As a Muslim committed to pleasing Allah (SWT) and maintaining my well-being, I believe that health and strength are blessings that we should cherish and nurture.
Islam emphasises not only spiritual growth but also the importance of taking care of our bodies, which are entrusted to us by Allah.
Exercising and staying active are vital components of this stewardship, and doing so in small groups brings even greater blessings—spiritually, socially, and physically.
On 20th July, IMSGP members ignited the spirit of stewardship by embarking on two separate trails of varying difficulty to engage members in a collective physical activity.
The two trails were the Marang Trail, starting from Harbourfront MRT, and the Sentosa Boardwalk Trail, which was more stroller-friendly and started at Vivocity.
IMSGP members were then to convene at Masjid Temenggong at the end of the session to rejuvenate through food, Dhuha prayers, reminders and reflections.
Why We Need to Be Strong Muslims
One of the core principles Islam teaches us is the value of being a strong Muslim. The Quran, along with authentic Hadith, reminds us that strength in faith and body is desirable.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
(Sahih Muslim)
“The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, while there is good in both”
This Hadith highlights that strength encompasses physical robustness, mental resilience, and spiritual firmness.
Our physical health enables us to worship Allah better, serve our communities, and fulfill our responsibilities with vigour. Being strong is an act of gratitude—showing appreciation for Allah’s gift of health and using that strength to uplift ourselves and those around us.
Through this activity, we learnt that all of us even within the same family or halaqah groups would have different levels of fitness.
Those who are able to move faster or seem to be more fitness inclined would be a great motivation for those who are perhaps newer to fitness or have not exercised for a while.
Remembering that being strong is a commendable trait of a Muslim so that he or she can be adept and efficient in constantly committing good deeds or to be able to carry out the five daily prayers and obligations as Muslims should motivate all of us to keep fit and do more.
Fast Alone, Far Together
Another beautiful principle from Islamic teachings is “fast alone, far together.” This teaches us the importance of community in good deeds, including physical activity.
When we engage in activities like hiking, walking, or exercising together, we build bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood while simultaneously improving our health.
In fact,
the Prophet (PBUH) said: “The example of the believers in their mutual love, mercy, and compassion is like that of a body; when one part suffers, the whole body feels pain”
(Sahih Muslim)
This hadith reminds us that our faith flourishes when we support each other—whether spiritually or physically. Group activities foster motivation, accountability, and a sense of shared reward, making it easier and more enjoyable to stay committed to our fitness goals.
This could not be more accurately mirrored and realised during our group walk activity.
Because the trails covered a significant distance, those who were faster tend to go forward first while those who struggled or were challenged lingered behind.
What is the sweet spot in ensuring that both groups manage to complete the trails together?
While preparing two different trails provided opportunities that fit each person’s abilities, those in the same groups may also not walk at the same pace.
It was interesting to watch the dynamics between the groups. Some of those who were faster naturally group together and moved faster while those who were slower would need more time.
At the end of the day, it was all about how we can complete the task together while still meeting the objectives of the activity.
Those who struggled would need to influence their minds to conquer their bodies while those who were faster or more familiar needed to exercise more patience and grace so that everyone moves at the same pace.
Positive Impact of Fitness on our Deen
Incorporating health into our lives as Muslims can be simple yet profoundly impactful.
I encourage myself and my brothers and sisters in faith to seize opportunities to stay active—whether by walking to the masjid, organising group walks after prayer or mosque hopping, or even group hiking on weekends.
Maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding excess, and staying consistent are vital ways to care for the body Allah has given us.
Most importantly, I remind myself that caring for our health is also an act of worship—thanks to Allah’s trust in us to preserve this gift.
Small, modest efforts, made with sincere intention, can lead to lasting benefits both in this world and in the hereafter.
Walking For Pleasure is a Privilege
When we were in the midst of our walk, I could not help but reflect that we were emulating the Prophetic Tradition.
Our ancestors and early Muslim communities walked everywhere, naturally due to living in the midst of Arabian desert terrain.
However, it would also not do justice to forget that not too long ago, our own Palestinian brothers and sisters had to walk long distances from the north or the south of Gaza and vice versa trying to find an escape from the constant bombing and destruction of their homes.
It reminded me that this walk was a privilege – to seek the release of endorphins and dopamines, to push the body to excellence, while enjoying the laughter with friends and family which helped to forget the burning pain as we ascended steep slopes and stairs.
As one of our sisters struggled to carry her toddler niece and while we took turns to pacify the little one when her aunt got fatigued, it was hard not to notice the very strong resemblance to thousands of footages we have witnessed of not just mothers and fathers, but even daughters as young as six having to carry their younger siblings on their backs while on that neverending walk to find help.
Our Muslim brothers and sisters in crisis zones are not as lucky to be able to walk for leisure and having to forget work or daily responsibilities for a while.
Walking for days on end with no proper footwear, sometimes wearing slippers that cut the skin till the footwear disintegrates, carrying the burdens of bags filled with clothes not for a holiday but with all that is left to survive changing seasons.
Being able to exercise for pleasure, for fitness and health, with the latest ergonomic shoes and workout clothes, is a privilege that many would never be able to experience in their lifetime.
This drives home that fitness should never be taken for granted.
In conclusion, exercising and being active as a group not only enhances our physical health but also deepens our spiritual bonds and reinforces our community.
It is a means to embody the strength encouraged in Islam, support one another, and strive toward a balanced, healthy lifestyle.
More importantly, the pain and burn from exercise should always remind us that for many out there, exertion from exercise or strenuous activity is not a pleasurable choice but one born out of necessity.
I encourage everyone to take this opportunity—whether alone or in small groups—to prioritise their health with sincerity and the intention to please Allah.
With effort, patience, and faith, we can uplift ourselves and our communities, becoming stronger in faith and in body, and ultimately, more beloved to Allah.
