I don’t think any of us will deny the importance of fitness and healthy body; however, as a community there is a definite failure on the practicality of that knowledge; which can only mean one thing. Even though we are aware of the need of being fit, we don’t have any emotional attachments to actualizing it. What that means is that either we are satisfied with where we stand in terms of our fitness, or we don’t really care, or we actually enjoy being unfit – perhaps because of all the unhealthy indulgences, or becoming fit is just not one of our priorities, or we have no need to becoming fit.

Physical strength is an asset to strengthening your eeman.

Shaykh Saleh Al-Fawzan comments: “That is because the strong believer is productive and accomplishes things for the Muslims, and thus they benefit from his physical strength, actions, and his strong eemaan.” Let’s face it; physical fit people can get more done, including more worship; although just because you’re physically strong doesn’t mean you’re spiritually strong.

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him), the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) said: “The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allaah than the weak believer, while there is good in both. Guard over that which benefits you, seek Allaah’s Assistance, wa laa ta’jiz (don’t lend yourself to things devoid of benefit, and this could carry many meanings), and if something befalls you, then don’t say ‘If I only would have done such and such,’ rather say, ‘Qaddarallaahu wa maa shaa’ fa’al’ (Allaah ordained (this) and He does what He wills), for verily the phrase ‘If I would have’ makes way for the work of Shaytaan.” (Saheeh Muslim)

Your body has a right upon you: How will respond to Allah for this blessing?

Imaam Bukhaari also reported that the Prophet sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam made a bond of brotherhood between two companions of the Prophet, Salman and Aboo Ad-Darda’. Salman went to visit Aboo Ad-Darda’ and found Umm Ad-Darda’ (his wife) dressed in shabby clothes and asked her why she was in that state. She replied: “Your brother Aboo Ad-Darda’ is not interested in the luxuries of this world. In the mean time Aboo Ad-Darda’ came in and prepared a meal for Salman. Salman requested Aboo Ad-Darda’ to eat with him but Aboo Ad-Darda’ said: “I am fasting.” Salman said: “I am not going to eat unless you eat.” So, Aboo Ad-Darda’ ate with Salman. When it was night and a part of the night passed, Aboo Ad-Darda’ got up to offer the night prayer but Salman asked him to sleep and Aboo Ad-Darda’ slept. When it was the last hours of the night, Salman asked him to get up and both of them prayed Tahajjud. Then Salman told Aboo Adarda’: “Your Lord has a right upon you, your body has a right upon you, your wife has a right upon you, your guest has a right upon you, so you should give to everyone his right.” Aboo Ad-Darda’ came to the Prophet sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam and narrated the whole story. The Prophet sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said, “Salman is right.”

• Physical fitness starts on a micro level in our cells. With activity our lungs take in additional oxygen, which is fuel for the heart and the brain. When the heart begins to pump faster and sends fresh oxygen and blood throughout your body and cleanses your cells.

• Our heart, like any muscle, can grow strong or weak. Activity strengthens it and helps prevent diseases; but when the heart is weak, it strains to circulate blood.

• Regular activity can help regulate our blood sugar levels, which can help prevent diabetes as well as obesity. It also helps to increase your “good” cholesterol.

• Oh and don’t forget the absence of fatty weight bettering your posture, and your muscles strengthening the bones.

Staying fit is a lifelong endeavour to having a healthy relationship; it’s no longer just for initiating the marriage.

Aisha (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: “I went out with the Prophet on a journey. At that time I was a young girl and was quite slender. The Prophet told the people ‘Go on ahead,’ so they went ahead, then he said to me, ‘Come, let us have a race.’ So I raced with him, and I won. He let the matter rest until I had gained weight. Later, I accompanied him on another journey. He told the people, ‘Go on ahead,’ so they went ahead. He said to me, ‘Come, and let us have a race.’ So I raced with him, and he won. He began to laugh, and said, ‘This is for that.’”

For further amazement, consider the age of Rasoolullah.

Superman (or Superwoman) got nothing on you.

Rasoolullah once rescued Hassan and Hussain (may Allah be pleased with them) from a snake attack. Afterwards, he carried both of them out of the situation with them on his shoulders; one on each. You are your children’s hero whether you want to be or not. How does it feel to be unhealthy role model with a pot belly sticking out, laziness subduing you, and your inability to run around with your children? What unhealthy affects will your unhealthy habits have on those who you love the most? And when you don’t prove to be an adequate role model, which fictional character will your children look towards?

Self confidence will just ooze out of your skin.

Do you carry yourself with confidence? Do you generally seem to look happy? Are you inundated with stress or are you stress free? You won’t be able to put your finger on one specific thing that’s causing it, but you will have an aura around you that simply attracts others. You’ll not only be in a better shape, but your self esteem will have boosted, you will always be filled with energy and life, and people will just start liking you, maybe even feel attraction towards you, and just open up to you – all because they want to be as happy as you are.

So there we go, just a few reasons; now it’s your move.