10 Sunnah Sports and Hobbies to Try for Better Health
Whether you’re trying to build healthier habits or you’re just looking for a new activity that aligns with your deen, here are 10 Sunnah sports and hobbies to try for better health. Each one is a beautiful reminder that Islam is a holistic way of life—one that nourishes the body, mind, and soul.
In today’s world, health and wellness have become trendy topics, but as Muslim women, we know that long before wellness was a buzzword, our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) lived a life rooted in balance, fitness, and vitality. The Sunnah isn’t about adopting a trendy lifestyle, it’s about trying to be the best muslim you can be. From how we eat to how we move our bodies, Islam encourages us to take care of our physical health as a trust from Allah.
When we hear the word “Sunnah,” our minds often go straight to prayer, fasting, or growing a beard, but the Sunnah is much broader. It includes the hobbies and activities the Prophet (peace be upon him) engaged in or encouraged. And the best part? These activities benefit both our physical and mental health, all while bringing us closer to the example of our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him).
1. Archery
Archery was a practiced and highly respected skill during the Prophet’s time. He (peace be upon him) encouraged it and even said, “Practice archery and horseback riding. Verily, your amusement with archery is better than your amusement with other forms of entertainment.”
Musnad Ahmad, Sahih
“Practice archery and horseback riding. Verily, your amusement with archery is better than your amusement with other forms of entertainment.”
This sport not only sharpens focus and coordination, but it also builds upper body strength. It’s a form of mindful movement that teaches patience and control. If you’ve never tried archery before, look up a local range or sign up for a beginner’s class—many places have women-only sessions. It’s also a great option for women who want a more modest sport without sacrificing intensity or fun.
2. Horseback Riding
Horseback riding holds a special place in the Sunnah sports and hobbies for better health. It was a key mode of travel and a noble skill. The Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged teaching it to children and praised those who practiced it.
Riding is an incredible full-body workout that strengthens the core, improves balance, and builds confidence. But more than that, it’s a powerful way to connect with one of Allah’s majestic creations. Horses have a special gentleness to them and can be deeply healing to be around. If you’re near a stable or riding center, even a monthly session can be a spiritually grounding experience.
Bayhaqi
“Practice archery, riding horses, and swimming.”
3. Swimming
The Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned swimming as one of the skills worth teaching children, highlighting its importance and benefits. Swimming is a full-body, low-impact exercise that improves heart health, lung capacity, and muscle tone.
For many Muslim women, modesty can make swimming a little tricky, but thankfully there are more and more options today—modest swimwear, women-only swim times, and private lessons. Swimming is incredibly calming for the mind, and floating in water has a way of making you feel weightless and peaceful. It’s also a wonderful way to de-stress, especially after a busy week.
4. Walking
Sometimes we overlook the simplest things. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to walk often, and not just as a means to get somewhere—he (peace be upon him) walked with purpose and grace. He’d (peace be upon him) walk briskly, with intention, reminding us that walking can be an act of worship when done mindfully.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) walked often, and he walked with a distinctive, energetic gait. His companion Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) described:
Shama’il al-Tirmidhi
“When the Prophet walked, it was as if he was descending from a height.”
Incorporating regular walks into your day, especially in nature, is one of the easiest ways to improve your physical and mental health. It boosts mood, helps digestion, and strengthens the heart. Try to go for a walk after Fajr or Maghrib, even just around the block, and use that time to reflect, make dhikr, or enjoy the world around you.
5. Wrestling
Wrestling might surprise some, but the Prophet (peace be upon him) engaged in it as a friendly sport. One famous narration describes him wrestling Rukanah, a well-known strongman of Quraysh, and defeating him:
Abu Dawood
“The Prophet wrestled Rukanah and threw him down three times.”
Now, wrestling might not be for everyone, but it points to the importance of physical strength and body awareness. Today, this can translate into activities like jiu-jitsu, martial arts, or strength training. These sports help with self-defense, confidence, and physical endurance. Many women’s martial arts programs are designed to be empowering and supportive, especially for Muslim women looking for a modest environment.
Free Download
BERRY Muslimah Beauty Magazine
Ready to revive your halal beauty legacy? Download the FREE version of BERRY Magazine! This is the only guide merging Quranic & Hadith wisdom with DIY beauty remedies.
6. Camel and Horse Racing
While we may not be racing camels today, the emphasis in this Sunnah was on healthy competition, stamina, and skill. Racing and timed challenges can be a fun way to stay fit.
In our modern world, this could look like jogging, sprint training, or signing up for a charity 5K. You don’t have to win; you just need to move. Having a goal or race to train for keeps motivation high and adds a sense of accomplishment.
Bukhari
“The Prophet organized a horse race and gave prizes to the winners.”
7. Hunting
While hunting is rarely practiced in urban areas, it was a noble skill in the Prophet’s time, rooted in survival, patience, and responsibility toward animals. Hunting also reflects a connection to nature and the understanding of where our food comes from.
For us today, this can be translated into skills like fishing, gardening, or foraging—activities that slow us down and deepen our relationship with the natural world. It’s a reminder that health isn’t just in movement, but also in how we eat, source, and connect to the earth.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) permitted lawful hunting and acknowledged it as a skill.
Sahih Bukhari
“If you hunt with a trained dog or a trained bird of prey and mention the name of Allah, then eat of what it catches for you.”
8. Playing with Family
The Prophet (peace be upon him) was playful and loving with his family, including wrestling with his grandsons and racing with his wife Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her). Engaging in light play or friendly games is also part of the Sunnah sports and hobbies for better health.
Playfulness keeps the heart soft and the family bond strong. Whether it’s a game of tag with your kids, a playful race with your spouse, or a game night with siblings, laughter and light-heartedness are forms of emotional health. Don’t underestimate the wellness power of joy.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) was playful with his family. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) famously shared:
Abu Dawood
“I raced with the Prophet and beat him in the race. Later, when I gained weight, we raced again and he won, and he said, ‘This one is for that one.“
9. Traveling
Though not always categorized as a sport, travel was a part of the Prophet’s life and offers physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits. Exploring new lands, walking through unfamiliar terrain, and connecting with different people is a deeply enriching Sunnah.
Walking through a mountain path or exploring a nearby town on foot can be physically invigorating. Traveling with the intention of reflecting on Allah’s creation turns it into an act of worship. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a full-blown adventure, movement and exposure to new environments refresh the soul.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) traveled extensively and reflected deeply on Allah’s signs in nature. The Qur’an even encourages it:
Qur’an 29:20
“Say, travel through the land and observe how He began creation.”
10. Maintaining the Body
The Prophet (peace be upon him) regularly used the siwak, kept his hair and nails clean, applied oil to his hair, and encouraged good hygiene. While not a “sport,” self-care is a Sunnah too. Caring for your physical body through routines like stretching, skin care, oil massages, and even deep breathing exercises is a form of honoring the amanah (trust) of your health.
Incorporating gentle practices like stretching before bed can improve circulation, posture, and digestion. These Sunnah sports and hobbies for better health also calm the nervous system and center the mind.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) regularly used the siwak, oiled his hair, trimmed his nails, and smelled pleasant. He said:
Sahih Bukhari
“Five things are part of the fitrah: circumcision, shaving the pubic hair, clipping the nails, plucking the underarm hair, and trimming the mustache.”
Bringing the Sunnah into Everyday Wellness
These Sunnah sports and hobbies for better health aren’t just about burning calories or building muscle—they’re about bringing barakah into our bodies, balance into our routines, and presence into our lives. You don’t need to do all ten. Pick one or two that align with your season of life and bring you joy.
As Muslim women, we often juggle so many roles—wife, daughter, friend, mother, student, and more. It’s easy to forget that our well-being matters too. Engaging in Sunnah sports and hobbies isn’t selfish. It’s a way to recharge, reflect, and come back to our responsibilities with renewed strength and softness.
May Allah put barakah in our bodies, guide us toward healthy routines, and allow us to follow the Sunnah not just in worship but in the way we live and move every day.
Let’s Inspire Each Other
Which of these Sunnah activities have you tried or want to try this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below or tag me in your journey on Instagram ❣️
