This document discusses the similarities between Islamic prayer (salah) and yoga positions and their health benefits. It analyzes how the positions of standing, bowing, prostration, and sitting in salah activate the seven chakras in the body, providing physical, mental and spiritual benefits. Specific yoga poses like mountain pose and forward bend have similar effects to the standing and bowing positions in salah. Performing all the salah positions throughout the day helps balance individuals emotionally, physically, and spiritually in the same way as a regular yoga practice.
This document discusses the similarities between Islamic prayer (salah) and yoga positions and their health benefits. It analyzes how the positions of standing, bowing, prostration, and sitting in salah activate the seven chakras in the body, providing physical, mental and spiritual benefits. Specific yoga poses like mountain pose and forward bend have similar effects to the standing and bowing positions in salah. Performing all the salah positions throughout the day helps balance individuals emotionally, physically, and spiritually in the same way as a regular yoga practice.
This document discusses the similarities between Islamic prayer (salah) and yoga positions and their health benefits. It analyzes how the positions of standing, bowing, prostration, and sitting in salah activate the seven chakras in the body, providing physical, mental and spiritual benefits. Specific yoga poses like mountain pose and forward bend have similar effects to the standing and bowing positions in salah. Performing all the salah positions throughout the day helps balance individuals emotionally, physically, and spiritually in the same way as a regular yoga practice.
This document discusses the similarities between Islamic prayer (salah) and yoga positions and their health benefits. It analyzes how the positions of standing, bowing, prostration, and sitting in salah activate the seven chakras in the body, providing physical, mental and spiritual benefits. Specific yoga poses like mountain pose and forward bend have similar effects to the standing and bowing positions in salah. Performing all the salah positions throughout the day helps balance individuals emotionally, physically, and spiritually in the same way as a regular yoga practice.
PRAYER 'SALAH Raof Ahmad Bhat1 , Syed Tariq Murtaza2 , Mohd. Sharique3 and Farkhunda Jabin4 1
Student of M.P.Ed. (Sem.-III), Department of Physical Education, A.M.U, Aligarh .
2 PhD , Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education, A.M.U, Aligarh. 3 PhD , Assistant Professor, Dept. Of Physical Education, KMCUAF University, Lucknow. 4 M.D. , Assistant Professor, Department of Hifzan-e-Sehat Wa Samaji Tibb, A & U Medical College, Aligarh. Abstract:-In every religion, there is a set of rituals and modes of worship. In Islamic World, Salah is the fundamental religious obligation of every Muslim to offer five times a day at set times and conditions, following a proper sequence. The Salah positions have corresponding Yoga positions, so the culminated purpose of the study was to analyze the paramount effect of Salah on psycho-physiological and physical efficiencies of people offering regular Salah as provided by Yoga. The paper also suggests in the unity of two great religions of the world i.e. Hinduism & Islam as the Yoga and Salah have many common points which may illuminate the lives of both the communities in positive manner. Keywords:Health Through Yoga , Islamic Prayer 'Salah'. INTRODUCTION The word Salah originates from the Arabic word 'Silah' which means connection i.e. connection with The God. The Islamic definition of Salah is the name given to the formal prayer of Islam. Salah is a fundamental principle of religion Islam and is an important practice which must be performed at set times and conditions', following a sequence. Islam is the religion where physical movements of prayer (Salah) are combined with spiritual exercise. The analysis has been made in the light of present day medical knowledge that how Salah can have positive effects on health. Salah is not just a religious obligation but a sure path towards better health and fitness as proven by contemporary science. Now in the 21st century we came to know that washing hands, face and other parts of the body will prevent diseases. But fourteen centuries ago when there was no microscope, Prophet (SAW), was the walking encyclopaedia of scientific discoveries & inventions, if we may so describe him, gave us a prescription of 26 washing movements to be carried out 5 times a day, a total of 130 daily washing movements to grant us optimum health. Salah has many postures like Standing (Qiyam), Bowing (Rukoo), Prostration (Sujood) and Sitting during the salutation (Tahayat), all have a strong relationship with spiritual, mental and physical wellbeing. The benefits of specific movements come from correct rendition of the position or action, the length of time the position is held and by careful and correct recitation. The Yoga is the ancient most art of living prescribed by the Rishis and Munis of India. The sole aim of the Ashtanga-Yoga is to concentrate & connect with The God as prescribed in Dhyana & Samadhi. Traditionally Yoga is thought of as the inseparable part of Hinduism whereas the authors believe that the yogic teaching is the culminating enlightenment of every religion. Hence to think Yoga belongs to Hinduism only is a gross misconception. The only viable justification put forward by the scholars in recognizing Yoga as the inseparable part of Hinduism is the language of its scriptures and chanting i.e. Sanskrit, whereas authors found in the Qur'anic teachings where The Al-Mighty God has Please cite this Article as :Raof Ahmad Bhat1 , Syed Tariq Murtaza2 , Mohd. Sharique3 and Farkhunda Jabin4, UNITY OF HEALTH THROUGH YOGA AND ISLAMIC PRAYER 'SALAH : Academic Sports Scholar (Oct ; 2014)
.UNITY OF HEALTH THROUGH YOGA AND ISLAMIC PRAYER 'SALAH
mentioned that for every community, We have sent the Messengers and every Messenger had delivered our Message using the community's idioms, phrases and languages (Al-Qur'an, Surah Ibraheem 14:4). Hence this Qur'anic injunction has ruled out every misconception related to the affiliation of Yoga with Hinduism. It might be possible that the Yogic teachings (as prescribed by the Ashtanga-Yoga) had been descended by The God Himself to the community whose mother-tongue was Sanskrit, and now The God had sent Prophet Muhammad with His Message in Arabic as Arabic had been the mother-tongue of his people in Arabia. Moreover, it is interesting to note that in-between Yoga & Islam, we find every religion with more or less the same teachings as have been propounded by the Ashtanga-Yoga. ISLAMIC PRAYER 'SALAH' AND 'YOGA' Muslim prayers (Salah) can be called Islamic Yoga as through them the same benefits can be availed that the Yoga practitioners recommend through regular practice of Yoga, thus called Yoga as 'one of the oldest systems of personal development encompassing body, mind and spirit'.. Yoga nowadays has become one of the fastest growing health trend, renowned for centuries for its curative powers of movement. Yogic Asanas comprises of a number of body postures, which one retains for a length of time while reciting 'Mantras' or breathing in a rhythmic manner. Medical schools like Harvard and by many foundations such as Menninger Foundation have researched the benefits of Yoga and now recommend it to their patients. ( Karima Burns, 2012) In fact, Yoga has become so popular that it has got many versions, like secretaries have developed a simplified sitting version that they can do at their desks. Likewise elderly, pregnant women and athletes also have their own specific versions. Interestingly Salah, the Islamic prayer has provided Muslims for fourteen centuries with some of the Yoga's same benefits. This simple form of Yoga provides an individual physical, mental and spiritual benefits five times a day as Muslims assume certain positions while reciting Quran. Of course, not all the Yoga positions are found in the Islamic prayer, however, hospital researchers have concluded that patients benefit from even a simplified version of Yoga i.e. Islamic Prayer. (Karima Burns, 2012) The Salah (prayer) positions have a corresponding Yoga position, and the positions together 'activate' all seven 'chakras' (energy fields) in the human body. The idea of activating a chakra may sound linguistically strange, but in layman's terms the idea of chakras can be understood by thinking about how the 'feeling' sense functions. An individual notices, when touching any part of the body that part responds by being more 'awake and 'aware'. Another part of the body that was not touched, but is along the same nerve pathway, may also respond The 'Takbir' and 'Qiyam' together are very similar to the mountain pose in Yoga, which has been found to improve posture, balance and self-awareness. Blood pressure and breathing remain normal in this position, thus providing many benefits to asthma and heart patients. The hands which are placed on the chest during the Qiyam position are said to activate the solar plexus 'chakra' or pathway. Which directs the awareness of self in the world and controls the health of the muscular system, skin, intestines, liver, gall bladder and eyes? When hands are held open for dua (supplication), they activate the heart 'chakra' said to be the centre of the feelings of love, harmony and peace and to control love and compassion. It also governs the health of the heart, lungs, thymus, immune system and circulatory system. The position of 'Rukoo' is very similar to the forward bend position in Yoga. Rukoo stretches the muscles of thighs, lower back and allows blood to be pumped down into the upper torso, which tones the muscles of stomach, abdomen and kidneys. The Sujud is said to activate the 'crown chakra' which is related to a person's spiritual connection with the universe around them and their enthusiasm for spiritual pursuits. This nerve pathway is also correlated to the health of the brain and pineal gland. Its healthy function balances ones interior and exterior energies. The position of al-Qaaidah,(or Julus) is similar to the Vajrasana (thunderbolt) pose in Yoga, which firms the toes, knees, thighs and legs. It is said to be good for those prone to excessive sleep, and those who like to keep long hours. The 'throat chakra' is activated by turning the head towards first the Academic Sports Scholar | Volume 3 | Issue 10 | Oct 2014
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right and then the left shoulder in the closing of the prayer. This nerve path is linked to the throat, neck, arms, hands and hearing-effecting individual's creativity and communication. It is believed that an individual who activates all seven nerve pathways at least once a day can remain well balanced emotionally, physically and spiritually (Karima Burns, 2012). 2. PROCEDURE OF ISLAMIC PRAYER 'SALAH' 2.1 Standing (Qiyam) Salah usually starts in a standing position. The hands are raised to the shoulder level or to the level of top of the ears. Both arms are then placed over chest, with the right arm over the left.The feet of the worshippers should be straight and towards Qibla i.e. the direction towards Kaaba in Mecca city in Saudi Arabia. This posture is somewhat like Tadasana in Yoga, with the only difference that the saadhak(worshipper) doesn't raise hands straight over the head. 2.1 Bowing (Rukoo) While uttering some verses from the Quran in the standing position, Rukoo (Bowing) is done by leaning forward, espically at lumber joint supported by the palms placed on the knees,with fingers spaced out.After reciting some verses in this position, the worshipper returns to his previous state i.e. standing position. This position is like Trikonasana in Yoga. After a few seconds, the worshipper gradually reverts to the previous state until vertebral column is vertical. This position is like the modified Paschim-Uttanasana (Standing Paschim-Uttanasana) & Trikonasana in Yoga. 2.2 Prostration (Sujood) The act of prostration is done from the standing position to kneeling, the position involves having the forehead, nose, both hands, knees and all toes touching the ground together. This position is like Shashtaangasana in Yoga 2.3 Sitting (Tahayat) and finishing Salah Sitting is an important step in salah. After standing, bowing and prostration, sitting is done on the left foot along the ground with the right foot upright. After reciting some verses from Quran in this position, the Salah is concluded by reciting greetings of salaam by looking over one's right and then left side. This posture is more like virasana in Yoga 3. HEALTH BENEFITS OF SALAH 3.1 SALAH AND PERSONAL HYGIENE Purification is very important matter in Islam one must purify their intention for Allah (SWT) alone and purify their bodies and clothes before beginning the prayer. In the glorious Quran, Allah (SWT) states, Truly, Allah loves those who turn into him in repentance and He loves those who purify themselves. (Al-Qur'an Surah Al- Baqarah 2:222) Ablution /Wudu is an essential pre-requisite of performing Salah. It is very important for personal hygiene. Wudu is the usage of pure water on upon specific body parts, such as hands, face, forearm to the elbows and feet etc. Indeed it has been explained by Allah the Glorified and Exalted, and the messenger of Allah (SAW) clarifies it for people. Allah the Exalted said, O you who believe! When you intend to perform prayer, wash your faces and your forearm to the elbows. And wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles. (Al-Qur'an Surah Al-Maa'idah 5:6). 3.1.1. Hands wash hands in between the fingers and rub the surface and edges of the nails. Washing of hands is the only most important means of preventing the spread of infection. They attract germs and parasites etc. because hands are the main contact parts of our body to the outside world, if not washed these germs can cause viral infections of skin and other parts of the body contact infections (WHO 2009). 3.1.2.Mouth the obvious reason behind washing the mouth during ablution is to remove the food particles, which could cause teeth and gum problems that is also the reason why siwak (brushing one's teeth) is also encouraged before ablution. Common cold could be prevented over 30 Percent of the time by daily gargling with plain water. This simple hygienic habit could contribute to public health (MMR Forum 2007).
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3.1.3.Nose Washing one's nostrils, one is also performing a preventive health measure as the germs trapped in the nostrils are removed and do not pass on to the respiratory system. According to a study conducted by a team of doctors in Alexandria University, the Prophetic tradition, which urges the exaggeration of washing the nostrils by introducing the water in the nostrils, then blowing it out, positively affects the inner coating of the nostrils. Those who carried out the washing in the correct form had clean, shiny nostrils with no dust clinging to the small hair inside An American study of 24 patients with different inflammatory conditions in the nose including allergies reported that patients who used nasal irrigation for the treatment of Sino-Nasal disease experienced statistically significant improvement (Tomooka et.al. 2000). 3.1.4. Face Repeated washing of the face invigorates the facial skin cells and helps prevent early wrinkles as well as having a cleansing effect on the inside of the eyes, which prevents eye infection and retard acne or pimple growth (Muslim Forum 2007). 3.1.5. Ears and Nape of Neck Washing the ears helps rid them from wax accumulation, which may cause ear infections as well as affecting the inner ear, which eventually causes body imbalances. Neck is exposed area of the body that gathers dust, massage helps in cleaning and also reduces stress. In fact many stress therapists strongly recommend similar motion to reduce stress (Muslim Forum 2007). 3.1.6. Feet The Prophetic tradition of encouraging one to wash between the toes while washing the feet is also extremely important, as it prevents the foot, which in our modern times is trapped most of the day inside shoes, from accruing athlete's foot (Muslim Forum 2007). Ablution also stimulates the biological rhythms of the body and specifically Biological Active Spots (BASes), very much like the idea behind Chinese reflex therapy. Presently we know that a man is complex system of electromagnetic fields, meridians, biological rhythms and so on. Man's internal organs, in their turn present a no less sophisticated bio-energetically whole. They all have indissoluble multi-channel bilateral connections with the skin, which hosts special spots, whose functions resemble those of buttons on Control and Recharge boards responsible for particular organs. These spots are called Biological Active Spots (BASes).Chinese medicine says that there are more than 700 BASes and sixty-six of them have quick reflex therapy effects and are named as the drastic (or aggression or antique or prime elements) spots, out of these sixty-six spots , sixty one are located in zones required for ablution while other five are located between the ankle and knee (an area which is desirable according to Prophetic traditions to wash).Thus ablution becomes a kind of treatment complex, which includes the hydro massage of the BASes, their thermal and physical stimulation (Muslim Forum 2007). The same ritual of Ablution before every Islamic prayer i.e. Wudu (washing face, hand, feet, nostrils & wiping head) is also encouraged by Yoga experts who say that washing important motor and sensory organs such as the hands, arms, eyes, legs, mouth and genitals before sleep using cool water relaxes the body preparing it for a deep sleep (Avadhuta Vedprajinananda, Yoga Health Secrets2014). 4. PHYSIOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF SALAH During Salah muscles in the body contract, thereby blood flow is increased to the muscles and muscle tone is also increased. Salah improves posture, increased the intake of oxygen and enhances the functioning of respiratory, digestive, endocrine and reproductive and excretory systems. Pressure on abdominal muscles increases intestine movements to push forward its residual contents thus preventing constipation and promoting gut motility and absorption capacity .Even while properly bending with the back and elbows straight there is a squeezing pressure (just like pressing a sponge to release water) on the kidneys by the muscles of the back and abdominal wall that results variation in blood flow, mechanical pressure on the excreta forcing it into the ureters and bladder, In standing back the pressure is suddenly released and the kidneys undergo a sort of massage. Salah is an exercise that reduces cholesterol in the body that causes heart failures, strokes, diabetes and many other ailments. Holy Prophet Muhammad said, there is a piece of flesh in the body if it becomes good (reformed) the whole body becomes good but if it gets spoilt the whole body gets spoilt and that is the Academic Sports Scholar | Volume 3 | Issue 10 | Oct 2014
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heart (Sahih Bukhari). Salah gives exercise to the heart and make one healthy. Regular Salah also has a great impact on resting heart rate. Salah activity makes artery vessels more flexible due to rise and fall of blood circulation result decreases heart diseases (Javid Us Salam and S. Vijay, 2013 & MMR Forum 2007) 4.1 PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF SALAH Psychological benefits ultimate satisfaction- peace of mind! It is a known fact that exercise improves mood, thought and behaviour. Exercise improves the quality of life, induces greater sense of well-being and energy, reduces anxiety and depression, influences mood favourably and contributes to self- esteem and any aura of confidence, improves memory in the elderly especially with constant repetition of ayaat (verses) from the glorious Quran and other ayaat which exalt his glory. Stress reduction, increases concentration, mental relaxation, improved appearance and resistance to set upset better sleep (Shabbir Ahmad Sayeed and Anand Prakash, 2013). 4.2 PHYSICAL BENEFITS OF SALAH Salah is a form of mild exercise which involves movements of all body parts and some such unsure movements that we normally don't make during routine course of day like prostration i.e. Sajdah (Azizul Haque and Sandip Sankar Ghosh 2013). Done 5 times daily at regular intervals, it helps to maintain the body round the clock without causing any strain or tiredness. Salah is a hemo- dynamic exercise which improves coordination, circulation, posture, balance and well-being. Salah has a great effect on burning off calories. It maintains muscle tone and body composition, joint flexibility and reduces arthritis, makes the back bone strong, prevents sciatica and retard the aging process. By offering Takbir at the beginning of Salah, we move our hands and shoulder muscles thereby increasing the flow of blood towards torso. A remarkable tissue in our body is cartilage, it is unique in being a living tissue with no direct blood supply, the only way it received nutrients and oxygen is by movements of the joints. The pumping effect forces blood into the joint area which would otherwise be bypassed. Those who sit at the terminals are in greater danger of ending up with dead cartilage tissues that will subsequently wear away. This will leave us with arthritis, painful joints and paralysis. Salah therefore has many orthopaedic benefits for all people (Reza MF, Urakami Y, & Mano Y 2002). The physical and physiological benefits of Salah are multiple to say the least. Most of the body muscles and joints are exercised during Salah. In the most noteworthy movement of prostration besides the limb muscles, the back and perineum muscles as well are exercised repeatedly. The neck muscles, in particular, are strengthened such that it is uncommon to find a person offering regular Salah prostrating at least 34 times a day to suffer from cervical spondylosis or myalgias. Sajdah is the only position in which the head is in a position lower than the heart and therefore, receives increased blood supply. This surge in blood supply has a positive effect on memory, concentration, psyche and other cognitive abilities. During Sajdah dissipation of the electromagnetic energy accumulated from the atmosphere takes place by the grounding effect at regular intervals resulting in a calming feeling. A recent study investigating the alpha brain activity during Muslim prayers has reported increased amplitude in the parietal and occipital regions suggestive of parasympathetic elevation, thus indicating a state of relaxation. The unique position of Sajdah also have positive effects upon the back muscles as while going into Sajdah and getting up from it, the back muscles contract actively and they become stronger, so a regular Namazi usually do not have backache. After performing Sajdah either the musalli stands up or he sits to pray Attahiyyat. In this position the person sits calmly while his hands rest at his thighs which are folded backwards. This is much similar to the relaxation position of Yoga and has soothing effect upon one's health and mentation. Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to elongate the position of Rukoo (bending) and Sajdah positions and he advised to do so. In the light of the above facts it is appropriate to say that from medical point of view as well this advice is a golden rule for health (MMR Forum, 107,108, 2007). CONCLUSION It can be seen from the above discussion that the Yoga & Salah have psychological, physiological and physical effects on the individual. A sound body with sound mind is essential for Academic Sports Scholar | Volume 3 | Issue 10 | Oct 2014
.UNITY OF HEALTH THROUGH YOGA AND ISLAMIC PRAYER 'SALAH
every individual to achieve the goal. Salah coordinates the action of body and mind of people Salah has special characteristics in that it is a short duration mild-to-moderate psychological, physical and brain activity. Scientific evidence also supports the notion that even moderate intensity activities, when performed daily, can have some long-term health benefits (American Heart Association). Salah is like a free hand exercise. It can be performed in groups or individually without any equipment. Thus, a person in a rehabilitation program can practice the activity in their room with ease and comfort, even when sitting in a wheelchair or in bed. During the performance of Salah, most of the muscles and joints of the body are involved. This activity is convenient for all kinds of patients, including children, the elderly and physically handicapped, for strengthening their muscles as well as the mind. Whereas Ashtanga-Yoga is a powerful stream of knowledge which enables the practitioners to achieve radiant physical health, serene mind, and spiritual upliftment and creates the ability for harmonious social living. This paper has the potential teachings to foster communal peace between the followers of two great religions which in turn may help our country to become Super Power in the forth-coming time. REFERENCES 1.Al-Quran, Surat ul Al-Baqarah: 222, Surat ul Al- Maaidah: 5:6; & Surat My prayer bookletwww.myprayer.org.au. Accessed on 19th of March 2014 at 1.30 pm IST 2.Avadhuta Vedprajinananda (2014). Yoga Health Secrets. Visited online at http://www.Yogamongolia.org/health/ accessed on 18th September 2014 at 10:22 am IST 3.Azizul Haque and Sankar Ghosh (2013) Namaz is a very good exercise for wholesome development, Global Research Analysis (international), Nov. 4.Javid Us Salam & S. Vijay (2013). Impact of Regular Salah Practice on Resting Pulse Rate. Published in International Journal of Physical Education, Fitness & Sports, Vol. 2, No. 3 5.Karima Burns (2012). The Yoga of Islamic Prayer. www.onlineislam.net/English/health-and science/faith-and-the-sciences/44296.Accessed on 27th of March 2014 at 4.00pm IST 6.Medical Benefits of Salat in Science and Technology, (2009) Accessed Online at www.islamiccity.com/forum,2009/[printer-friendly-posts.asp?tid=14204. Accessed on 2oth of march 2014 at 2.30pm IST 7.MMR Forum, www.mmrforum.com,9, 4/4/2007, Accessed on 22nd of March 2014 at 2.58 pm IST 8.Muslim Forum (2007) www.ummah.com- The Preventive and healing wonders of Ablution, Accessed on 22nd of March 2014 at 1.40 pm IST 9.Reza, M.F., Y, Urakami, Y, Mano (2002) Evaluation of new physical exercise taken from Salat (prayer) as a short duration and frequent physical activity in the rehabilitation of Geriatric and disabled patients. Annals of Saudi Medicine, May-Jul;22(3-4):177-80 10.Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 2, Number 49. Accessed online at http://www.sahihbukhari.com/Pages/Bukhari_1_02.php at 15:46 IST 11.Sayeed SA, Prakash A. The Islamic prayer (Salah/Namaz) and Yoga togetherness in mental health. Indian J Psychiatry [serial online] 2013 [cited 2014 Sep 19]; 55, Suppl. S2:224-30. Available from: http://www.indianjpsychiatry.org/text.asp?2013/55/6/224/105537. 12.Tomooka L T, Murphy C, Davidson TM (2000) Clinical study and literature review of nasal irrigation.PMID:10892694 (PubMed-Indexed for MEDLINE) 13.WHO (2009). Guidelines on hand hygiene and health care. Page No.79, Publication of the World Health Organization can be obtained from WHO press, World Health Organization, 20Avenue Appia, 1211.Geneva27, Switzerland
Raof Ahmad Bhat
Student of M.P.Ed. (Sem.-III), Department of Physical Education, A.M.U, Aligarh .
Yoga for Beginners With Over 100 Yoga Poses (Boxed Set): Helps with Weight Loss, Meditation, Mindfulness and Chakras: Helps with Weight Loss, Meditation, Mindfulness and Chakras