"In Islam, strength is defined holistically, encompassing physical power, self-control, patience, and spiritual resilience," Bhimasena explained. "Our beloved Prophet (ﷺ) said,لَيْسَ الشَّدِيدُ بِالصُّرَعَةِ إِنَّمَا الشَّدِيدُ الَّذِي يَمْلِكُ نَفْسَهُ عِنْدَ الْغَضَبِ"The strong-man is not one who wrestles well but the strong man is one who controls himself when he is in a fit of rage." [Sahih Muslim No. 2609; also in Sahih al-Bukhari No. 6114]This hadith emphasizes that true strength lies in inner discipline, particularly the ability to control one's temper and emotions. This hadith also reflects that inner strength lies in one’s ability to control their anger and desires, not in physical prowess. Anger is seen as a destructive force if left unchecked. The Islamic ethic emphasizes patience, humility, and self-restraint as critical qualities of a strong person. The following is one of the Quranic guidance on self-control,الَّذِيْنَ يُنْفِقُوْنَ فِى السَّرَّۤاءِ وَالضَّرَّۤاءِ وَالْكٰظِمِيْنَ الْغَيْظَ وَالْعَافِيْنَ عَنِ النَّاسِۗ وَاللّٰهُ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِيْنَۚ"Who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allāh loves the doers of good." [QS Ali 'Imran 3:134]Scholars like Ibn Taymiyyah and Al-Ghazali state that anger is a natural emotion but must be governed by reason and faith. They argue that spiritual strength is achieved through taming one’s ego and whims, and this is considered a form of Jihad al-Nafs (striving against the soul). Jihad al-Nafs involves resisting laziness, desires, and distractions. It requires both inner discipline and physical effort, which combine to reflect true strength in Islam.In Islamic teachings, Sabr (patience) is a key characteristic of a strong person. It is not just passive endurance but active resilience in the face of trials.There are three types of Sabr: Patience in worship (persevering in acts of devotion despite hardship); Patience in trials (maintaining faith in times of difficulty); and Patience in avoiding sins (resisting temptations and sinful behaviour).Allah says,قُلْ يٰعِبَادِ الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوا اتَّقُوْا رَبَّكُمْ ۗلِلَّذِيْنَ اَحْسَنُوْا فِيْ هٰذِهِ الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةٌ ۗوَاَرْضُ اللّٰهِ وَاسِعَةٌ ۗاِنَّمَا يُوَفَّى الصّٰبِرُوْنَ اَجْرَهُمْ بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ"Say [The Prophet (ﷺ) is instructed to say on behalf of Allah (Subḥanahu wa Taʿala) to His believing servants], 'O My servants who have believed, fear your Rabb. For those who do good in this world is good, and the earth of Allah is spacious. Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account [i.e., limit]." [QS Az-Zumar 39:10]Patience is a form of strength in Islam because it reflects a person’s trust in Allah’s plan, especially during hardships. Scholars like Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya highlight in his works (e.g., Madarij al-Salikin) that patience is a sign of spiritual maturity and strength of faith.The Prophet (ﷺ) said,إِنَّ عِظَمَ الْجَزَاءِ مَعَ عِظَمِ الْبَلاَءِ وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ إِذَا أَحَبَّ قَوْمًا ابْتَلاَهُمْ فَمَنْ رَضِيَ فَلَهُ الرِّضَا وَمَنْ سَخِطَ فَلَهُ السَّخَطُ"Indeed greater reward comes with greater trial. And indeed, when Allah loves a people He subjects them to trials, so whoever is content, then for him is pleasure, and whoever is discontent, then for him is wrath." [Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 2396; Hasan Sahih according to Shaykh al-Albani]Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya explains that patience is an expression of reliance on Allah. It reflects inner strength because it demonstrates one's trust in divine wisdom, even when things are difficult.A strong believer relies upon Allah rather than themselves or others, demonstrating a form of spiritual strength. Allah says,اِنْ يَّنْصُرْكُمُ اللّٰهُ فَلَا غَالِبَ لَكُمْ ۚ وَاِنْ يَّخْذُلْكُمْ فَمَنْ ذَا الَّذِيْ يَنْصُرُكُمْ مِّنْۢ بَعْدِهٖ ۗ وَعَلَى اللّٰهِ فَلْيَتَوَكَّلِالْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ"If Allah should aid you, no one can overcome you; but if He should forsake you, who is there that can aid you after Him? And upon Allāh let the believers rely." [QS Ali 'Imran 3:160]Islam values physical strength when it is used for good purposes, such as serving the community, protecting others, or striving in the way of Allah. The Prophet (ﷺ) said,الْمُؤْمِنُ الْقَوِيُّ خَيْرٌ وَأَحَبُّ إِلَى اللَّهِ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِ الضَّعِيفِ وَفِي كُلٍّ خَيْرٌ احْرِصْ عَلَى مَا يَنْفَعُكَ وَاسْتَعِنْ بِاللَّهِ وَلاَ تَعْجِزْ وَإِنْ أَصَابَكَ شَىْءٌ فَلاَ تَقُلْ لَوْ أَنِّي فَعَلْتُ كَانَ كَذَا وَكَذَا . وَلَكِنْ قُلْ قَدَرُ اللَّهِ وَمَا شَاءَ فَعَلَ فَإِنَّ لَوْ تَفْتَحُ عَمَلَ الشَّيْطَانِ"A strong believer is better and is more lovable to Allah than a weak believer, and there is good in everyone, (but) cherish that which gives you benefit (in the Hereafter) and seek help from Allah and do not lose heart, and if anything (in the form of trouble) comes to you, don't say: If I had not done that, it would not have happened so and so, but say: Allah did that what He had ordained to do and your" if" opens the (gate) for the Satan." [Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2664]Scholars like Imam Al-Ghazali in Ihya' Ulum al-Din emphasize that true strength is a balance of the body, mind, and soul. A person should strive for a sound heart (Qalb Saleem), avoid excessive anger, and engage in activities that promote personal development and service to society.Strength in Islam is multi-dimensional: Inner strength (e.g., patience, self-discipline); Faith-based strength (trust in Allah’s plan); and Physical strength (for beneficial actions). While inner strength is emphasized, physical strength is also valued in Islam when used for beneficial purposes such as: defending one’s family, community, or country; participating in charitable or communal activities; striving to improve one’s health and body for the sake of worship and service to others.The physical world, including our bodies, is considered a trust (Amanah) from Allah. Imam Al-Ghazali in Ihya' Ulum al-Din explains that physical health supports spiritual development by enabling consistent acts of worship like prayer and fasting.The Prophet (ﷺ) himself encouraged activities that developed physical fitness, such as archery, swimming, and horse riding. He also participated in sports like wrestling to promote physical vigour.The ultimate form of strength is the one that brings a person closer to Allah while benefiting themselves and others.In Islam, balance between body, mind, and soul is crucial for holistic strength. Allah says,In Islam, balance between body, mind, and soul is crucial for holistic strength. Allah says,وَابْتَغِ فِيْمَآ اٰتٰىكَ اللّٰهُ الدَّارَ الْاٰخِرَةَ وَلَا تَنْسَ نَصِيْبَكَ مِنَ الدُّنْيَا وَاَحْسِنْ كَمَآ اَحْسَنَ اللّٰهُ اِلَيْكَ وَلَا تَبْغِ الْفَسَادَ فِى الْاَرْضِ ۗاِنَّ اللّٰهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُفْسِدِيْنَ"But seek, through that which Allāh has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allāh has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allāh does not like corrupters." [QS. Al-Qasas 28:77]Imam Al-Ghazali stresses that spiritual and physical strength must be nurtured together. Overindulgence in worldly pleasures weakens the soul, while excessive asceticism weakens the body, both of which hinder personal development. Moderation is key.From the Islamic perspective, strength is not merely about physical power but involves mastering one's emotions, showing patience, relying on Allah, and using physical strength for righteous purposes. Holistic strength—the integration of body, mind, and soul—is what makes a person truly strong in the sight of Allah.The ideal Muslim, therefore, is someone who: controls their anger and desires; Is patient and steadfast during difficulties; Trusts and relies on Allah in all matters; Uses physical strength for beneficial and righteous causes; and Strives for balance between material and spiritual well-being.This approach ensures that strength is not only useful for personal success but also for benefiting others, aligning with the ultimate purpose of life in Islam: pleasing Allah and serving His creation.Salat serves as a profound source of strength for a Muslim in various ways. Salat fosters a direct connection with Allah, providing believers with spiritual support and guidance. It offers moments of reflection and mindfulness, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. Congregational salat enhances community ties and support, offering emotional strength. Regular prayer reinforces discipline and encourages adherence to Islamic values, providing a sense of purpose. Salat acts as a refuge during hardships, reminding believers of Allah's mercy and presence. These aspects contribute to overall resilience and emotional well-being, helping Muslims navigate life's challenges effectively.While Salat shares similarities with meditation, it is distinct in both purpose and method from secular or traditional meditation. The tranquillity gained from Salat is comparable to meditation's calming effects but rooted in remembrance of Allah. Al-Ghazali highlights that prayer aligns the soul, heart, and body toward Allah. Though salat shares reflective elements with meditation, it is worship, not merely a practice for relaxation or self-awareness. Salat offers benefits like mental clarity and calm but differs from meditation by focusing on submission to Allah rather than personal enlightenment.Islam promotes positive thinking by encouraging hope in Allah’s mercy, patience in trials, and gratitude for blessings. Ibn al-Qayyim emphasizes the importance of tawakkul (trust in Allah), believing that challenges lead to growth and divine mercy. Islam thus nurtures a mindset of hope, trust, and perseverance.The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Allah says,أَنَا عِنْدَ ظَنِّ عَبْدِي بِي، وَأَنَا مَعَهُ إِذَا ذَكَرَنِي، فَإِنْ ذَكَرَنِي فِي نَفْسِهِ ذَكَرْتُهُ فِي نَفْسِي، وَإِنْ ذَكَرَنِي فِي مَلأٍ ذَكَرْتُهُ فِي مَلأٍ خَيْرٍ مِنْهُمْ، وَإِنْ تَقَرَّبَ إِلَىَّ بِشِبْرٍ تَقَرَّبْتُ إِلَيْهِ ذِرَاعًا، وَإِنْ تَقَرَّبَ إِلَىَّ ذِرَاعًا تَقَرَّبْتُ إِلَيْهِ بَاعًا، وَإِنْ أَتَانِي يَمْشِي أَتَيْتُهُ هَرْوَلَةً '
"I am just as My slave thinks I am, (i.e. I am able to do for him what he thinks I can do for him) and I am with him if He remembers Me. If he remembers Me in himself, I too, remember him in Myself; and if he remembers Me in a group of people, I remember him in a group that is better than they; and if he comes one span nearer to Me, I go one cubit nearer to him; and if he comes one cubit nearer to Me, I go a distance of two outstretched arms nearer to him; and if he comes to Me walking, I go to him running.' [Sahih al-Bukhari, No. 7405; Sahih Muslim, No. 2675].“Are there any connections between salah and positive thinking, Father?” Gatotkaca inquired with curiosity.
Citations & References:
- Imam Ghazali, Revival of Religious Learnings Vol. 1-4, translated by Fazl-Ul-Karim, 1993, Darul-Ishaat
- Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyya, Ranks of Divine Seekers Vol. 1-2, translated, annotated and introduced by Ovamir Anjum, 2020, Brill
