A Wake-Up Call: My Journey to Health and Faith After 50

 

A Wake-Up Call: My Journey to Health and Faith After 50

Last year, life handed me a moment I will never forget.

It was early in the morning when I felt a strange tightness in my chest. At first, I thought it was fatigue or stress. But that day turned out to be the day I had a mild heart attack, a wake-up call that shook me to my core.

I had always thought of myself as someone healthy enough. Yes, I was busy with work, meetings, projects, and family responsibilities, but I believed I was managing fine. Then this happened, and it forced me to pause. It was as if Allah SWT was telling me, “Slow down. Take care of the body I have entrusted to you.”

Ever since that day, I have been doing regular 6-month medical check-ups.

---

The Latest Check-Up: More Lessons for Me

Today was another check-up day. I walked into the clinic expecting routine updates, but this time, my doctor had more to say:

• My left foot now suffers from plantar fasciitis—an inflammation that makes walking painful. He told me it’s part of aging and something I have to manage for life.

• And then came the real shock: I’m pre-diabetic.

It hit me hard. Diabetes runs in many families, and I’ve seen people struggle with it. My doctor advised me to watch my sugar intake, start eating better, and exercise regularly.

I sat there reflecting: Here I am, at the age of 50, being reminded again that health is a blessing I cannot afford to neglect.

---

The Turning Point: A Simple 15-Minute Routine

I left the clinic determined to make a change, starting small but consistently. I came across this 15-minute morning workout routine that doesn’t need any fancy equipment or gym membership:

• 20 Jumping Jacks

• 20 Squats

• 20 Lunges

• 10 Push-ups

• 40 Punches

• 60 seconds Elbow Plank

Repeat 3 times, with 2 minutes rest in between.

It’s simple. It’s doable. It’s a start.

Stories That Inspire Me

I think of my mother, who, in her 70s, never misses her Tai Chi sessions. Even with knee pain, she moves at her own pace. She once told me, “Son, if you stop moving, you start aging twice as fast.”

I remember a friend who was once overweight, stressed, and constantly falling sick. A doctor gave him a choice: start exercising or start taking lifelong medication. He chose exercise. Today, he runs marathons.

And of course, there is the inspiring story of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who emphasized moderation in eating and regular physical activity. He once said:

“The son of Adam fills no vessel worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to eat a few mouthfuls to keep him going. If he must do that (fill his stomach), then let him fill one-third with food, one-third with drink, and one-third with air.”
— [Sunan Ibn Majah]

---

Health and Faith: A Divine Trust

Our health is an amanah—a trust from Allah SWT. The Quran says:

“Do not throw yourselves with your own hands into destruction.”
— [Surah Al-Baqarah 2:195]

And the Prophet ﷺ reminded us:

“There are two blessings which many people waste: health and free time.”
— [Sahih Bukhari]

I realize now that taking care of my body is not just about living longer, it’s about living well enough to perform solat, to serve my family, to help my community, and to worship Allah SWT until my last breath.

---

The Real Wealth: Health

Many people chase wealth, titles, and possessions. But when health fails, nothing else matters. As someone told me once, “A healthy person has a thousand dreams; a sick person has only one.”

That’s why I’m sharing this today—not because I have it all figured out, but because I want to remind myself and you: start now. Take that walk. Do those 20 squats. Say no to the extra sugar.

Small steps today prevent bigger problems tomorrow.

---

A Personal Prayer

May Allah SWT grant us all:

• Good health in our bodies

• Strength in our faith

• The ability to worship Him with ease

Ameen.

---

Your Turn

If you’re reading this, don’t wait for a health scare to make a change. Start small, stay consistent, and pray for barakah in your health. Share this with someone who needs a reminder today.

#HealthIsWealth #MorningWorkout #FaithAndFitness #GratefulHeart #Blessings #HealthyLifestyle #Inspiration #StayActive #MindBodySoul

Credit: 15-Minute Morning Workout Image