Physical health and nutrition were a part of our Prophet’s ﷺ legacy. There are many hadiths that show the way the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions kept optimal physical health, and well-documented sources from our early scholars emphasize the importance of health in our faith. Learn how our bodies are a trust from God, and how the strength and health of a believer greatly affect worship.
Being active was normal during the prophetic era
The Prophet ﷺ was in top physical shape well into his adult years. This was the case for the majority of the companions who would also race, wrestle, and fight alongside the Prophet ﷺ in their day-to-day lives.
We don’t talk or hear enough about staying physically fit as part of the sunnah. That’s because it was something that taken for granted during the life of the Prophet ﷺ.
Physical health is a blessing
Physical health is one of the biggest blessings that we can be given in this life. The Prophet ﷺ said, “there are two particular blessings that people miss out on or don’t take advantage of: health and free time.”
One of the first things that we’ll be asked about on the day of judgement is how we took care of our blessings. On the one hand, our health is something we cannot be thankful enough for, and must care for. On the other hand, the Prophet ﷺ actively encouraged us to excel in our strength, stating that “there is good in both, but a strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than one who is weak.” [Sahih Muslim 2664]
Many scholars have defined the strength in terms of our physicality. Those who have been blessed with health, and can excel in their physical strength, are encouraged to do so.
The sunnah of healthy eating
It’s not just about working out. Being mindful of what we eat, and how much we eat is also part of the prophetic legacy.
The Prophet ﷺ said, “the worst thing you can fill is your stomach, so always leave one third of the room for air.” The Prophet ﷺ set a standard in which we should be mindful of what we eat and how we care for our bodies.
Together, physical activity and healthy eating affects every aspect of our lives, but it has enormous benefits in regards to implementing good habits and routine.
Overeating is a disease of the heart
The medieval scholar, Ibn al-Qayyim, in many of his books, elaborates on all of the benefits that taking care of your health has on your religious commitments. In his book Madārij al-sālikīn, he discusses this under the topic of diseases of the heart.
Overeating, for example, is a disease of the heart because it causes sluggishness and a lack of focus and productivity in your worship. This was basic knowledge to a scholar who lived almost 700 years ago. Yet, his advice in light of his understanding of the Qur’an and sunnah has never been so relevant today.
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