Religion is the key to soul. A person can be healthy only when one is having a healthy soul and eternal peace. As technology is advancing in rapid progress, life is becoming ever more materialistic, affecting our mental peace and contentment. During the pandemic situation there is an increase in the stress and emotional distraught among people who stand in need of appropriate counselling and therapies. While the world is being run towards materialistic needs, the fulfilment of spiritual needs has decreased.
The most important obligation after faith is the act of prayer. Allah has mentioned this more than 80 times in the Qur’ān: “Establish Prayer.”
Meditation is known to influence the physiological, emotional and mental wellbeing and the best form of meditation is regarded as Salat (prayers). Before making a person ready for Salat, there is ablution (Wudu) which takes place.
ABLUTION
Ablution is the purification and preparation process. It is performed in a specific order to clean oneself physically and to obtain spiritual purity. It makes the mind rest from worldly distractions and stress and also prevents germs from entering the body – thus promoting good health. It also prevents cancer as the parts of the body washed are prone to the exposure to pollution. Ablution before going to bed prepares the body for a deep sleep.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF ABLUTION
Washing hands: It is one of the efficient ways to prevent the spread of germs from hand to mouth.
Gargling mouth: It reduces the chances of common cold and helps reduce viral respiratory infections.
Nose cleaning: It helps minimise infections such as flu, sinusitis, and cold. It is also good for nasal dryness and improves breathing.
Face washing: It is refreshing as well as improves facial complexion by preventing early wrinkles.
Ear cleaning: It is an effective way to prevent wax accumulation. As some Chinese reflex points are available on the ear, it also helps reduce high blood pressure.
Washing feet: It helps clean dirt and fungus. A common fungal condition such as “athlete’s foot” can be prevented. It also massages the acupressure points present in the feet. It also stimulates the active spots similar to Chinese reflex therapy to relax nervous system, ease stress, tension and anxiety.
SALAT
Salat is performed by Muslim worshippers five times a day and is the second pillar of Islam. It is a spiritual and physical act where nearly all the muscles of human body become active without muscle fatigue and induces serenity on body and soul.
Prayer is a unique asset gifted to Muslims by Allah the Exalted. May Allah bless us with the appreciation of this act.
Salat improves posture, increases the intake of oxygen and enhances function of respiration, blood flow, excretory and endocrine system.
Salat is a type of stretching exercise along with gentle simple exercises suitable for all ages and conditions. During Salat we perform continuous gentle muscle contraction and relaxation inducing balance, flexibility and without over exhaustion.
Salat is to show one’s respect and worship towards the Almighty. It teaches Muslims as how to discipline themselves. It also teaches good time management conditions.
A lot of articles have been written on the religious benefits of Salat, but research on the science perspective is comparatively low.
BENEFITS OF HEALTH DURING SALAT
- Salat helps exercise major joints of the body.
- It massages the intestinal tract.
- It transmits a reflex to the liver.
- It regulates breath.
- It stimulates the frontal cortex of the brain, while momentarily leaving the heart
- in higher position than brain (Sujood).
The postures during prayers are:
Standing – Takbir, Qiyam
Bowing – Ruku
Standing straight – Qauma
Prostration – Sajdah
Sitting – Tashahhud, Salam to right and left.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Standing: Takbir, Qiyam
- It effect even distribution of weights to both feet.
- Since body weight is evenly distributed, the spine does not take all the strain.
- Straight back strengthens core (stomach) muscles and improves posture.
- Mind is under control of the person praying.
- Neck and shoulders get relaxed.
- Breathing is normal.
- Focus on recitation improves.
- Increases concentration and also generates modesty.
Bowing: Ruku
- In this posture stretch is felt at the whole back side of the body, starting from neck till toes.
- It can improve water balance in the body. It smoothens function of kidneys.
- Ruku exerts abdominal pressure thereby eases constipation and peristaltic movements.
Standing straight – Qauma
- The body returns to its normal position after the stretch.
Prostration – Sajdah
- Sajdah is the only position in which the head is in a position lower than the heart and receives increased blood supply.
- Increase in blood supply to the brain improves memory, concentration and cognitive abilities.
- The amount of oxygen to the brain cells will increase.
- There is an increase of blood flow to the face drains the sinuses decreasing the chances of inflammation.
- Prostration is useful for people with high BP.
- It reduces the possibility of developing hernia or haemorrhoids. Prostration allows the escape of air which is filled in 1/3rd of the lungs. This is possible only in this position. It has been proved effective in people affected by Covid.
- It increases the state of relaxation.
Sitting – Tashahhud
- The habit of bending toes can increase rate of fat burning and lowers the risk of heart diseases.
- Oxygenation of the entire body is accomplished.
- It eliminates indigestion and constipation.
Salam to Right and Left
- Turning Salam towards right and left is useful for sedentary desk workers.
- It improves range of motion of neck.
- Salam refreshes all the nerves passing through the neck.
- Salam relieves migraines and headaches.
- It also relaxes the shoulder and upper back muscles.
To cap it all, such benefits taught to humans over fourteen centuries ago and followed in the same manner without any change in the postures of ablution and prayers throughout the world is a wonderful gift to mankind. May Allah the Exalted grant us good health and help us keep our prayers fruitful.
[Ms. Musabiha Thaseen. Z is Chief Consultant Physiotherapist, Zidaan Physiotherapy Centre, Arumbakkam, Chennai. Email: [email protected]]