Why is it that nearly every Muslim man I encounter in the US is completely out of shape? Our ‘uncles’ with their protruding pot-bellies or our youth with twig arms.
Our history is one of spiritual, mental, and yes, physical excellence. Muslim men should be the renaissance men of the world, adept at all things from self-defense to having a beautiful voice when reciting Quran.
Reading the descriptions of our Prophet (salallau’alaihi-wassalam) and the Companions, could you find a group that aspires to meet -all- of that criteria today?
Spiritually, yes. Mentally, yes. Physically, we are extremely lacking.
It seems there is a large barrier keeping our men from being as fit and healthy as can be. We have no prominent nutritionists, beyond the ones that emphasize eating Halaal. We have little or no care about the quantity or types of food we consume. Most of us are sitting 90% of the day away, we wouldn?t know what to do with a bow if we wanted to.
The Prophet (sallallahu’alaihi-wassalam)
“Any action without the remembrance of Allah is either a diversion or heedlessness excepting four acts: Walking from target to target [during archery practice], training a horse, playing with one’s family, and learning to swim.” (Reported by Tabarani.)
Currently, I recommend that Muslim men follow a specific plan dedicated to bodyweight-based exercises, rather than trying to reach a 300 pound bench press. I feel wholeheartedly that mastery of one?s body comes hand in hand with mastery of ones ego.
I will be posting whatever research I have collected on Islamic traditional martial arts over the next few weeks.
From that, inshahallah, I hope to create a specific plan for Muslim men to follow. Questions and comments are welcome.
May 3rd, 2004 - 9:44 pm
Assalamu’alaikum brother, it’s funny that you mention that because I always think that, compared to the “typical” American man, Muslim men here are in much better shape..but then again..I don’t know many Muslim men in America.
May 3rd, 2004 - 9:58 pm
Walaikum-salaam,
we’ll I’ll try to get some of these lazy men in better shape to meet your expectations!
May 3rd, 2004 - 11:07 pm
Heh, tell me when you whip them into shape!
May 4th, 2004 - 5:34 pm
As salaamu ‘alaykum Yursil,
I agree that while there are many Muslim men (espeically among the youth) who are in good shape, there are also large numbers of us (especially as we get holder) who are in bad shape.
MaShaAllah there are many proofs in Islamic law for the desirability of staying in good shape like the one you quoted. We should not be afraid or ashamed to admit that almost all of these, including the one you admitted relate the desirability of physical fitness directly to the desirability of preparedness for jihaad (I’m talking about the fighting kind).
While our bodies “have a right on us” to maintain our health, we shoudn’t think that Islam is devoted to some kind of abstract physical fitness. Islaam is devoted to having Muslims who are willing and able to defend themselves, the deen and others physically when necessary.
Salaam,
Abdul-Malik
May 4th, 2004 - 7:44 pm
as-salamu’alaikum,
While I agree there is a relationship between physical fitness and preparedness for Jihad, I don’t think it is the only nor primary ‘reason’ for such physical fitness.
I like to avoid assigning reasons for recommendations or commandments within Islam, I truly believe there are things required of us that are outside our realm of understanding since they were commanded by Allah who created Time itself.
Is not Islam devoted to spiritual fitness without a worldly reason?
Should Islam ever achieve complete peace and unity and spread across 100% of the world, would we be allowed to excuse ourselves of maintaining our physical health and strength?
The hadith is quite clear that putting aside remembrance of Allah is excusable in such acts, and includes playing with one’s family. I’m in great doubt that the hadith is relating such things and the practicing of swimming to Jihad.
Being better prepared for Jihad could be considered a worldly “benefit” of maintaining our health and fitness.
True Jihad is won by Allah, not muscle.
May 12th, 2004 - 8:41 pm
Well, if it’s any consolation, i’m a north american muslim, and i’m a student of physical education. Hopefully i’ll be able to get more people in shape after i graduate
September 27th, 2004 - 11:01 pm
Assalamu Alaikum,
Jazakallah Yursil, I’ve been searching for the above hadith for someone. Infact, it was for a sister who was concerned if majoring in physical education was a waste of time!! Thnks again
March 13th, 2005 - 9:55 pm
Assalamualaykum,
I am an imam, and weight train and play soccer regularly. I also try to watch what I eat, and am in reasonably good shape, at least I think I am!
There is no contradiction between Islam and fitness, as brothers pointed out. In fact I find that when I exercise regularly it helps in the other ibaadaat also, in addition to keeping me mentally alert and focused.
Salaam
March 3rd, 2006 - 4:13 pm
asalamun alaikum,
3 of the 5 pillars of islam are physically inclined-1:prayer, 2:fasting, and 3:hajj. the Prophet (pbuh) was known to be an exceptional racer and of medium build. the Prophet (pbuh) also allowed spear practice in the masjid and also served as a barrier for his wife Aisha (rah) to watch the Abyssinians practice in sports. sports and physical fitness are integral part of any society if they wish to become prosperous. take even the most martial and combative sports in america and asian societies and you will see that the people who frequent dojos and similar places are not violent people, they are very disciplined and rational. now look at the muslim world where sports are in tatters; kids play soccer in the streets and “education” is the main focus of many islamic countires. while this is a noble cause, our children grow up imagining themselves being Micheal Jordans or mini Beckmans. muslim kids need some muslim athletes at the olympics and other international events. sports is not only beneficial physically , it also helps physically, emotionally, pyschologically and economically. i know this sounds like a rant, but all i’m trying to say is that muslims need to be more active in their communities either participating in sports and sports mentoring, and also organizing sports teams in order to unite one another with their surrounding communities and the world.
January 17th, 2008 - 12:24 am
Asalamualaikum,
I think what you are doing is good and wish to communicate with you to embark on a project pertaining to your website in Malaysia…hope to hear from you soon…Wassalam
Naizam Ali