To be a Muslim fit girl

When I first started my training some moons ago, my coach used to make a habit of refreshing our determination every so often. We would be asked, “Why do you train?” Back then, my answers were pretty standard. I train so I can walk up the stairs at work without taking a snack break. I train self-defense and combat so I can protect myself and the people I love. I train so I can fit into a size 32 jeans. As time went on, I researched the topic of fitness as a Muslim woman, and those answers began to change.

Sometimes when we read about our female sahaba (may Allah be pleased with them), we fall into the misconception that these women were reserved, homely women in veils who lived silently beside their menfolk. This is so far from the truth. Modest though they were, our ancestors in Deen were actually women of strength, bravery and unwavering faith.

Some of these women (RA) were skilled in sword play and combat, they engaged in horse riding, archery and had spectacular physical abilities. Nusayba (RA) defended our beloved Nabi (Upon whom be peace) at the battle of Uhud, using her sword and incurring 13 wounds. Khawla (RA) was so skilled a warrior that when she was clad in her battle gear and slaying the enemy, some mistook her to be the legendary Khalid bin Walid (RA). These were the women who passed down to us a legacy of strength and courage.

Islamic history shows that physical activity played a very important role in the life of the early muslims. It is reported that our mother Aisha (RA) has said, “I raced with the Prophet (upon whom be peace) and I beat him. Later, I had put on some weight, we raced again and he won. Then he said, “This cancels that (referring to the previous race)”” (Sahih Bukhari).

We, Muslim women, are the heirs to a deen rich in the belief of physical wellness as a means to obtain closeness to the Creator. We are the descendants of warrior women, of women that stood on the front lines and were prepared to give their lives for the message of One God. We are the inheritors of a Deen practiced to perfection by strong, confident, resilient human beings, and it is our duty to pay respect by following the path they laid out so carefully for us.

Islam is a perfect way of life. It governs every aspect of our day-to-day living, it is a religion that does not leave a person easily confused as to their purpose on this earth. It regulates how we should treat our Deen, the people around us and ofcourse, ourselves. It is reported in Sahih Bukhari that our Beloved Nabi (SAW) has said, “Your body has a right over you.” Ladies, our bodies are an amaanah, given to us by our most Loving Lord. It is a trust that we have a duty to uphold and protect. By taking care of our bodies, we can perform more ibadah, take care of our homes more effectively and maintain strong mental health to be able to be the kind of woman that this world so desperately needs.

I am not a scholar on Islamic history, I am a woman just like you. Together, let us choose to be women who honour the trust granted upon us by our Beloved by taking care of our physical selves as a means of fulfilling a sunnah and becoming better human beings. Together, let us be women who are proud to say that we are the daughters of Nusayba, Khawla and Aaisha (May Allah be pleased with them).

And perhaps, let us be women that when asked why we train to be strong, can look at people with pride and say, “Because this strength is my legacy.”