. Some people argued that his feat of defeating “Rukanah” was a miracle, so it shouldn’t be used as an incentive for Muslims to get off the couch and go work out, jog, or take a walk. My answer to that is if that was a miracle, then indeed each one of us is capable of such a miracle. If we treat our body right, we could defeat diseases, obesity, stress, and all the aliments that are caused by a sedentary lifestyle.If we follow the prophet in how he dresses, or how he sits, I believe we ought to also follow him in how healthy and strong he kept his body. It is reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) once wrestled with a man called Rukanah who was well-known for his strength, throwing him to the ground more than once. (Reported by Abu Dawud) In another report of this incident, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) started wrestling with him. As the fight was hard, Rukanah said, 'A sheep for a sheep.' (This must have occurred before the prohibition of gambling, or perhaps the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not accept the bet and hence did not enforce its terms.) The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) then wrestled him down. The man challenged the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) again, but was wrestled down again by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Being floored again for the third time, the man said, 'What shall I tell my wife? One sheep was eaten by the wolf, one ran away, but what about the third'. Then the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, 'We are not going to defeat you and take something from you as well. Take your sheep!'Islam is very clear about seeking what’s good for your body, in terms of adhering to a healthy diet or physical activity. That should be an incentive to each one of us to start or continue in the path of being good Muslims with strong bodies. |
| Last Updated on Tuesday, 02 June 2009 01:18 |