Movement Is a Blessing: The Secret to Health and Longevity

Blessing in Movement – A Lesson from Hakim Muhammad Saeed

BY: Ubaid

I do not know who first coined the proverb “Movement is a blessing”, but I first heard it as a child from my mother. She repeated it until her last breath at the age of seventy-two, and it became a guiding light in my own life. I have lived by it, practiced it, and admired the truth hidden within those few words.

For anyone determined to fulfill the purpose of their birth, to live a meaningful life, and to contribute positively to society, I can hardly imagine a better principle to follow. Stop for a moment and reflect: can you accomplish anything without movement?

The human body is a miraculous biological machine. From the very first day of life until the last, it is constantly undergoing transformation and reconstruction. Our body is made of countless cells—tiny units of life. These cells die, dissolve, and are replaced by new ones. This natural cycle of death and renewal is what keeps us alive and healthy. But here is the key: this cycle can only continue properly when the body remains active.

Movement is what allows old, worn-out cells to be removed and replaced by fresh ones, keeping the body renewed and full of vitality. If a person chooses to be idle and indulge in laziness, the body’s natural processes slow down. The spark of freshness disappears, health declines, and aging creeps in far earlier than it should.

Think of a motor car. It is made up of various parts, much like the human body. Its food is petrol or diesel. If you give it fuel, the engine runs smoothly. Without fuel, the car stops. And if you leave the car standing still without movement, its parts begin to rust. Wires corrode, bolts loosen, and the once-energetic machine becomes nothing more than a heap of useless metal.

Now imagine filling this broken, unused car with petrol. Will it work? Of course not. In the same way, when a human being becomes a bundle of laziness—sitting idly, eating continuously without activity—the end result is predictable. Can such a life be called living?

Real life is one that is full of movement. A person must be active, vibrant, and purposeful—a driving force in every aspect of life. The best human being is the one who keeps moving and thereby receives all the blessings that life has to offer. Movement, truly, is the secret to blessing.

That is why every morning should begin with activity. Exercise is not an optional luxury; it is a necessity for both health and longevity. Walking, running, swimming, horseback riding, playing sports—these are all forms of exercise, and all of them are essential for a healthy life.

Unfortunately, modern life has trapped us in routines so busy that we often forget about our own health. This neglect is not only strange but extremely dangerous. By ignoring movement, we risk our bodies, our futures, and even the strength of our society.

Because here lies a deeper truth: your health is not just your right, it is also your responsibility. Every citizen owes good health to their nation. A society made up of strong, active, and healthy individuals naturally becomes a strong and prosperous nation. Conversely, a weak and inactive population cannot build a strong country. In this sense, staying healthy is both a personal right and a national duty.

That is why I believe the greatest motto we can adopt as individuals and as a nation is simple yet profound: “Movement is a blessing.”

So let your every day begin with movement. If you cannot spare much time, then exercise at home. There is always a way to keep the body active. Personally, despite my busy schedule, I never compromise on health. I play tennis, I run, and I exercise whenever possible. This is not a hobby for me—it is a discipline, a responsibility, and a source of blessing.

The benefits of movement are not limited to the body. They extend to the mind and spirit as well. A body in motion keeps the mind sharp and the heart light. It strengthens willpower, clears away fatigue, and opens doors to creativity and productivity. Idleness, on the other hand, does the exact opposite—it dulls the mind, weakens the heart, and slowly eats away at the joy of life.

Therefore, the choice is ours. We can either let laziness consume us or rise each morning with purpose and movement, embracing the gift of health. Let us not wait until illness reminds us of the value of wellness. Instead, let us live in such a way that every heartbeat is filled with energy, every action with purpose, and every day with gratitude.

Movement is life. Movement is health. Movement is blessing.