Published on Feb 25 2010 

Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih II ^ra says: 

"It is the duty of Khuddamul Ahmadiyya that they stop and shun all such activities which result in wasting one’s physical and cerebral faculties. Sports are not a waste of time.  I once saw in a dream a man telling me about another person, that he wastes his time in exercising. I replied that this was not a waste of time. When someone does not look after his health, he cannot fully participate in serving his faith. The Almighty Allah taught me a lesson through this dream as I was negligent about taking exercise. Exercising is also an (important) task! The Promised Messiah ^as used to lift weights.  A year or two before his demise, he asked me to find some weights because he was feeling worn out. I sourced the equipment from someone. The Promised Messiah ^as exercised for a few days and also taught me how to use the apparatus in order to derive the maximum benefit.

Therefore, exercising should be part of one’s routine. Wandering the streets aimlessly, indulging in conversations or debates while sitting indolently are all a waste of time. It is the duty of Khuddamul Ahmadiyya to remedy (these ill habits). If you preach to the world, but leave Ahmadi children trapped in idle activities, all your efforts will be in vain."

Mash’ale Raah: Vol1; p 109