Faith, health and well-being: a qualitative study exploring Islamic perspectives on physical activity and the role of Imams (scholars)

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. 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. 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. 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.