HEALTH & WELLNESS
In Conversation with Muslima Trainers Muslims have a fitness role model in the Prophet (salla Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) BY SARAH PERVEZ
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osing weight was the last thing on Asma’s mind, a 50-year-old client who contacted Jabeen Jabbar of JabsFitLab’s (JFL). She couldn’t bend or sit on the floor due to knee problems and general mobility issues caused by periods of Covid-imposed inactivity. She had just one goal in mind when she reached out to her fitness instructor: “I want to prostrate to my Lord for more than 20 seconds, Jabeen. And I want to stand up and pray.” Asma put away her salah chair after three months of determined and consistent workouts four times a week. Her workouts included posture correction, flexibility movements to increase the range of hip and knee mobility and, finally, strength training. She now stands before God every day and prostrates to Him to her heart’s content. Muslimas seem more inclined to share grandma’s recipes than workout techniques. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. But somewhere along the way, Muslims forgot about the prophetic traditions of staying fit and treating our bodies as a precious trust (amana) from God. Popular fitness culture focuses on extra lean, fit and toned bodies along with the newest fad diet — a reality to which most Muslimas can’t relate. In their bid to lead modest lifestyles, mixed gyms and spandex workout fashion keep them away from these spaces, where they feel unsafe, uncomfortable and self-conscious. Counting calories at home is tedious because the sodium-free, fat-free and food-free recipes are a far cry from their staple delicious foods. “Community centers and mosques should hold health fairs, seminars with trainers and nutritionists, talks on healthy meal ideas and benefits of physical activity. Engage and educate.” said Kifah Muhammad of GetFitWithKifah. Muslims should do more to encourage women to get into fitness, because as caregivers they often let their own health take a backseat. 36
fierce as the ones you find on Peloton. These pioneers and trailblazers took charge of their own health. When the pandemic hit, they went online and started countless women on their own fitness journeys. These online Muslima trainers provide fun and flexible results-driven workouts and a partner on their fitness journeys. Muslimas no longer worry about feeling uncomfortable or modestly attired. And because of the trainers’ diversity, they’re also getting culturally sensitive and sustainable nutrition guidance. We spoke to personal trainers who are paving the way and inspiring Muslimas to return to the Sunna of fitness as a form of worship, fitness and strength.
FITNESS AS A WAY TO REVIVE THE SUNNA
Jabeen Jabbar
BUT SOMEWHERE ALONG THE WAY, MUSLIMS FORGOT ABOUT THE PROPHETIC TRADITIONS OF STAYING FIT AND TREATING OUR BODIES AS A PRECIOUS TRUST (AMANA) FROM GOD. Muhammad also feels this is an excellent opportunity for Muslim entrepreneurs. “The market is wide open for healthy halal meal kits and modest activewear, as more and more Muslimas become aware of their fitness needs.” Muslimas such as Muhammad saw this situation as an opportunity to create just such a space. While Muslima fitness trainers may still be few in numbers, they’re just as
ISLAMIC HORIZONS MAY/JUNE 2022
Zainab Ismail has 25+ years of experience as a movement specialist, holistic nutritionist and master personal trainer (PT). She was among the first to teach the foam roller in the U.S., now a staple at gyms nationwide. Foam rollers help athletes relieve muscle tightness, soreness and inflammation, and increase a joint’s range of motion. She was also among the first instructors at the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), teaching at their institutes nationwide and in Asia. Having worked with top-level athletes and celebrities, she now works with people with injuries, prenatal and postnatal women and, occasionally, athletes. When Ismail reverted to Islam 13 years ago, she brought her knowledge to Muslim spaces, where her expertise remains unmatched. She founded Fit for Allah, which promotes prophetic traditions regarding health, medicine and food, and merges them with fitness practices. Her Ramadan guides focus on staying hydrated and energetic during fasting by eating foods that the Prophet (salla Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) liked. Her stress-free sleep guide suggests making wudu, dusting the bed three times, reciting sleep du’as, clearing your heart and following other bedtime-related sunnas. She even has tips to improve physical stamina and getting mentally fit before leaving for umrah and hajj, all of which incorporate the teachings of the Quran and Hadith. Ismail is a strong advocate of getting fit for the sake of God by following the Sunna’s wisdom so we can worship Him to the best of our abilities.
