Faith, health and well-being: a qualitative study exploring Islamic perspectives on physical activity and the role of Imams (scholars)
Abstract Introduction Despite the well-documented benefits of engaging in physical activity (PA), preventing and managing a myriad of health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, anxiety, and depression, recent data shows that approximately 1.8 billion adults worldwide fail to meet the recom...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Springer
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Discover Social Science and Health |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1007/s44155-025-00236-y |
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| author | Ayazullah Safi Muhammad Hossain Tony Myers |
| author_facet | Ayazullah Safi Muhammad Hossain Tony Myers |
| author_sort | Ayazullah Safi |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Introduction Despite the well-documented benefits of engaging in physical activity (PA), preventing and managing a myriad of health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, anxiety, and depression, recent data shows that approximately 1.8 billion adults worldwide fail to meet the recommended levels of PA. Addressing this global public health crisis requires a comprehensive approach including contemplating cultural and religious factors especially within Muslim and ethnic minority communities in the Western world. For instance, despite the strong Islamic endorsement for PA, there is lack of faith-centred initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes within Muslim communities. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of Muslim scholars on the importance of engaging in PA for health and well-being from an Islamic perspective. Methods A qualitative approach was deemed appropriate for exploring the views, knowledge, and understanding of Muslim scholars. A combination of purposive sampling of 14 scholars agreed to participate in this study. Thematic analysis was employed for analysing and interpreting the data. Results Themes highlight provide a comprehensive view of how PA and health promotion are woven into Islamic teachings and community practices, illustrating the unique role of religion and religious leaders in fostering healthy lifestyles within Muslim communities. Discussion and conclusion Islam advocates for PA participation, various barriers including cultural misconceptions, limited access to appropriate facilities, and societal shifts toward sedentary lifestyles hinder its practice, and scholars have the potential to drive meaningful behaviour change. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-cb4758d99f294fd1ad2ea12da5e3e516 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2731-0469 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | Springer |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Discover Social Science and Health |
| spelling | doaj-art-cb4758d99f294fd1ad2ea12da5e3e5162025-08-20T04:01:35ZengSpringerDiscover Social Science and Health2731-04692025-07-015111210.1007/s44155-025-00236-yFaith, health and well-being: a qualitative study exploring Islamic perspectives on physical activity and the role of Imams (scholars)Ayazullah Safi0Muhammad Hossain1Tony Myers2Department of Public Health, College of Life Sciences, Birmingham City UniversityDepartment of Public Health, College of Life Sciences, Birmingham City UniversityDepartment of Social Science, Sport and Business, Newman UniversityAbstract Introduction Despite the well-documented benefits of engaging in physical activity (PA), preventing and managing a myriad of health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, anxiety, and depression, recent data shows that approximately 1.8 billion adults worldwide fail to meet the recommended levels of PA. Addressing this global public health crisis requires a comprehensive approach including contemplating cultural and religious factors especially within Muslim and ethnic minority communities in the Western world. For instance, despite the strong Islamic endorsement for PA, there is lack of faith-centred initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes within Muslim communities. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of Muslim scholars on the importance of engaging in PA for health and well-being from an Islamic perspective. Methods A qualitative approach was deemed appropriate for exploring the views, knowledge, and understanding of Muslim scholars. A combination of purposive sampling of 14 scholars agreed to participate in this study. Thematic analysis was employed for analysing and interpreting the data. Results Themes highlight provide a comprehensive view of how PA and health promotion are woven into Islamic teachings and community practices, illustrating the unique role of religion and religious leaders in fostering healthy lifestyles within Muslim communities. Discussion and conclusion Islam advocates for PA participation, various barriers including cultural misconceptions, limited access to appropriate facilities, and societal shifts toward sedentary lifestyles hinder its practice, and scholars have the potential to drive meaningful behaviour change.https://doi.org/10.1007/s44155-025-00236-yPhysical activityIslamMuslim scholarsHealth promotionReligious perspectives |
| spellingShingle | Ayazullah Safi Muhammad Hossain Tony Myers Faith, health and well-being: a qualitative study exploring Islamic perspectives on physical activity and the role of Imams (scholars) Discover Social Science and Health Physical activity Islam Muslim scholars Health promotion Religious perspectives |
| title | Faith, health and well-being: a qualitative study exploring Islamic perspectives on physical activity and the role of Imams (scholars) |
| title_full | Faith, health and well-being: a qualitative study exploring Islamic perspectives on physical activity and the role of Imams (scholars) |
| title_fullStr | Faith, health and well-being: a qualitative study exploring Islamic perspectives on physical activity and the role of Imams (scholars) |
| title_full_unstemmed | Faith, health and well-being: a qualitative study exploring Islamic perspectives on physical activity and the role of Imams (scholars) |
| title_short | Faith, health and well-being: a qualitative study exploring Islamic perspectives on physical activity and the role of Imams (scholars) |
| title_sort | faith health and well being a qualitative study exploring islamic perspectives on physical activity and the role of imams scholars |
| topic | Physical activity Islam Muslim scholars Health promotion Religious perspectives |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1007/s44155-025-00236-y |
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