As Muslim women, we are taught to care for every aspect of our being—spiritual, mental, and physical. Exercise often gets overlooked in the hustle of daily life, but it is an essential part of holistic self-care. When we move our bodies with intention, we not only build strength but also cultivate important lessons that align with our faith. Here are five lessons I’ve learned from exercising regularly:
1. Gratitude
Each time I lace up my shoes and step outside for a walk, or start a workout, I am reminded of the blessing of movement. The fact that I can lift my arms, stretch my legs, and take deep breaths is a gift from Allah. The Qur’an reminds us,
“And if you should count the favors of Allah, you could not enumerate them” (14:34).
Exercise has taught me to be grateful for the health and ability Allah has granted me, reminding me to say “Alhamdulillah” for every step I take.
2. Resilience
Exercise teaches resilience in a way that few things can. Whether I’m pushing through the last set of squats or trying to jog just a little further, there’s always a moment where I want to give up. But those are the moments that strengthen not only my body but my spirit. As the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said,
“The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, while there is good in both” (Sahih Muslim).
Resilience in exercise helps build the strength of character that benefits every area of our lives.
3. Growth
The beauty of exercise is that you never remain the same. What was difficult last week becomes easier with time. Whether it’s running a mile or holding a plank for longer, growth happens in small but meaningful steps. Islam encourages us to seek continuous improvement, and through regular physical activity, I am constantly reminded that growth is a process—just as we strive for spiritual growth, physical growth requires patience, persistence, and effort.
4. Consistency
Nothing builds discipline like showing up for yourself, day in and day out. The small, consistent actions we take in exercise mirror the consistency required in our faith. Just as we pray five times a day, exercise requires regular commitment. I’ve learned that even a 10-minute walk on a busy day makes a difference. Allah values the consistency in our deeds, as the Prophet (SAW) said,
“The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are done consistently, even if they are small” (Bukhari).
5. Strength
There is something empowering about feeling stronger, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Exercise teaches me that strength comes in many forms—sometimes it’s in lifting heavier weights, other times it’s in the determination to get up and move when you’d rather rest. Islam encourages us to be strong in every sense, and I’ve found that physical strength can reinforce mental resilience and spiritual strength, helping me to stand firm in the face of challenges.
Through the lessons of gratitude, resilience, growth, consistency, and strength, exercise becomes a way to honor the body Allah has entrusted us with. It’s more than just physical activity—it’s a form of worship, a reminder of the strength we can cultivate as Muslim women, both inside and out. Let’s remember that when we take care of our bodies, we are also nurturing our souls, seeking to be strong, beloved believers in the sight of Allah.
The Fajr Sisters 