Does the Hadith About the Strong Believer Refer to Physical Strength?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: As salam alaykum,

My question is regarding the hadith about the strong believer being more beloved to Allah swt than the weak believer. Personally I am naturally skinny and have a thin body. Would this hadith entail that it is recommended to do some weight training to become physically stronger and bigger?

Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,

I pray this finds you well, insha’Allah.

It would certainly be praiseworthy to gain strength and vitality in order to worship Allah Most High for a longer period of life.

The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “The strong believer is better and more beloved to God than the weak believer, though there is good in both.” [Muslim]

The commentators such as Qadi `Iyad do mention physical strength as a possible meaning for the “strong believer,” yet only in so far as it is a means of drawing closer to Allah Most High. Otherwise, there isn’t specific virtue in it.

However, as for the particular way of going about this in view of your current health and body type, you should consult medical and fitness experts.

Please also see: “The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, though there is good in both.” and: Four Keys To Successful Action – Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

And Allah knows best.

wassalam,

Tabraze Azam

Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani