30 mins into trying to perfect that push-up and you realise you’d rather just quit. Your mind is saying no, but then, you remember you are a Muslim girly. You say a dua under your breath and keep pushing. In Islam, taking care of your body cannot be reduced to vanity or just ticking off a gym goal, it’s a sacred act.
The body is considered an amānah, a trust from Allah (swt). That means it’s not just something you live in, but something you’re responsible for, to nurture and guard. Exercise becomes more than calorie counts and Pilates arms. Instead, it is a way of honouring your health and showing gratitude for the gift of your body.
But, good health is multifaceted. It embraces the physical and mental as much as the spiritual. A stronger body often fuels a calmer mind, and a calmer mind creates space for a deeper spiritual connection.
As part of the ‘Ask a Muslim Girl’ column, Cosmopolitan Middle East sat down with Saman Munir, a Pakistani-born Canadian fitness influencer and personal trainer. For over seven years, she’s been blending faith, lifestyle, and fitness into a space where women, especially Muslim women, feel seen, celebrated, and empowered.
For Saman herself, it was never just about a workout routine. After rediscovering fitness at the age of 37, she now helps women redefine strength and spiritually honour the body. Personal trainer, fitness influencer, content creator, and motivational powerhouse— Saman is carving a path for women who want it all, at any point in their lives.
Cosmo ME: How do you connect fitness and faith?
Saman: For me, fitness and faith are deeply intertwined. In Islam, our bodies are considered a trust from God and we are responsible for taking care of them. That means nourishing them, keeping them active, and avoiding neglect.
Training, for me, isn’t just physical. It’s a mental and spiritual practice. When I’m lifting weights or pushing through a challenging workout, I think of it as an act of discipline and patience both of which are qualities our faith teaches us to cultivate. I often pair my workouts with dhikr (remembrance of Allah), even if it’s just silently saying “Alhamdulillah” for the ability to move my body.
I also see fitness as a way to increase longevity and energy so I can be of service — whether that’s to my family, my community, or my deen. If I have the health and strength to do more, I can show up more fully in all areas of life.
Cosmo ME: For Muslim women curious about strength training, what are your hot tips?
Saman: I would recommend mastering the fundamentals first. Focus on learning the correct form for foundational movements. Once you feel confident with form, then you can safely add weight. Start with manageable weights, and over time, progressively add resistance over time. Your body also responds best to steady, repeated effort over time. Stick to a pace where you can maintain consistency.
For Muslim women especially, modest activewear can make a big difference in how comfortable we feel while training. Wear what makes you feel confident yet comfortable. Moisture-wicking hijabs, long sleeves, and loose-fit joggers are great for keeping cool while staying covered.
CosmoME: Where should Muslim women start if they’re new to working out?
Saman: If you’re just starting out, it doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. In fact, I encourage starting small so you can build confidence and momentum.
If you feel more comfortable at home, invest in a few basic pieces of equipment — a pair of dumbbells and some resistance bands can go a long way. Follow beginner-friendly workouts that target the full body, two or three times a week.
If you’d like to be in a gym setting, look for women-only gyms or facilities that offer women-only hours. And if possible, work with a female trainer — ideally someone who understands your faith and lifestyle so you feel supported and respected.
Most importantly, remember that your journey is yours. You don’t need to do what everyone else is doing on social media. Focus on building habits that you can stick with for the long term.
CosmoME: Any final words of motivation for our readers?
Saman: I’d like every Muslim woman reading this to know: you are capable of so much more than you think. Strength doesn’t have to mean lifting the heaviest weights or looking a certain way. It’s about showing up for yourself consistently, pushing through challenges, and realising that your body is a gift from Allah that deserves care.
Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle. Small, consistent actions build incredible results over time. Whether it’s a 20-minute home workout or a full gym session, what matters is that you keep moving, keep trying, and keep your intention pure to be strong in body, mind, and spirit for the sake of Allah.
Whether you’re just starting out your fitness journey or rediscovering your faith, we’ve got your back!