Salah- The best form of Exercise
(Celebrate Salah Day…… Every Day)
Today, people,
not only in India but all over the world are celebrating ‘World Yoga Day’ One
of the best form of exercise, which is trending all over the world. We Muslims
have our own arrangement of physical exercise and ways to remain fit and
active. For a Muslim, Salah i.e. prayer is very important
and we are commanded to offer prayers at the prescribed times. We are urged to
do that and we are warned against neglecting it. Allah says in the Glorious
Quran in Surah An Nisa Ch.4 v.103 “Verily, As‑Salaah (the prayer) is enjoined
on the believers at fixed hours.” Salaah
is the second most important pillar of Islam, and
is the most regular compulsory action in a Muslim’s life.
Although Muslims primarily offer it because
of its religious obligations, however, the benefits of Salah do not end with the spiritual domain but in
fact, encompass the physical domain as well. Salah involves various
physical movements and positions, which have been scientifically proven to have
medical and health benefits.
Salah involves
continuous gentle muscle contraction and relaxation with perfect harmony and
balance. It involves different types of stretching and isometric contraction
exercises. These gentle & simple exercises are suitable for all ages &
conditions. University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) Cardiology Consultant
Specialist Prof Dr Wan Azman Wan Ahmad stated that “12 ‘Rakʿah’ (unit for a set of actions in a prayer)
equaled to 30 minutes of light exercises daily as recommended by health
experts.” (zurairifm.wordpress.com/2009).
Here is a very brief analysis of the health benefits of the
different postures in Salah-
Takbir & Qiyam- Takbir is the beginning of the prayer
and starts by raising the hands, keeping the palms open next to both ears. The
Pectoralis muscles stretched gently and the shoulder blades open up. The even
distribution of weight through both feet throughout the practice of Qayyam
posture eases the balance of the body. This position aids to straighten the
back and improves posture
Ruk’u/forward bending: Health benefits- This posture is
useful to treat backache and vertebral column related diseases. It reduces the
risk of nerve compression and promotes the flexibility of the spine in healthy
people.
Jalsa/Tashahhud/Sitting- Sitting with lower back in good
posture will help to strengthen core muscles. Core strengthening has a strong
theoretical basis in treatment and prevention of low Back pain.
Sajdah/Sujud/Prostration- Prostration is the only position
in which the head is in a position lower than the heart and therefore, receives
increased blood supply to the brain, stimulates the brain’s frontal cortex.
This reduces the chances of brain hemorrhage and headache, and helps to reduces
high blood pressure. This surge in blood supply also has a positive effect on
memory, concentration, psyche and other cognitive abilities.
Salaam/Neck Turns- Salam is an excellent form of neck and
upper vertebrae exercise. The head performs rotational movements over the
cervical vertebra. This improves the range of motion of the neck and whilst
stretching the trapezius fibers.
Salah & other forms of Exercises-
For Muslims,
salah movements can be an even more healthy alternative to the existing exercises like
yoga, pilates or any other form of exercise. Salah has become an integral part
of Muslims daily activities since the seventh century and while salah is
performed as a religious obligation, it is suggested that salah postures can
simultaneously give all the benefits of other forms of exercises, if done in
the correct way.
Like-
Improves Blood Circulation- The different positions during
the Salah help in improving the overall blood flow in the body. During the Ruku
position blood flow is regulated in the upper body and during Tashahhud, the
blood flow in the lower body is regulated.
Improves Digestion- According to scientific studies, the
Salah also helps in digestion of the body. It improves liver functions and
relaxes the intestines, which in turn facilitates bowel movement in the body.
Salah can also help alleviate cases of constipation and overeating.
Relieves Back Pain and Joint Pain- The position of the body
during prostration and bowing helps open up and ease the joints. The position
of the Ruku helps in alleviating pain in the lower back by relaxing the
ligaments and muscles.
Cardiovascular Health- In essence, Salah is also a form of
exercise and it increases a person’s metabolism, which basically improves a
person’s overall cardiovascular health.
Every Salah that
you offer is similar to exercising on a daily basis which improves the overall
functioning of the organs in the body and regulates the secretion of glands and
blood flow in the body. One thing I would like to add is the issue of low back
pain suffered by many people. See the figure below-
Salah is one of the best way to prevent or cure lower back pain. The Quadratus Lumborum muscle is the hardest & strongest of all
which can be best stretched in Salah in the "Tawarruk" position i.e.
sitting on the buttock while protruding the left foot under the right calf and
erecting the right foot on the tips. Stretching is very important for
flexibility of the body and for a pain free and happy life.
So dear friends although Salah is offered by Muslims as a religious
obligation, it includes many health benefits , in a better and systematic way.
Obed Khan (Teacher / Trainer / Life
Coach)
Vowel Education Academy
vowelhelpdesk@gmail.com
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