Islam gives weight to physical health and strength, so exercising to stay healthy, build stamina and look after one's body is in principle permissible, though working out at a gym must stay within Islamic rules. That is the explanation given by Banglavision's religion desk.
To show the importance of strength it cites verse 60 of Surah Al-Anfal: 'And prepare against them whatever you are able of strength.' The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer' (Sahih Muslim, hadith 2664). Strength here means not only physical strength but also firmness in faith, deeds and good works.
Although the gym is permissible, some points must be observed. Men must keep the awrah covered and wear clothing that does not expose what must be covered. Obligatory prayers must not be neglected because of the gym. Care is needed over mixing of men and women, lowering the gaze and modesty, and anything un-Islamic in the setting should be avoided.
Before using muscle-building supplements, their ingredients and safety should be checked, and nothing that could seriously harm the body should be used.
So is going to the gym a sin? Working out or building muscle in itself cannot be called a sin, the explanation says. Exercise with the intention of staying healthy, building strength and being ready for good work is permissible, but if someone falls into something forbidden at the gym, that act is judged on its own. In all, exercise within Islamic limits is permissible, and a Muslim should also keep up prayer, modesty and responsibility towards the body.
The report is by Banglavision's religion desk.
Photo: Tiia Monto / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0); a 4 kg dumbbell.
Source: Banglavision
Comments
(0)