Beloved Prophet says Exercise!

Sport is full of benefits, not only physical and social ones, but also essential and psychological consequences. It goes without saying that men and women are in need of sport and exercise in order to maintain physical fitness and to be in a more balanced emotional state.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) advised his followers to engage in many forms of sport, which are even today considered of the best form of exercise.

In the very beginning, we are to note that Islam sanctions anything that is pure and beneficial for man. It encourages a Muslim to be strong and to seek the means of strength. In his Hadith, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, commands us saying: “Teach your children swimming, archery and horse-riding.” This direct call to practice sports shows the great importance Islam places on sports in training the Muslims and making their bodies healthy and sound. It is no wonder also to hear the saying: “A sound mind is in a sound body.”

Muslims are commanded to be of sound bodies and sound minds in addition to having sound morals. In the Hadith, we read: “A strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than a weak one.” (Reported by Muslim) A sound strong body is capable of fulfilling both the religious and the worldly duties. Islam never accepts anything that leads to neglecting these duties, save in some cases where some exemptions are made so as to make matters easy for believers.

The effects of sports on the body:

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.