Health issues are increasing everywhere, including among Muslims. Many of us live inactive lives and treat physical health as something separate from spirituality.
This guide shows that fitness in Islam isn’t a hobby. It’s a trust from Allah, and something that facilitates worship. Drawing on the Qur’an, authentic Hadith and the teachings of the scholars, and also supported by sound science, it brings back the Prophet’s ﷺ model of health.
You’ll learn why the body is an amanah, which activities the Prophet ﷺ encouraged, how our acts of worship strengthen the body, and the principles behind diet and competition.
The aim is simple: to give Muslims a clear, practical path to become the Strong Believer who serves Allah with strength, energy and excellence.
The Body as Amanah: A Gift We Must Guard
The Foundation: We Are Caretakers, Not Owners
In Islam, the body is an amanah - a trust. We don’t own it. Allah has loaned it to us for a limited time, and we’ll be questioned about how we treated it. This alone changes why fitness matters. It’s not about vanity or chasing approval. It’s about looking after what Allah placed under our care.
- Allah speaks about the perfection of human design, stating:
لَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الْإِنسَانَ فِي أَحْسَنِ تَقْوِيمٍ
"We have certainly created man in the best of stature." [Surah At-Tin 95:4]
This reminds us that the human body was created with precision, balance and dignity. Caring for it isn’t optional. It’s part of honouring the One who shaped it. When we ignore our health through laziness, overeating or harmful habits, we’re not just harming ourselves, we’re failing in the amanah entrusted to us.
The idea of being accountable extends to every part of our body. Allah warns that on the Day of Judgement, our body itself will testify about how we used it:
وَلَا تَقْفُ مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِ عِلْمٌ ۚ إِنَّ السَّمْعَ وَالْبَصَرَ وَالْفُؤَادَ كُلُّ أُولَٰئِكَ كَانَ عَنْهُ مَسْئُولًا
"And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart, about all those [one] will be questioned." [Surah Al-Isra 17:36]
If our hearing, sight and heart will testify, then the body supporting them deserves proper care. Health isn’t just about feeling good. It’s about keeping the tools that help us worship Allah in the best state. Letting ourselves fall into preventable harm isn’t a small mistake. It’s falling short in a responsibility we will be asked about.
Health and Free Time: The Forgotten Trusts
- The Prophet ﷺ said:
"نِعْمَتَانِ مَغْبُونٌ فِيهِمَا كَثِيرٌ مِنَ النَّاسِ: الصِّحَّةُ وَالْفَرَاغُ"
“There are two blessings many people are cheated out of: health and free time. [Sahih al-Bukhari 6412]
Health isn’t mere comfort. It’s a mark of Allah’s care, built into every vein and bone. Our bodies are signs of His precision and favour, and the narrations remind us that strong limbs and a sound body are among the greatest gifts He gives. Such blessings demand gratitude in action, not just speech.
- Allah says:
يَا أَيُّهَا الْإِنسَانُ مَا غَرَّكَ بِرَبِّكَ الْكَرِيمِ
“O mankind, what has deceived you concerning your Generous Lord?” [Surah al-Infitar 82:6]
- The Salaf understood this well. Abu al-Darda رضي الله عنه said:
الصِّحَّةُ غِنَى الجَسَدِ
“Good health is the wealth of the body.” [Ash-Shukr, Ibn Abi ad-Dunya 102]
- And Wahb ibn Munabbih رحمه الله said:
مَكْتُوبٌ فِي حِكْمَةِ آلِ دَاوُدَ: العَافِيَةُ المُلْكُ الخَفِيُّ
“It is written in the wisdom of the family of Dawud that well-being is the hidden kingdom.” [Ash-Shukr, Ibn Abi al-Dunya 122]
- ‘Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud رضي الله عنه said:
النَّعِيمُ الأَمْنُ وَالصِّحَّةُ
“Blessing is security and good health.” [Musnad al-Firdaws, Ad-Daylami, 2547]
- The Prophet ﷺ warned that these gifts will be questioned. He said:
إِنَّ أَوَّلَ مَا يُسْأَلُ عَنْهُ العَبْدُ يَوْمَ القِيَامَةِ: أَلَمْ نُصِحَّ لَكَ جِسْمَكَ، وَنُرْوِكَ مِنَ المَاءِ البَارِدِ؟
“The first thing a servant will be asked about on the Day of Resurrection is: Did We not give you a healthy body and give you cold water to drink?” [Sunan at-Tirmidhi, 3358]
- Ibn ‘Abbas رضي الله عنهما explained Allah’s words:
ثُمَّ لَتُسْأَلُنَّ يَوْمَئِذٍ عَنِ النَّعِيمِ
Then you will surely be asked that Day about pleasure. [Surah At-Takathur 102:8]
- He said:
النَّعِيمُ صِحَّةُ الأَبْدَانِ وَالأَسْمَاعِ وَالأَبْصَارِ
“The blessing is the health of bodies, hearing, and sight.” [Shu‘ab al-Iman, Al-Bayhaqi 4293]
- Ibn al-Qayyim رحمه الله captured this meaning beautifully:
ولما كانت الصحة والعافية من أجل نعم الله على عبده، وأجزل عطاياه وأوفر منحه، بل العافية المطلقة أجل النعم على الإطلاق، فحقيق لمن رزق حظا من التوفيق مراعاتها وحفظها وحمايتها عما يضادها
“Since health and wellbeing are among the greatest blessings Allah gives His servant, His most generous gifts, and complete wellbeing is the greatest of all, it is only right that the one granted success protects it, preserves it, and guards it from harm.” [Al-Tibb an-Nabawi, Ibn al-Qayyim 1/159]
Your Body Has a Right Over You
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ clearly stated the rights of the body in an important narration recorded in Sahih Al-Bukhari. He was speaking to Abdullah ibn Amr ibn Al-Aas رضي الله عنهما, a companion known for extreme worship. Abdullah would fast every single day and pray all night, neglecting his sleep and his wife. When the Prophet ﷺ learned this, he corrected him, establishing a balance of rights that includes taking care of yourself:
فلا تَفْعَلْ، صُمْ وأَفْطِرْ، وقُمْ ونَمْ، فإنَّ لِجَسَدِكَ عَلَيْكَ حَقًّا، وإنَّ لِعَيْنِكَ عَلَيْكَ حَقًّا، وإنَّ لِزَوْجِكَ عَلَيْكَ حَقًّا
"Observe the fast sometimes and also leave (it) at other times. Stand up for 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." [Sahih Bukhari 5199]
This Hadith is like a constitution for Islamic wellness. The phrase "Your body has a right over you" (فإنَّ لِجَسَدِكَ عَلَيْكَ حَقًّا) establishes health as something that has claims upon us. Our body needs rest, food, cleanliness and care.
Connecting Soul and Body: No Separation
- Ibn al-Qayyim رحمه الله, the renowned 14th-century scholar, said in At-Tibb an-Nabawi:
"ومن تأمَّل هديَ النبي ﷺ وجده أفضلَ هَدْيٍ يُمكن حفظُ الصحة به، فإن حفظها موقوفٌ على حُسن تدبير المطعم والمشرب والمنكح والحركة والسكون والنوم واليقظة."
“Whoever reflects on the Prophet’s ﷺ way will find it the best path for preserving health, for health is maintained by wisely managing food and drink, rest and movement, marriage, sleep, and wakefulness.” [At-Tibb an-Nabawi, Ibn al-Qayyim, page 159]
The Prophet ﷺ taught that physical health isn’t just a worldly concern; it’s deeply tied to spiritual strength. This connection is further shown in his supplications (Duas).
- One specific supplication recited every morning and evening clearly connects physical health with spiritual safety:
اللَّهمَّ عافِني في سَمْعي، اللَّهمَّ عافِني في بَصَري، لا إلهَ إلَّا أنتَ
"O Allah, make me healthy in my body. O Allah, preserve for me my hearing. O Allah, preserve for me my sight. There is none worthy of worship but You." [Sahih Abu Dawud 5090]
The Strong Believer: Encouragement from the Sunnah
Understanding the "Strong Believer"
- Another evidence supporting physical fitness in Islam is the Hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah, where the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
المؤمنُ القويُّ خيرٌ وأحبُّ إلى اللهِ من المؤمنِ الضعيفِ وفي كلٍ خيرٌ
"The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, although both are good." [Sahih Muslim 2664]
Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan حفظه الله explains that the strength praised in this Hadith includes the strength of faith, body, and action, all of which benefit Islam and the Muslims. He says:
إِنَّ الْمُؤْمِنَ الْقَوِيَّ فِي إِيمَانِهِ وَالْقَوِيَّ فِي بَدَنِهِ وَعَمَلِهِ خَيْرٌ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِ الضَّعِيفِ فِي إِيمَانِهِ أَوِ الضَّعِيفِ فِي عَمَلِهِ وَبَدَنِهِ
“Indeed, the believer who is strong in his faith and strong in his body and actions is better than the believer who is weak in his faith or weak in his actions and body.” [Majmuʿ Fatawa, Sheikh Salih al-Fawzan, 1 / 198]
The strong believer is better because the Muslims benefit from his physical strength, his faith, and his actions. Through this, he serves the religion, fulfils communal needs, defends Islam and the Muslims, and stands firm against their enemies. Though there is good in both, the strong believer brings greater benefit to himself, his religion, and the Muslims.
Prophetic Sports and Skills: Archery, Swimming and Horse Riding
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ did not just approve of physical activity in general. He actively encouraged specific activities that develop focus, courage, agility and martial readiness. These "Sunnah sports" were essential life skills in 7th-century Arabia but still have deep physical, psychological and spiritual benefits today.
Archery: The Discipline of Focus and Power
Archery holds a special status in the Sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ explained the Quranic command about preparing for defence, "And prepare against them whatever you are able of power," by stating three times: "Indeed, power is shooting [archery]." This interpretation identifies accuracy with projectiles as a critical part of "power" (Quwwah).
Encouragement and Reward: The Prophet ﷺ frequently visited archers and encouraged their practice. In one instance, he passed by a group of the tribe of Bani Aslam competing in archery. He said, "Shoot, O sons of Ismail, for your father was an archer." When one side stopped shooting out of respect because he was standing with the opposing side, he showed his fairness and support for the sport by saying, "Shoot, and I am with you all." [Sahih Bukhari 3507]
He also promised immense spiritual rewards for the practice, stating that Allah admits three people into Paradise because of a single arrow: the maker who seeks a good reward, the one who shoots it and the one who hands it to the shooter. On the other hand, he warned against abandoning the skill once learned, calling it turning away from a blessing (Ni'mah). [Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1637]
Physical and Mental Benefits: Modern sports science confirms the complete benefits of archery.
- Mindfulness and Khushu: Archery is an intensely focus-centric practice. It demands the archer to be fully present, clearing the mind of distractions to hit the target. This mental state mirrors the concept of Khushu (focus and humility) required in prayer.
- Muscle Development: Drawing a bow works the upper back (rhomboids, trapezius), shoulders (deltoids) and core muscles, correcting posture and building upper body strength.
- Brain and Eye Health: It improves hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and visual sharpness.
Swimming: The Total Body Workout
It was soundly narrated from the Prophet ﷺ that he said: “Everything that is not connected to remembrance of Allah is an idle pursuit except for four things: A man’s playing with his wife, a man’s training his horse, a man’s walking between two targets [i.e., practising archery], and a man’s learning to swim.”
[Narrated by an-Nasa’i in As-Sunan al-Kubra, 8889; classed as authentic by al-Albani in As-Sahihah, 315]
This hadith encourages people to learn how to swim, because of the benefits that result from learning that, such as strengthening the body, being able to save a drowning person, and so on.
The Command of Umar ibn Al-Khattab: The famous saying about these sports is often attributed to Umar ibn Al-Khattab رضي الله عنه, the second Caliph, who wrote to the residents of Syria and other regions:
عَلِّمُوا أَوْلَادَكُمُ السِّبَاحَةَ وَالرَّمْيَ وَالْفُرُوسِيَّةَ
"Teach your children swimming, archery and horse riding." [Fada'il ar-ramy fi sabil Allah 1/55]
This directive raises swimming from a fun activity to a mandatory life skill for the Muslim community.
Horse Riding: Leadership and Core Strength
Horsemanship (Furusiyyah) was central to Arab culture and Islamic defence. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Everything with which a man amuses himself is vain except three things: a man's training of his horse, his playing with his wife, and his shooting with his bow and arrow." [As-Sunan al-Kubra 8889]
Racing with the Prophet ﷺ: Sprint and Family Play
One of the most endearing and human aspects of the Sunnah is the Prophet's ﷺ playfulness with his family, which often involved physical activity. This aspect of the Seerah challenges the rigid and strict images of religious life often shown today.
The Hadith of the Race
Aisha رضي الله عنها narrates a famous incident during a journey with the Prophet ﷺ:
عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا أَنَّهَا كَانَتْ مَعَ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فِي سَفَرٍ قَالَتْ فَسَابَقْتُهُ فَسَبَقْتُهُ عَلَى رِجْلَىَّ فَلَمَّا حَمَلْتُ اللَّحْمَ سَابَقْتُهُ فَسَبَقَنِي فَقَالَ "هَذِهِ بِتِلْكَ السَّبْقَةِ"
(She says) while she was on a journey along with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ: I had a race with him and I outstripped him on my feet. When I became fleshy, (again) I had a race with him and he outstripped me. He ﷺ said: This is for that outstripping. [Sunan Abi Dawud 2578]
What This Teaches Us About Bonding and Fitness
This narration is rich with lessons for the modern Muslim family:
Fitness for Women: The Prophet ﷺ allowed Aisha رضي الله عنها to run, and even joined her. This shows that women can stay active and train, but always within the limits of modesty. Fitness is permitted, yet privacy and guarding the gaze remain essential. Islam encourages women to build strength, but never at the cost of being seen by non-mahrams or compromising their Haya.
Play as Worship: In Islam, maintaining a happy, connected marriage is an act of worship. Physical activities, light sports and play serve as a way to achieve this connection.
Humility of Leadership: The Prophet of Allah ﷺ, the leader of the Ummah and the army, was willing to run a footrace with his wife in the desert. This shows a profound lack of arrogance (Kibr) and a willingness to engage in "play" that is often deemed undignified by rigid cultural standards.
Body Positivity: The narration mentions Aisha gaining weight over time. The Prophet ﷺ did not shame her or criticise her body. Rather, he playfully used it as the context for their second race ("This is for that"), normalising the natural changes in the human body over time and maintaining affection regardless of physical changes.
Balanced Masculinity
Think about it: The Prophet ﷺ was a warrior who led armies and a statesman who negotiated treaties, yet he was secure enough in his masculinity to play, lose a race to his wife and joke about it.
This should encourage Muslim men to integrate fitness into family life, like playing tag with children, racing with spouses or hiking together, rather than viewing fitness only as a solitary, gym-based pursuit for personal gain.
The Sahaba's Fitness: Strength and Skills of the Companions
The Companions رضي الله عنهم were the living examples of the "Strong Believer." They were not inactive scholars confined to mosques. They were active, vigorous and physically capable individuals who balanced intense worship with physical labour and martial skill. Their lives provide real evidence of the Islamic ideal of fitness.
Salamah ibn al-Akwa'
A famous incident in the Seerah tells when the tribe of Ghatfan raided the Prophet's ﷺ camels near Madinah. Salamah, upon hearing the alarm, did not wait for a horse. He chased the raiders on foot.
Narrations state that he ran so fast and with such endurance that he not only caught up to the horses of the raiders but outran them. He would sprint ahead, climb a hill, rain arrows upon them and then chase them again. He single-handedly got the camels back by harassing the enemy with his speed and archery skills until they fled, thinking they were being pursued by an army. [Siyar Alam an-Nubala 3/329]
Umar ibn al-Khattab
Umar رضي الله عنه was physically imposing and famous for his strength. Descriptions in the Seerah show him as tall, broad-shouldered and muscular, with a physique so large that when he sat on a horse, his feet would almost touch the ground. He walked with speed and purpose, spoke with clarity and struck with power.
Umar رضي الله عنه was a wrestler in the days of Jahiliyyah (pre-Islamic era) and kept his strength in Islam. His fitness was not for show. It was an asset for leadership. He would patrol the streets of Madinah at night (requiring stamina), lead armies and manage the affairs of a rapidly expanding empire. His physical presence commanded respect and deterred aggression against the Muslim community. His famous advice on teaching children sports reflects his belief in physical readiness as a civic duty. [Majmua min al-Muallifin 10/915]
Ali ibn Abi Talib
Ali رضي الله عنه was famous for his combat skills and physical strength. In the Battle of Khaybar, his feats became legendary. While some specific narrations about him lifting a massive fortress gate as a shield are debated regarding their chain of transmission (Isnad), with some scholars considering them weak or exaggerated, the core historical agreement remains that Ali was a formidable warrior.
He defeated the Jewish champion Marhab in single combat, a feat requiring immense strength, speed and swordsmanship. Ali's fitness was practical and combat-ready, driven by deep spiritual conviction (Iman). He represented the ideal of the "warrior-scholar," possessing both deep knowledge (Ilm) and physical power (Quwwah). [Fada’il sl-Sahaba, Ahmad ibn Hanbal 2/605]
Fitness for Worship: How Strength Transforms Salah, Fasting and Hajj
Remember this: When the body is weak, worship becomes harder. When the body is strong, worship becomes sweeter.
Salah: Where Strength Meets Khushu
Salah isn’t passive. Every unit of prayer has movement - standing, bowing, prostrating and sitting.
But the real point is this: Pain distracts. Strength supports.
A person with back pain, knee problems or excess weight often finds it hard to concentrate. Fitness helps you:
- Stand with ease in long prayers
- Make ruku with a straight back
- Stay in sujud without discomfort
- Maintain khushu instead of shifting around in pain
A strong body doesn’t make Salah “more valid,” but it makes it more focused and enjoyable.
Hajj and Umrah: The Ultimate Fitness Test
Hajj is not a weekend stroll. It is hours of walking, climbing, queuing, heat exposure and crowd endurance. Tawaf alone can drain someone who isn’t used to walking. Sa’i between Safa and Marwa pushes the heart and legs. Moving between Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah requires stamina.
A pilgrim who hasn’t trained often struggles before the spiritual experience even begins. But a stronger believer can:
- Walk long distances without collapsing
- Stay patient and calm in crowds
- Focus on dhikr, dua and reflection rather than leg pain
Fitness protects you from becoming dependent on others and allows you to give the journey its due.
Fasting: Strength Makes Ramadan Smoother
Fasting challenges the body, and a healthy body handles it better. Fitness improves sleep, blood sugar control and energy levels - all of which determine how you function in Ramadan.
A fit Muslim can:
- Maintain energy throughout the day
- Avoid the post-Iftar crash
- Stand in long Qiyam without fatigue
- Use the nights for worship instead of recovery
Fasting also benefits the body, but only if the body isn’t weighed down by poor habits, lack of activity or an unhealthy diet.
Nutrition and Moderation: Sunnah Diet for the Strong Muslim
Nutrition is equally critical. The Prophetic diet is characterised by quality, moderation and simplicity.
The "One-Third" Rule: The Golden Standard of Moderation
The best dietary advice in Islamic tradition is the Hadith of Miqdam ibn Ma'dikarib, who heard the Prophet ﷺ say:
مَا مَلأَ آدَمِيٌّ وِعَاءً شَرًّا مِنْ بَطْنٍ حَسْبُ الآدَمِيِّ لُقَيْمَاتٌ يُقِمْنَ صُلْبَهُ فَإِنْ غَلَبَتِ الآدَمِيَّ نَفْسُهُ فَثُلُثٌ لِلطَّعَامِ وَثُلُثٌ لِلشَّرَابِ وَثُلُثٌ لِلنَّفَسِ
"A human being fills no vessel worse than the 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." [Sunan Ibn Majah 3349]
This "1/3 Rule" is a preventive medical miracle. It directly addresses the root cause of obesity, tiredness and metabolic diseases: overeating. By leaving one-third of the stomach empty, the believer ensures efficient digestion and prevents the heaviness that causes laziness in worship. It promotes mindful eating and calorie control without the need for complex calorie counting.
Superfoods from the Qur'an and Sunnah
The Prophet ﷺ consumed and recommended specific foods that modern science now classifies as nutrient-dense "superfoods." These foods provide high nutritional value and healing benefits.
- Dates (Tamr)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
مَنِ اصْطَبَحَ بِسَبْعِ تَمَرَاتٍ عَجْوَةٍ لَمْ يَضُرَّهُ ذَلِكَ الْيَوْمَ سَمٌّ وَلاَ سِحْرٌ
“Whoever eats seven Ajwa dates in the morning will not be harmed by magic or poison.” [Sahih Bukhari 5779]
- Honey
Allah says:
فِيهِ شِفَآءٌ لِّلنَّاسِ
“In it is healing for people.” [Surah An-Nahl 16:69]
- Olive Oil
The Prophet ﷺ said:
كُلُوا الزَّيْتَ وَادَّهِنُوا بِهِ فَإِنَّهُ مِنْ شَجَرَةٍ مُبَارَكَةٍ
“Eat olive oil and anoint yourselves with it, for it comes from a blessed tree.” [Sunan at-Tirmidhi 1851]
- Black Seed
The Prophet ﷺ said:
فِي الْحَبَّةِ السَّوْدَاءِ شِفَاءٌ مِنْ كُلِّ دَاءٍ إِلاَّ السَّامَ
“It contains a cure for every disease except death.” [Sahih Bukhari 5688]
Sportsmanship in Islam: When Does Sport Become Haram?
Islam permits and encourages sports, but not without conditions. The difference between Halal (permissible) recreation and Haram (forbidden) activity lies in intention, conduct and following Sharia boundaries.
The Prophet ﷺ set the standard for conduct during his race with Aisha and his wrestling match with Rukana. He played fairly, accepted the outcome without arrogance or anger and used the activity to build relationships or show truth.
What Is Forbidden in Sports
Striking the Face: The Prophet ﷺ clearly forbade hitting the face in any conflict or sport. Many contemporary scholars consider professional boxing Haram due to the risk of irreversible brain injury and the violation of the face's sanctity. Wrestling or grappling, which avoids strikes, is generally viewed more favourably.
- Sheikh Salih al-Uthaymeen رحمه الله said:
أما الملاكمة فلا تجوز، لأنها خطيرة، ولأن الضرب فيها يكون على الوجه
“As for boxing, it is not permissible, because it is dangerous, and because striking in it is directed at the face.” [Fath Dhil-Jalal wal-Ikram bi-sharh Bulugh al-Maram, Sheikh Salih al-Uthymeen 6/369]
Harm to Self or Others: The legal principle "There should be no harm nor reciprocating of harm" (لا ضَررَ ولا ضِرارَ) rules out sports that carry an unreasonable risk of death or permanent injury without necessity. [Ibn Majah 2340]
Exposure of Awrah: Sports must never lead to exposing the awrah. For men, this means covering the area between the navel and the knee. For women, it requires modest clothing that does not reveal the body or its shape in front of non-mahrams. This directly affects sports where standard uniforms break these rules, such as swimming in tight speedos or wrestling in revealing singlets.
Foul Language and Arrogance: Trash-talking, boasting and humiliation of the opponent are contrary to the character of a Muslim (Akhlaq).
- The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
لَيْسَ اَلْمُؤْمِنُ بِالطَّعَّانِ, وَلَا اَللَّعَّانُ, وَلَا اَلْفَاحِشَ, وَلَا اَلْبَذِيءَ
“The believer is not a slanderer, nor does he curse others, and nor is he immoral or shameless.” [Mustadrak al-Hakim 30]
Missing Salah: If a sport causes a believer to miss the obligatory prayer times, it becomes Haram due to the distraction (Lahw) from the primary duty, not the sport itself necessarily.
Obsession and Idolisation
A modern trial (fitnah) is the obsession with sports figures. When love for an athlete exceeds love for the Prophet ﷺ, or when people imitate the immoral lifestyles of sports stars, they enter a dangerous ground. A Muslim must never raise any human being to a level of devotion reserved for Allah and His Messenger ﷺ.
Sadly, this obsession often goes further. Many Muslims today know more about the personal lives, families, and careers of athletes than they know about the Companions رضي الله عنهم, or even the Seerah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself. Names, statistics, transfers, and rivalries are memorised, while the lives of those who carried the Qur’an and established the religion remain unfamiliar.
In extreme cases, this attachment turns into hostility. Muslims rebuke, mock, or even cut ties with their own brothers over loyalty to rival teams. This kind of fanaticism feeds tribalism (Asabiyyah), which Islam came to remove. Loyalty and anger are misplaced, and energy that should unite the Ummah is spent on matters with no weight in the Hereafter.
Gambling and Betting
Islam strictly forbids gambling (Maysir). Betting on sports outcomes, whether online or in person, falls under this prohibition. Wealth is taken through chance, not effort, and this brings harm to individuals and society.
- Allah says:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِنَّمَا الْخَمْرُ وَالْمَيْسِرُ وَالْأَنصَابُ وَالْأَزْلَامُ رِجْسٌ مِّنْ عَمَلِ الشَّيْطَانِ فَاجْتَنِبُوهُ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ
O you who believe, intoxicants and gambling are filth from the work of Shaytan, so avoid them that you may be successful. [Surah al-Ma’idah 5:90]
- The Prophet ﷺ also said:
وَمَنْ قَالَ لِصَاحِبِهِ تَعَالَ أُقَامِرْكَ، فَلْيَتَصَدَّقْ
“Whoever says to his companion, ‘Come, let us gamble,’ must give charity.” [Sahih Bukhari 6107]
This shows that even inviting others to gamble is sinful. Sport remains permissible in Islam, but when it becomes a means of gambling, it loses its permissibility and its blessing.
Gym Culture and Modesty: Music, Attire and Preserving Faith
The modern commercial gym environment presents specific challenges for the observant Muslim, requiring careful navigation and alternative solutions.
Free-mixing and lowering the gaze
Many gyms are mixed spaces where bodies are exposed and the gaze is constantly tested. Over time, this destroys Haya and makes sin feel normal.
Solution: Choose men-only facilities. No mixed gyms at all. Train during quieter hours, and leave once your session is done. For women, a private home setup is often the safest and most modest option.
Immodest clothing
Tight, revealing gym wear is common, for both men and women. This normalises exposing the Awrah and showing the body for attention.
Solution: Men should cover properly - at least from the navel to the knee - with loose, non-transparent clothing. Women should wear modest clothing that doesn’t outline the body and exercise in a space where she cannot be seen by non-mahrams. Taqwa first, performance second.
Music and distraction from dhikr
Loud music dominates gym spaces and is completely impermissible. Over time, it can lead to addiction.
Solution: Avoid gyms where music is played.
Narcissism and "Gym Religion"
The “gym bro” culture often feeds narcissism, vanity, and Takabbur (arrogance). Mirrors become a source of obsession, and the body is constantly inspected, measured, and displayed. Many people begin to live around the gym, thinking about it all day, structuring their lives around it, and treating it as a central identity rather than a tool.
This obsession is often expressed through revealing clothing and the constant posting of progress photos on social media, seeking approval, praise, and validation from others. What begins as fitness slowly turns into Riya, where effort is no longer for health or strength, but for attention and admiration.
Islam teaches the opposite. The body is not an idol to be shown off, but a trust given to serve Allah.
Humility (Tawadhu) is not lost when one is strong, but when strength is displayed for ego. The intention (Niyyah) must be corrected. Training is for health, resilience, and service, not for self-worship or public display.
The Ethics of Competition: Doping, Gambling and Integrity
The use of Performance-Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) and anabolic steroids is a significant issue in modern fitness. From an Islamic perspective, the ruling is clear based on the principles of Harm (Darar) and Deception (Ghish).
Harm: Steroids can cause severe long-term health issues, including organ failure, infertility and psychological instability. The Prophet ﷺ said, "There should be no harm nor reciprocating of harm." Therefore, causing self-harm for looks or competitive gain is forbidden.
Conclusion
A Muslim doesn’t train to impress people, but to strengthen himself for Allah.
By adopting the Sunnah of sports, nutrition and hygiene, and by navigating the world of fitness with the compass of the Sharia, Muslims can attain the status of the "Strong Believer," loved by Allah, beneficial to the people and physically prepared for the journey of life and the Hereafter.
