Assalamualikum.I have a desire to build a good physique and to become strong.iam 6ft height very weak only 55 kg. so can i go to gym,do some workout and eat good amount of food and build my body.only for strength and good physique for a healthy life not for showoff or any other purpose.i know its not haram but is it appreciated to have this desire or should i leave it to Allah subhanava tala.?
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuhu.
Allah Ta’ala has blessed us with finely designed bodies. It is given to us, by Allah Ta’ala as a trust. Allah Ta’ala has ordered us to protect our body and preserve it in the perfect form he has fashioned.
The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said:
فَإِنَّ لِجَسَدِكَ عَلَيْكَ حَقًّا (صحيح البخاري)
Translation: “Verily, your body has a right over you.” (Bukhari / 1975)
Our bodies have rights over us. We must not abuse or neglect it; it must be kept in good form. Islam encourages physical fitness and exercise. Bodybuilding is a means of remaining fit and strong.
It is narrated that the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said:
الْمُؤْمِنُ الْقَوِيُّ خَيْرٌ وَأَحَبُّ إِلَى اللهِ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِ الضَّعِيفِ وَفِي كُلٍّ خَيْرٌ (صحيح مسلم)
Translation: “A strong believer is better and more lovable to Allah than a weak believer, and there is good in everyone” (Muslim / 2664)
If one does exercise and eats healthy food with the intention to be fit and able to do Ibadah (worship), then the exercise will also be an act of Ibadah.
And Allah Ta ‘āla Knows Best
Bayazeed
Student – Darul Iftaa
UK
Checked and approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
13-01-1440 | 13-09-2019