Swimming is a necessary life skill, with endless benefits to our physical and mental wellbeing. As a cardio workout, it is great for lung health and maintaining heart rate. It improves fitness and muscle mass, increases immunity and even removes stress from the body.
‘And your body also has a right over you.’
(al-Bukhari)
Swimming is also good for mental health and can even improve sleep. The Arabic term for swimming is sibaha, which comes from the same root as tasbih – glorification. Water is conquered through being at one with water – where our body and mind are completely at ease with it. We can only float once we are in a state of complete tranquillity, have let go of any fear and have truly submitted to the water.
‘Everything (that) is not from the remembrance of Allah (SWT) is (either) idle entertainment or oversight, except for four: walking between the two targets [archery], training one’s horse, entertaining one’s family and learning to swim.’
(Tabarani)
At OCC we offer tailored swimming sessions for beginners and intermediate swimmers. Designed for children and adults, classes are held once a week at our local pool. Students learn from qualified instructors and benefit from a fun and gentle workout in the water, with immediate impacts on overall wellbeing.
