Swimming, Archery, and Horse Riding

Assalamu Alaikum. Our beautiful Deen, Islam, isn’t just about prayer, fasting, etc — it’s a complete way of life that builds us up, body and soul. The Prophet Muxamed (peace be upon him) urged us to teach our children three skills: swimming, archery, and horse riding. These aren’t random hobbies; they’re rooted in strength, discipline, and readiness, reflecting the balance Islam calls us to.

Swimming keeps us fit and sharp, a skill that could save lives — ours or others’. The Prophet (peace be upon him) praised physical strength, and what better way to build it than cutting through water?

Archery sharpens focus and patience, a Sunnah he loved, once saying to his companions, “Practise archery; it’s from your best sports.” It’s about precision and control, qualities we carry into our worship. Horse riding, too, ties us to courage and mastery — think of the Sahaba charging into battle for Allah’s cause. Even today, it’s a reminder to stay strong and capable.

Our deen doesn’t want us weak or idle. These skills, praised in hadeeth, push us to be active, skilled, and prepared — whether for this world or the next. So, let’s take a leaf from the Sunnah: dive into a pool, pick up a bow, or saddle up. It’s not just exercise — it’s ibadah in motion.

Guulaysta – Salaam.