ARCHERY

Narrated by ‘Abdullah bin Abdur-Rahman:

The Messenger of Allah he said: “Indeed, Allah will surely admit three into paradise by a single arrow. Its maker who seeks good by it, the one who shoots it, and the one who holds arrows for him." And he said: “Practise archery and horse riding, for your archery is more beloved to me than your horse riding. All recreation that the Muslim engages in is in vain, except
for his shooting with the bow, training of his horse, and playing with his wife, for they are from truth."

Jami' al-Tirmidhi 1637

Notes: Archery is one the oldest known sports. For thousands of
years people have been using the bow for sports, fitness, warfare and provision by hunting. Archery has many benefits as it helps condition the muscles and helps one keep physically active and lead a healthy lifestyle. Archery also helps one with their mental wellbeing as it builds concentration, hand to eye co-ordination, as well as anger management and stress relief.

The prophet said: “When you are overcome by stress and concern, it is fine for you to take up your bow and do away with your stress.

(Al-Mu'jam al-Sagir li-Tabarani 1158)

The main hadith shows how the prophet encouraged archery, but he also would practise it making it a sunnah, whereby one is rewarded for practising archery and one becomes closer to Allah and his messenger. Thus the benefits of archery are physical, mental and spiritual.