Islam provides a complete code of life for human life. It not only provides guidance for the spiritual reformation and training of man, but also provides guidance for the improvement of material existence and physical health of man. In view of Islam, the creation of such a society is important in which all citizens are healthy, energetic and physically strong, therefore, along with worship, Islam has made commandments and directions to make human beings, energetic and strong. It also gave basic teachings regarding body and health. Allah guides in the Holy Quran and gives priority to health and knowledge for prosperity and said:
وَزَادَة بَسْطَة فى الْعِلْمِ وَالْجِسْم
Translation:
"And (Allah) has increased his stature in knowledge and physique." (Surah Al-Baqarah: 247)
A healthy person and a healthy mind is a great reward for man from Allah. Appreciation of this blessing is the first duty of man. The Prophet said:
"Two blessings are such that most people do not value them and they are health and leisure." (Sahih al-Bukhari: 6412)
In Islam, the importance of the physical health of a person is so much that the Holy Prophet described the physically strong person over the weak person, said:
الْمُؤْمِنُ الْقَوِيُّ خَيْرٌ وَ أَحَبُّ إِلَى اللَّهِ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِ الضَّعِيف
Translation:
"A strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than a weak believer." (Sahi Muslim: 6774)
Due to such importance of human health, there are many teachings that advise people to exercise, because exercise is a process that keeps the human body healthy. One form of exercise is sports, so Islam encourages all such sports which keep the human body healthy and increase its strength. The Holy Prophet has encouraged horse riding, javelin throw, shooting, race, rowing and diving etc., All these sports are considered as physical austerities, from which the physical and mental health of a person improves. Physical fitness is the foundation of a healthy society. Exercise and physical fitness help in balancing the human body as well as developing the human muscles. As a result of which the production of blood increases in the human body, exercise also helps in improving the oxygen level and blood flow in the body. Exercise is very useful for the mental and physical development of human health and is the basis of a healthy society. In addition to exercise, sports are also a source of physical exertion and, as a result, give a lot of benefits for the physical and mental health of a person. Sport has a direct relationship with the physical and mental health of a person, because in the playground, one has to be diligent all the time and the mind must be alert, so it makes the human body healthy. When sports make a body strong, the mind also gets strong as we know that a strong body ensures a strong mind. In view of the importance of physical austerity and exercise for the human body, Islam has recommended various sports and exercise. Prophet Muhammad encouraged physical austerity on many occasions. The importance of austerity is evident from this. The Companions of the Prophet used to play javelin throw. They also used to run in race. The Holy Prophet has also encouraged horse-riding i.e. all such sports that encourage human fitness and are according to the teachings of Islam. Islam encourages sports because physical austerity and exercise have very good effects. Exercising reduces the risk of heartburn in the human body. Exercise is the strength against disease in the human body and strengthens the bones and muscles.
One of the aspects of physical fitness is to cultivate morals, such as maintaining balance in food and drink, drinking water while sitting, drinking while taking breathing pauses, eating while sitting and eating with hunger while eating, using food and drinks in a nutritional way and protecting them, not only ensures physical and mental health but is also a guarantee of good morals. We should make exercise and sports a part of our life. Participating in sports brings endurance, time restraints into our lives and discipline will be created and it will have a very pleasant effect on our life.
