A Fit Physical Lifestyle and Take Part in Jihad

Considering the deteriorating health condition of Malaysia society (Ministry of Health Malaysia, 2008), a new alternative should be sought after as a guideline for a better and improve health. This study is aiming at researching in details the practised of Allah’s Apostle (PBUH) that contributed in developing the health of the Prophet (PBUH) as a role model for an ideal, simple and balance healthcare. This study is a qualitative study using library data. Library data are acquired by gathering hadiths related to the Prophet’s (PBUH) healthcare practised from the books of hadiths, books of 'syamail', history of the Prophet (PBUH) and any writings associated with this topic, reviewed and evaluated according to the suitability. The outcome establishes that the integration of 11 (eleven) healthcare principles was the solid core to the development of Allah’s Apostle (PBUH) excellent health. Amongst them is a lifestyle which is fit, energetic and took part in jihad. The Prophet (PBUH) manner of walking in His daily life as if He was performing an exercise routine. The Prophet (PBUH) also performed routines suiting to its time, live according to innate nature and high life discipline which had encouraged ideal health development. This study also furnished an alternative model for a healthy yet complete lifestyle towards developing perfect health which should be an interest and a guideline to those who look for a model of a healthy lifestyle.


INTRODUCTION
It is well-known that physical exercises with various kinds of games or sports are very beneficial for health. Exercise is significant for health because muscle movements during exercising require more oxygen than usual. Hence, the heart will beat faster to pumps more oxygenated blood to the muscles. As a result, the heart will be able to pump blood more efficiently, the blood vessels will remain flexible and minimise clogging risk. Furthermore, the muscles and joints will become stronger and more efficient.
In the Prophet (peace be upon him) daily life, His routine which contributes to physical fitness can be classed into three main categories, which are body exercise, brisk walking (fast pace walking) and jihad for the Allah's cause.

i. Performing body exercise
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) insists on exercising in the name of Allah SWT for the health benefit and as a preparation for jihad. The essence of this principle referred to words of Allah's ) : Which means: "And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allah and your enemy." 8:60).
Narrated from c Uqbah bin Amīr, the Prophet (PBUH)also said that: Based on verses from the Quran and Hadith above, understandably that it is deemed as Fard al-Kifayah for the ummah to be ready with the physical strength, and appropriates weaponry of war. For it may terrify the enemy in the like of cavalry, a team of archers suitable to that era without denying the importance of other war equipment such as sword, spears and other weapons. The Prophet (PBUH) mentions the archers specifically in this hadith was like the hadith regarding the pilgrimage when he said: Saying c Arafah in this hadith is by no means denying the other pillars of the hajj, but mainly because it symbolises the hajj and that is the focus. It is also worth mentioning that nowadays, in term of effectiveness in defeating the enemy, the archer's throw is not as powerful as a bomb attack.
The Prophet (PBUH) highly encourage exercising for the cause of Allah, as to boost healthiness and also as a preparation for jihad. Allah's Apostle demands in learning various exercise techniques that can develop body strength for that purpose.
In the glorious days of the Islam civilisation, Muslim of that times not only renown for knowledge and inventions, but also give utmost attention in strengthening self-healthiness and military ability as to safeguard the nation from enemy attacks. Nowadays, Muslims seems to neglect this responsibility, becoming more fascinated with the joy of living hence all Muslim are carrying the burden of this sin.

ii. Walking With a Swift and Energetic Stride
In daily life, most of the time Allah's Apostle (PBUH) walked to where he wants to go. For instances, he walked to a mosque, to a market, to visit companions, to a battlefield of jihad and so forth. Whenever The Prophet (PBUH) walked, usually His steps were swift and energetic. c Alī r.a stated that: The stride of His steps during walking in fulfilling His daily chores as if He was performing body exercise by walking 1 .

iii. Jihad for the cause of Allah
Jihad and fight on the path of Allah SWT, indirectly produce healthiness for the body. An act such as jihad requires a lot of body movement and a determined effort which are a basis for physical and mental health. Throughout ten years in Medina, the Prophet (PBUH) fought twenty-seven times. n.d: 8).
Narrated from c Ubādah bin Ṣāmit, the Prophet s.a.w said: Which means: "When we dug a trench (khandaq) there was a big hard boulder blocking our way, we told the Prophet (PBUH) and then the Prophet (PBUH) came down to break the stone and, it was noticeable that a cloth filled with small rocks tied around His stomach in order to avoid feeling hungry for not eaten for three days. The Prophet (PBUH) took a sledgehammer and hit the boulder until it broke out." (al-Bukhārī, Kitāb al-Maghāzī, Bāb Ghazwah al-Khandaq wa hiya al-Ahzāb, Hadith no.: 3875: 1011).
Digging a trench reaching 5,544m in length, which is 4.62m wide and 3.234m deep as a defence to a city of Madinah from enemy attacks was part of the jihad in Allah's cause went through by Allah's Apostle (PBUH). (Khalīl, 2003: 236). Whereas, in the battle of Tabūk the Prophet (PBUH) and His companions travelled for 750km to the Tabūk battlefield, which was undoubtedly a very great experience of exercise for the whole body (Khalīl, 2003: 247).
Also in such struggle of jihad a jihadist's heart must be sincere and surrender fully to Allah SWT. It makes a jihadist very strong, very brave, feeling at peace due to his total submission to Allah SWT.
On that basis people who take part in jihad and strive in Allah's cause, his body is healthy and steady while his heart is also healthy as a result from his unshakable bond to Allah SWT.

CONCLUSION
It is apparent that the daily life of the Allah's Apostle (PBUH) was always fit and active, which became one of the most important contributing factors towards developing the health of the Prophet (PBUH). The three basic principles of movement practised by the Prophet (PBUH) practised was a great deal of walking with a swift and firm strides, performing physical exercise and take part in jihad. For the jihadists, their heart always attached to Allah SWT. A physical movement improves blood circulation to internal organs which forms a healthy balance that will eventually help develop perfect health.