Archery holds a distinguished place in Islamic tradition. It is not merely a sport but a Sunnah practice that connects Muslims to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
The Prophet himself encouraged his followers to engage in archery, recognising its value not only as a skill but as a means of physical, mental and spiritual development. Sumayya Omar, a recent guest on Salaamedia, discussed the sport as a pathway to focus and fulfilment.
In today’s fast-paced world, families often struggle to find quality time together. Engaging in a shared activity like archery can bridge this gap and foster stronger relationships. Omar explains:
“Families who are collectively involved in a sporting activity or a physical activity, it actually enhances the harmony and quality time between these families.”
By practicing archery together, families not only develop essential skills but also create lasting memories, reinforcing familial bonds through a shared pursuit of excellence.
Archery also plays a significant role in mental well-being. Mental health remains a topic that is often overlooked in many communities, including the Muslim community. Omar sheds light on this issue, stating:
“Predominantly in the Muslim community, we somehow evade this question. Maybe it’s a cultural aspect, maybe you are judged upon, maybe you are embarrassed that there are mental issues, but we need to acknowledge that struggle is part of our iman. Rasulullah (SAW) himself endured hardship. He went through certain struggles, like Ta’if. In fact, he was so depressed at one stage that Allah (SWT) revealed Surah Ad-Dhuha specifically to deal with this struggle of depression.”
One effective way to manage mental health challenges is through physical activity. Archery, in particular, provides a unique combination of focus, discipline and movement that contributes to mental well-being. Omar elaborates:
“If you do these, naturally you release feel-good hormones that will improve your mental wellbeing.”
For parents with children facing mental health struggles, engaging in activities like archery can be a constructive way to help them cope. Omar advises:
“If you are a parent who knows you have a youth in your household that is struggling, do not evade it. There are ways to deal. If you cannot afford coaching or therapy, seek other methods – talking about it is one, but also become physically fit and healthy.”
Beyond mental health, archery offers a host of physical benefits. It enhances coordination, improves posture and strengthens the upper body. More importantly, it cultivates patience and focus—two essential traits in both spiritual and daily life. Omar highlights its holistic advantages:
“Practicing archery is a highly-beneficial skill that creates a connection to Allah, but it also has a mental, spiritual as well as a physical improvement on your body. It improves your overall body condition [and] it helps you focus better.”
This deep connection between archery and faith is what makes it a Sunnah sport worth reviving. It is not limited to the young or the physically strong but is a skill that can be practiced by people of all ages, making it a lifelong pursuit. Omar stresses the importance of keeping this tradition alive:
“This is a skill that we must never forget. It is a skill that we need to inculcate not only in our youth, but adults as well. It is also something we can practice during Ramadan because it doesn’t take a lot of physical activity.”
The fact that archery can be practiced even during Ramadan makes it a unique sport that accommodates the spiritual and physical needs of Muslims throughout the year.
Archery is more than just a sport—it is a Sunnah practice that nurtures the mind, body and soul. It strengthens family bonds, enhances mental well-being, and provides a connection to Islamic tradition. By reviving this skill, Muslims can embrace a holistic approach to health and spirituality, ensuring that this valuable practice continues to benefit future generations.
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Picture: Start Archery
