Swimming — Al-Sibāha
Swimming is one of the three noble physical skills that ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (RA) specifically commanded be taught to children alongside archery and horse-riding. It is one of the most complete full-body exercises — building cardiovascular fitness, breath control, shoulder strength, and endurance. It was practiced in the era of the Prophet (ﷺ) and is counted by scholars among the most beneficial of the Sunnah sports.
"Teach your children swimming, archery, and horse-riding."
Reported from ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (RA); quoted by Ibn al-Qayyim in Tuhfat al-Mawdūd
Category: Physical Activity