GOING HEALTHY: The Happy Feet group, started with two members, has 20 members now.
Sharjah - The initiative began with two people and now it has a group of 20 people.
Published: Sat 26 Oct 2019, 1:21 PM
Last updated: Sat 26 Oct 2019, 4:53 PM
In a world that is increasingly unhealthy with issues such as obesity and inactivity, a group in Sharjah has decided to take matters into their own hands and launch a fitness initiative to keep the entire community healthy.
Sharjah-based businessman Mustafa Amin, a member of the Dawoodi Bohra sect of Islam, a small, but, well-knit community who follow Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin Saheb (TUS) as their spiritual head and leader, have launched an initiative called 'Happy Feet'.
The group led by Amin, commits to a brisk early morning walk every day at 6.30 at Mahatta Park in Al Qasimia area.
"To take on the Fitness Challenge this year, community members residing in Al Qasimia neighbourhood decided to form a group called 'Happy Feet'," he told Khaleej Times.
"We go to the mosque for Fajr prayers, after which we gather at the nearby Mahatta park for a 30-minute brisk walk. This is followed by 15 minutes of stretching exercises, after which we disperse."
The initiative began with two people and now it has a group of 20 people. Community members from all walks of life and ages are joining the Happy Feet group for their morning walk.
"The group is growing every day. We started a little before the fitness challenge and are slowly growing into a big group. We also have several children and women who walk with us," said Amin.
Amin arrived in the UAE in 2002 and worked with the Galadari Group till 2011. "Our community and religion follow several important laws on health.One of the teachings is on "saheth" which means health. It states that taking care of one's health is critical. Hence, the Dubai Fitness Challenge is also religiously relevant to us," he said.
"Both our Syedna Saheb and our country's Rulers, guide us on a path which promotes peace and harmony amongst all humans. Islam is a religion which not only preaches religious practices like Salah and fasting, but also lays equal stress on how to live a healthy balanced life which is fulfilling and beneficial not only to us and our families, but also to the human race in general," he said.
"I stay in Sharjah and work in Dubai. A majority of my hassle is getting stuck in traffic. Once I come back from work, I have time only to eat and go to sleep. Ever since I started walking, I feel more energetic, less angry and frustrated. It also gives me immense mental wellbeing," said Amin. "The name 'Happy Feet' came to our mind as most health experts and devices say one needs to take a minimum of 10,000 steps to stay fit."
"We have seen this beautiful country prosper and flourish, under the wise UAE leadership. The Dubai Fitness Challenge is one such initiative launched by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council."
He added: "In a world increasingly affected by obesity and inactivity, this reminds us about the importance of regular exercise and teaches us to cultivate the habit of remaining active."
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com
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