Health Benefits of Namaz

Namaz (Sala’at)
- Health Benefits –
Muslims Medical Research Forum
Islamabad

4/4/2007 mmrforum.com 1

In the name of Allah the most
beneficent, the most merciful
This presentation has been made to seek Allah’s mercy and
compassion by highlighting the benefits inherent in the offering of
Namaz (Sala'at) in light of the present day medical knowledge.
The contents have been carefully selected and do not represent
views of any particular sect. All references from Ahadith are those
which are accepted by all Fiqah. Medical references are mentioned
with the studies.
This has been compiled by members of MMRF. We have limited
knowledge and we are not scholars. We may have made mistakes for
which you are requested to pray that Allah All Mighty forgives us.
There is a need of more work on this subject. Sala’at has a lot more to it
then what the mere eye catches. Muslim Physicians, scholars and
philanthropists should come forward and let the world see the truth of
Islam through the eyes of modern day medical science.

Main Objective
The world today only believes in facts and science.
We want to tell them that a Prophet (PBUH)
1400 hundred years ago without access to the
modern knowledge told things that are
completely in line with the science of today;
which is a proof of the fact that his words and
deeds were from Allah the Master & Creator of
All. Hence Islam is the only faith that should be
followed for our salvation on the final day of
judgment.

Islam
Wudu
Nasal Irrigation
Face Washing
Ear & Feet Contents
Namaz
Timings
Psychological Effects
Social Benefits
Physical Effects
Positions
Movements
Ruk’ko
Sajdah
Brain, Lungs, Bones & Muscles
Julsa (Tashad)
Salam
Eyes
Final Prescription

Glossary
Sala’at or Namaz - The customary Prayer of Muslims
Adha’an - The call to Prayer
Niyyah - Intention.
Wudu - Ablution (with water)
Ghusl - A bath (with water)
Masah - To stroke (wipe) or rub gently over.
Miswaak - A small branch or stem, used for brushing teeth.
Raka’at - A single round/cycle of all bodily actions within a
Prayer.
Sajd’ah – Prostration during Salaat
Ruk’ko – Forward bending with flexion of the spine


"Everything good that happens to you
(O Man) is from Allah, everything bad
that happens to you is from your own
actions".
(4:79 Qur'an)

Islam – A Divine Faith
A Natural Religion & a complete CODE OF LIFE
Islam lays great emphasis on ‘Health & Hygiene’ at a
time when the world didn’t even knew what are germs
(bacteria, parasites & viruses)
Allah wanted Muslims to be healthy & strong
From Qur'an & Sunnah (the practice of the Prophet
PBUH) many treatment modes have been derived
effectively by the Muslim Physicians during the golden
age of Islam
Aab-e-Zamzam is a living miracle of Islam:
A companion of the Prophet (PBUH) lived for 40 days solely
on Aab-e-zamzam and still gained weight and felt stronger
then before

Islam is the only religion where physical
movements of prayers (Sala’at) are combined
with spiritual exercise.
Allah could have ordered us to offer prayers in any
other postures or with no movements ….. But NO!
Behind each & every instruction of Our Creator
there are benefits for us – But our knowledge is
limited & we may not understand them.
Namaz is a prescription from Allah for better
health of Muslims – It’s a natural & automatic way to
keep the body healthy.

In the following pages an analysis has been
made in light of the present day medical
knowledge that how Namaz can have positive
effects on health.
Being Muslims we believe in every thing that
Allah has said – We blindly follow the orders -
But it will gives us even more happiness, &
solitude by knowing that Namaz is not just a
religious obligation but a sure path towards
better health & fitness as proven by the 21st
century science.

Effect of MILD Exercise
Findings of a recent research study undertaken in
USA proved that people who do regular
moderate exercise have almost 1/3rd lesser
death rate. Salient features of the study are:
17,000 Harvard alumni who entered college between 1916-
1950 participated in the study.
Strong evidence was found that ONLY moderate aerobic
exercise, equivalent to jogging about three miles a day,
promotes good health and may actually add years to life.
Men who expended about 2000 kcal of exercise on a weekly
basis (equal to a daily 30 minute walk, run, cycle, swim, etc.,)
had one-quarter to one-third lower death rates than classmates
who did little or no exercise.

Namaz is also a form of a mild exercise
It involves movements of all body parts
and some such unusual movements that
we normally don’t make during routine
course of the day
Done 5 times daily at regular intervals it
helps to maintain the body round the clock
without causing any strain or tiredness
Regularity is the key.


"O Mankind: There has come to you a
direction from your Lord and a healing for
the (disease) in your hearts - and for those
who believe a guidance and mercy!"
(Qur’an 10:57)

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated:
"The key to paradise is Prayer (Sala’at), and
the key to Prayer is cleanliness."
(Sahih Muslim)


Perfection - Accuracy
Health benefits only come if the actions of
Namaz are done EXACTLY the way they
have been ordered by Allah & our Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH)
Inaccurate / Hurried Approach: Can lead
to more problems then benefits eg.,
inaccurate bending during Ruk’ko can
damage the back bone (vertebras)


Time & again the Prophet (PBUH) has
emphasized correct observance of all the
process from wudu to offering prayers.
Its how unfortunate that we pray for seeking
sawab but we do not observe the correct
procedures – We just hurry through it without
focusing ourselves
We may satisfy ourselves with our Namaz but its
important that Allah is satisfied
Praying in fast motion, without pausing at
appropriate places we make a mockery of Namaz
– Making us the end looser as we loose our
time, sawab and also the beneficial effects on
health

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

“Whoever offers all his Prayers on time after a perfect
ablution, stands with humility and reverence, prostrates
and bows with calm, and offers the entire Prayer in good
manner - so that Prayer becomes a radiating one and
prays for him thus:
O the offerer of Prayer !! May Allah guard you the way
you have guarded me. And as regards the one who
offers the Prayer poorly - that is without proper ablution,
and not even prostrating and bowing correctly - then the
Prayer curses him thus: May Allah ruin you the way
you have ruined me. Then the Prayer is folded and
thrown back at his face like a used (dirty) cloth.”
(Tibrani)

Abu Qata’da reported the Messenger of
Allah (PBUH) as saying:
"The one who commits the worst theft is he
who steals from his prayer."
When asked how one could steal from his
prayer, PBUH replied:
“By not performing his bowing and
prostration perfectly".
(Musnad Imam Ahmed & Tibrani)


The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said
“When you perform prayer, think that you
are standing in front of God and seeing
Him with your eyes. And if it is not
possible for you to see Him, at least think
that Allah is seeing you".
(Sahih Bukhari)


“O children of Adam! Wear your beautiful
apparel at every time and place of
prayer…"
(Qur'an 7:31)

•Namaz is meeting Allah.
•We wear our best clothes when we go to meet some body important
•But when we meet Allah - the most powerful entity in the whole Universe
– we dress so poorly
•He commands the highest degree of respect – so we should be in our
best presentation – hair finely combed, Perfume (non-alcoholic), clean &
good clothes
•And with COMPLETE FOCUS – You cannot afford to think of any thing
else – Its Allah you see, its Allah who is listening to you, its Allah who is
watching you – No gathering or meeting can be more important then this!

Wudu
(Wuzzo / Ablution)
Correct & complete wudu
is an essential pre-requisite of performing Namaz
& Allah has elaborately described the whole
process in surat Al-Maida in the Holy Qur'an


"Oh you who have attained to faith, when you are
about to pray, wash your face and your hands
and arms up to the elbows and pass your (wet)
hands lightly over your head, and your feet up
to the ankles and if you are in a state requiring
total ablution, purify yourself. But if you are ill, or
traveling, or have just satisfied a want of nature, or
have co-habited with a woman, and can find no
water - then take resort to pure dust, passing
therewith lightly over your face and your hands.
Allah does not want to impose any hardship on
you but wants to make you pure, and to bestow
upon you the full measure of His blessings so
that you may have cause to be grateful."
(Qur'an: Al-Maidah 5:6)

Hazrat Anas (RA) reports that Rasulullah (PBUH) said:

“Be meticulous in performing wudu, your
lifespan will increase and your
protecting angels will love you”

"He who performs ablution, and performs
it in the best way, his sins leave his
body, even from beneath his nails."
(Sahih Muslim)

"Purity is half of the faith”

"Prophet (PBUH) said: 'On the Day of
Resurrection, my followers will be called Al-
Ghurr-ul-Muhajjalun from the traces of
ablution and whoever can increase the
area of his radiance should do so (by
performing ablution in the most perfect
manner).”
(Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 1, No. 138)


A Blind Man came to the Prophet (PBUH)
seeking cure. The Prophet (PBUH) before
giving him any advice asked him to:
“First go to the ablution area and make
ablution.”

Ablution is the opening for the cure of
every sickness. Without ablution effort to
cure a disease will be minimal.

Now in the 21st century we know that
washing hands, face & other parts of the
body is important to prevent disease
But 1400 years ago when there was no
microscopes Allah advised the Muslims a
set of washing movements before every
prayer so that they remain free of disease
& ill health


One of the Chinese way of treatment focuses on some
specific points on the body called Biologically Active
Spots. Dr. Magomed Magomedov of Daghestan State
Medical Academy in his paper “Muslims Rituals and
their Effect on the Person’s Health” says:

“Ablution stimulates the biological rhythms of
the body and specifically Biological
Active Spots (BASes), very much like
Chinese Reflexo-Therapy”. Among the
total 700 BASes in the body 66 have quick
reflex therapy effects – Out of these 66
astonishingly 61 are involved in wudu !

An American scientist :
“Water has a magic effect – is the best means of
achieving relaxation and eliminating tension”.
Source: Reformation Magazine No. 296, 1994

Dr. Ahmed Shawqi Ibraheem, MRCP, says:
“Scientists came to know that when light falls on the
drops of water on the skin during ablution gives birth
to negative ions and reduces the positive ions
consequently relaxing the nervous system & muscles
reducing pain as well as tension and anxiety”.
Symposium of the Association of the Scientific Miracles in Qur'an , Cairo


Hand Washing
Hands are the main contact part of the body
with the outside world
They attract Germs & Parasites - Ova / Egg all
the time
If not washed these germs can cause various
infections of skin and other parts of the body
Contact Infections


After saying Bismillah Wudu starts with hand
washing
We could have been advised to wash the face
first or the ears or any thing else …. But no!
Allah knew that if unclean hands touch the face
first they will transfer infection to it – so hands
must be washed first as then one can use
them to wash other parts of the body
This is simple common sense but again
considering that this was advised in the 6th
century AD is sufficient prove to believe that this
was not the advise of a human but of somebody
who knows all: Allah All Mighty

Hand washing advised in wudu is not just
simple wetting of the hands
It includes rubbing the hands from both
sides and scrubbing the Nails & doing
Khalal (rubbing the interlocked fingers with each other
to remove dirt from in-between the fingers)
All this done 3 times will not even leave a
speck of dust or germs on the surface of
hands

An ordinary head of a pin as seen through a microscope.
With microscope you can see how many germs are hiding
on just one place on the head of this pin. Now, just think
about how many could be on the surface of your hands!!


“Hand washing is the single most
important means of preventing the
spread of infection”.
US Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

They are saying it now – we were told 1400 years
ago when their were no microscopes and no
bacterial culture media!


This chart has been developed by World Health Organization based on
long research – See the similarities in the hand washing recommended in
wudu (1400 years ago) and this chart developed in the 21st century


Washing Mouth before Nose
Cleaning
After washing hands next is washing the mouth
cavity by gargling
Now see the order – how perfect and
scientifically logical it is – Once the hands are
completely clean then they are used to take
water in the mouth so that no germs go inside
the body
Allah could have asked us to clean the nose
before gargling …. But again No! He knew what
we learned in the 21st century – as then the
nasal germs could have passed into the mouth

Gargling
Mouth – The main door of the body:
Every thing we eat or drink pass through (every time we eat we are
exposed to the bacteria in our mouth)
Even the air we breathe has to pass through it (carrying germs &
allergens & dust particles)
The surface of the mouth cavity (throat / tonsils) is
covered by very fine cells called ‘Epithelium’. Dust
particles & germs from air & food are deposited on them
and if these germs are allowed to stay there for long
periods they multiply and can cause infections
During wudu gargling is taking the water to the back of
the throat - Not just the mouth cavity! & rinsing it well
One can use his/her fingers or if available a miswak or
brush to further rub and clean the teeth & remove food
particles sticking in between the teeth

Gums & Teeth
Miswaak:
Gum infections
Dental Carries
Bacterial Endocarditis
Digestion
Trace Elements
Prophet (PBUH) said:
“If I had not found it hard for my followers or the
people, I would have ordered them to clean
their teeth with Miswaak for every prayer."


“The most important finding in our study is
that the 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 and it would have obvious
economic benefits”.

(Recent study by Kazunari Satomura, M.D., Ph.D., Professor
of Medicine and Epidemiology at Kyoto University, Japan)

It has also been observed that regular
Namazis who do proper gargles with
every wudu, instead of the simple ‘Kuli”
(that most of us do) have about 50% less
chances of catching viral or bacterial
throat & respiratory infections like Flu.
When we gargle water comes in contact
with the throat lining and thus washes it
of all foreign particles & germs


Effect on Tongue – Mouth Washing
15 gargles / day (5 x 3 times) ensure that
no foreign particles like food, germs, etc
remain stuck in the ridges of the tongue
This improves sense of taste
Also reduces “Bad Breath”


Figures below show the parts involved in TASTE sensation. Whenever we eat or
drink something it comes in contact with very fine taste buds on the tongue. A very
minute residual amount of the food that passes on into the stomach can remain
stuck in the folds of the ‘Papillae’. Regular mouth washing with vigorous movement
of water inside the mouth cavity such stuck particles are dislodged thus
maintaining better taste perception.


Nose Cleaning

Air passage way
Dust / Germs / Allergens /
Contaminants
Moist & humid mucosal
surface – Hair / Sticky
Accumulate & multiply over
hours
Post Nasal Drip: Pass
down into the throat

Air that we inhale contains many
suspended dust particles &
germs
Allah has bestowed us with a
very effective filter (nose hair)
that removes and stop the entry
of germs into the lungs
Gradually over hours these
germs get accumulated in &
around the nasal hair
If not removed by blowing and
washing the nose they would
cause infections like Flu,
Sinusitis, Chest infections, etc.

During wudu water must
reach the upper bony part –
Not just the front portion
The little finger of left hand is
used to dislodge sticking
particles


This figure is
meant to show that
highly refined and
microscopic
processes take
place on the
mucosal surface of
the nose. These
sensitive process
are disrupted by
accumulation of
dust & germs


Study to prove that nose cleaning helps in reducing the
presence of germs in the nasal cavity

Study at Alexandria University (Egypt) on decreased presence of germs
in nose through regular Nasal Irrigation:

Practicing prayers with irrigation of their noses: 9.5% <0.025
Practicing prayers but without nasal irrigation: 42.5% <0.025
Not practicing prayers (not doing nasal irrigation): 47% <0.025

(in red is the percentage of persons in whom germs were present in the nose)

Conclusion: Ablution before praying has an
important significance in decreasing and minimizing
the skin flora (germs) especially in the nasal area.
(Saudi Medical Journal 2001; Vol. 22 (12): 1136)

American Study of 211 patients with
different inflammatory conditions in the nose
including allergies:
Patients who used nasal irrigation for the
treatment of sino-nasal disease experienced
statistically significant improvements in 23 of
the 30 nasal symptoms queried.

(Ref.: Tomooka L. et al. (2000) Clinical Study and Literature Review of Nasal
Irrigation. The Laryngoscope 110:1189-1193)


Significant improvement of the conditions
in the nasal passages and improvement of
the general quality of life of patients with
chronic sinusitis, as a result of cleansing
the nose with water regularly.
Nasal Douching as a Valuable Adjunct in the Management
of Chronic Rhino Sinusitis.
Taccariello et al. (1999, Rhinology J. 37:29-32)


Nasal Irrigation Benefits
Clear out sticky, persistent mucus and help reduce nasal
congestion.
Cleanse and rid the sinus cavities of allergens, irritants,
and contaminants.
Treat chronic sinusitis.
Treat allergic rhinitis.
Prevent common colds and flu.
Relieve nasal dryness.
Improves breathing.
Reduce symptoms like cough of post nasal drip.
Treat acute bacterial rhino-sinusitis
Specially beneficial to people with allergies, asthma,
sinusitis and deviated nasal septum

Face Washing
(without soap)
Do not leave even a space
equal to a hair follicle

Invigorates the facial
skin cells and prevent
early wrinkles.
Promotes good skin and
complexion
Removes oily skin
conditions
Retard acne or pimple
growth

Cleansing
effect on the
inside of the
eyes - prevents
eye infections.
Cures dry skin,
blisters, rashes
and eczema
Stress
reduction /
soothing
effects

Forearms & Elbows
Forearms also remain
exposed during normal
w
daily life & attract germs
flo
wa
t e r / dust
o f
c tio
n
Elbows are kept lower
re
Di
then the hands to ensure
that waste water flows
away from the hands


Ears
Ears are cleaned from both outside
& inside
The movements prescribed for ear
cleaning are very comprehensive
and do not leave any part of the ear
contaminated.
Simple wet hands are used – instead
of pouring water on the ears that may
go into the ear canal – Again notice
this instruction in relation to the level
of knowledge in the medieval ages.
This helps in:
Effectively removing wax –
Regularly done 5 times a day ensures
its minimal accumulation
4/4/2007
Gives a soothing & relaxing feeling
mmrforum.com 52

Figure showing
various parts of the
Ear


“When cotton tipped applicators are used to clean out ear wax, there
is a risk of breaking the ear drum (perforation). Although we realize
that this is commonly done, we recommend against using cotton
tipped applicators, hair pins, and similar devices to clean the
ear. Simple wet fingers are the best mean to clean the ear.”


Neck & Head
Massah (passing wet hands over the back of neck & head)
Neck:
Neck is an exposed area of the body that gathers dust
Massah helps in cleaning, and
Also reduces stress – In fact many Stress Therapists strongly
recommend similar motion to reduce stress
Head:
Fingers are passed through the hair touching the scalp
This motion removes dust
It is a mild massage of the head (helps in stress reduction also)
Prevents or slow down the process of baldness


Feet
Germs accumulate in between
the toes

During the day feet remain bound in the socks & shoes
This can cause infections incl. fungus, Athlete’s foot, etc.
In wudu the feet are washed up to the ankles along with
passing of the fingers of the hands in between the toes
Benefits include:
Eliminates germs & reduces infections
Increased blood circulation
Freshen up the body as a whole also
Specially helpful for diabetics
Reduces formation of warts on the feet


"Do not waste water even if performing
ablution on the bank of a fast-flowing
(large) river."

Washing the various parts of the body requires water – But it
does not mean that water should be wasted. From Ahadith it
is clear that the Prophet (PBUH) always used minimal
amount of water
People usually open the water tap to its full – That results in
water splashing around – It is recommended that the minimal
amount of water be used – Thus fulfilling an important
Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH)

Namaz – Sala’at
In the Qur'an 82 times we have been directed to
offer Namaz
Hadith: 5 benefits:
His daily bread is made easy for him;
he is saved from the punishment of the Qabar;
He will receive the record of his deeds in his right
hand on the Day of Judgment;
He will successfully cross the bridge of Sira’at and
He shall enter Janna'h.


“Seek help with patience and prayer: it is
indeed hard, except to those who are
humble.”
(Qur'an 2: 45)

‫) واﺳﺘﻌﻴﻨﻮا ﺑﺎﻟﺼﺒﺮ واﻟﺼﻼة وإﻧﻬﺎ ﻟﻜﺒﻴﺮة إﻻ ﻋﻠﻰ اﻟﺨﺎﺷﻌﻴﻦ( -اﻟﺒﻘﺮة‬


The picture is
taken by the
NASA Hubble
Space
Telescope of the
"Cat's Eye
Nebula." It is an
exploding star
3,000 light years
away. We see it
now in 1999 /
2000! And the
Qur'an
mentioned it
more than 1400
years ago.

Sala’at: A Great Honor for Us
Greatest Privilege bestowed on us
Standing in front of your Creator
Most important / VVVIP
One to One talk with ALLAH
No better way to spend your time – With
the ONE Who gave you all this time!
Thank ALLAH that He has made you
capable to perform Namaz – Without
Allah’s wish we cannot do any thing!

BENEFITS
An exercise of the mind, body and spirit
- Meeting with Allah -
1. Spiritual
2. Religious
(Sawa’ab)
3. Social
4. Economical
5. Psychological
6. Physical

Prayer Timings – Day ORGANIZER
The prayer timings very effectively ORGANIZE the day.
They are in accordance with the NATURAL daily
routine of life, and the conditions of human body:
Dawn prayer: Man is still inactive as a result of
sleep.
Noon prayer: The zenith of the working day &
vitality.
Afternoon prayer: After man becomes tired of
work.
Sunset prayer: End of the hectic day.
Evening prayer: The time of rest and sleep.


The Sequence of Prayers
Maximum utility of day light
A perfect ‘Time Table’:
Fajar to Zuhar: Prime working time
Zuhar to Asar: Lunch, Siesta
Asar to Maghrib: Work / Time with the family
Maghrib to Asha: Socialization / Dinner and then sleep
early
Reduces exposure to artificial light
In our bodies some hormones are released at
specific times which is called Body’s Biological
Rhythm: Highest secretion of Cortisol (an
important hormone) is from midnight to 6 am in
the morning – Till Fajar time!

CORTISOL Hormone secretion in relation to
the Prayer Timings

FAJAR

ZUHAR

ASAR

MAGHRIB
ISHA’A


The Time of ‘FAJAR’
Baad-e-Sabaa (beautiful fresh breeze of the dawn)
This is the time when there is highest levels of
Oxygen in the air – which is very beneficial for
the Lungs
Highest proportion of OZONE gas in the
atmosphere is also at this time - It fades away
until complete disappearance by sunrise.
OZONE Beneficial for the nervous system & energizes the
muscles & skin.
Ahead of time: When we start our day by
waking up at Fajar we are ahead of others and
one can finish a lot of work by the time non-
namazis wake up.

Psychological Benefits
Ultimate satisfaction – Peace of mind!
Mental relaxation
Sense of self-control
Reduced stress & tension
Increased ability to concentrate
Improved appearance
Reduced depression and resistance to get
upset
Better sleep
Increased mental alertness & comprehension
Increased intelligence & learning ability
Enhanced self regard & esteem

Brain rest
One ‘focus’ – Isolated from the World – During
prayers one is cut off from every thing in the
world except his/her Creator
External factors / influences minimized
In every day life there are times when one is
upset or depressed due to so many things
around us. But a Namazi never feels any loss
as he/she is at peace with Allah
Positive approach towards life
Confidence – Allah’s help
What ever the failures of life but a Namazi is
always successful as Allah is happy with him/her


Jama’at (Congregation)
The Prophet (PBUH) said:

"Worship in the congregation is more excellent
than Worship alone, by twenty seven degrees.“
(Bukhari & Muslim)

"My heart desires that I should command some
young men to gather a lot of fuel (firewood), and
then I may go to those who pray in their homes
without an excuse, and burn their houses."
(Muslim)

Benefits of Jama’at
A Social gathering
Regular interaction with other members of the
community
God fearing & righteous people unite
Friendly and caring atmosphere
Suppresses introvert tendencies
Get to know the community / neighborhood
Companionship with like minded people
Walk to the Masjid – A regular exercise

Narrated Abu Huraira, the Prophet (PBUH)
said,
" ………… if one performs ablution and does it
perfectly, and then proceeds to the mosque
with the sole intention of praying, then for
each step which he takes towards the
mosque, Allah upgrades him a degree in
reward and forgives one sin till he enters the
mosque…….”
(Sahih Bukhari)


Physical Benefits
1. A haemo-dynamic exercise
2. Improved co-ordination, circulation, posture, balance and
well-being.
Burning off calories and losing weight
Maintaining muscle tone and body composition
Joint flexibility and reduces arthritis
Makes the back bone strong, prevents Sciatica
Increases metabolic rate
Improves blood circulation
Improves heart and lung function and aerobic capacity
Decreases heart disease risk
Reduces incidence of brain hemorrhage & stroke
Retard the loss of bone mass in the elderly
(osteoporosis)
Retard the aging process

Postures
Salaat has six postures, and they all have
a strong relationship with:
Spiritual, and
Mental & physical well being.
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.


Figure shows
the muscles of
the body – All of
them are used
in prayers


Each prayer positions - Corresponding
yoga position, and the positions together
“activate” all seven “chakras” (energy
fields) in the body – as per Yoga practices
Eastern healers: Each of the chakras
correlate to major nerve ganglia that
branch forth from the spinal column.
Important to perfectly & precisely perform
all the movements, rather haphazardly
rushing through them.

Islamic Yoga
Muslim prayers can be called Islamic Yoga as
through them the same benefits can be availed
that the Yoga practitioners recommend through
regular practice of Yoga.
Yoga consists of a number of “asnas” or body
positions, which one retains for a desired length
of time while either reciting “mantras” or
breathing in a rhythmic manner. Its benefits have
been researched by many doctors who now
recommend it to their patients, by even medical
schools like Harvard.

Physical Movements
Various movements some of them we
normally do not make otherwise during
our day-to-day life.
Movements are mild, uniform, and
involve all muscles & joints.
During Sala’at muscles in the body
contract both isotonically & isometrically.
Blood flow is increased to the muscles
Muscle tone is also increased.

STANDING (Qiya’m)
Start of conversation
with Allah
Static Posture – A
posture of respect &
peace
Extreme humility –
Its Allah you are
standing in front of –
The most powerful &
creator of all

During Qiya’m one stands straight & still for
almost one minute while reciting Surah Fateha &
one another surah.
This ‘still’ posture pools the blood in the lower
part of the body
Feet have to straight facing the ‘Qibla’ (many
people put their feet so that they are directed to the sides).
Straight feet allow the veins to remain upright
without any bend.
Legs muscles are taut – Without any no bend
at the knees
Eyes focused at the point where forehead is
placed in Sajdah – Ideal to reduce stress

Blood pooling in
the leg veins

Right hand holds
the left wrist putting
a little pressure on
this point on the
Radial Artery

RUK’U
Forward bending movement of the
vertebral column , especially at
the lumbar joint, supported by two
straight hands grasping the two
hyper-extended knees.
After a few seconds (10-20)
reverts to upright posture until the
vertebral column is vertical again.


RUKU IN SIDNEY
This is a recently discovered tree in a forest near Sidney. As
you can see, the bottom half of the tree trunk is bowed in such
a way that it resembles a person in the posture of 'Ruku'.
You can see the 'hands' resting on the knees. The most
amazing thing is that the 'man' is directly facing the Holy
Kaa’ba in Mecca.


Even in the picture
you can see that the
back is completely
straight and arms
hyper extended
clasping the
knees – We can
learn how to do a
proper Ruk’u from
this tree in Australia


Sitting: Back Problems
Sitting more than half the time at work is
associated with herniated discs and sciatic nerve
pain in those older than 35. (Kelsey, 1975).
People in seated occupations (office workers
and commercial drivers) have a greater
frequency of lower back pain/sciatic pain. (Aaras
AH, Horgen G, Ro O).
Workers who sit in fixed postures experience
more discomfort and chronic disorders such as
sciatic pain (Graf et al, 1995) and movement reduces
these risks. (Aaras et al. 1997).

Ruk’u Stretches the
backbone.
Thus reducing chances of
developing back ache and
other vertebral diseases.
People who do Ruk’u
correctly have far lesser
chances of developing
backache

Brings pressure to
shoulder, elbow, wrist,
knee & ankle joints.


No Movement starves your discs!
Squeeze/expand cycles
After 5 years of age, there is no direct blood supply to
the jelly like nucleus of the inter-vertebral discs

Diagram: Unloaded Diagram: Loaded
disc filling with nutrient Disc emptying of
rich fluid. waste laden fluid.

Stretches muscles of the neck, back, thighs, legs and calves
Tones the muscles of the abdomen & prevents flabbiness.
Pressure on abdominal muscles: Increases intestine
movement to push forward its residual contents thus
preventing constipation and promoting gut motility and
absorption capacity

Zero degree flexion 60 degree flexion

Kidneys
While properly bending with the back & elbows
straight there is a squeezing pressure (just like
pressing a sponge to release water) on the kidneys
by the muscles of the back & abdominal wall that
results in:
Variation in blood flow
Mechanical pressure on the excreta forcing it into the
ureters and bladder
On standing back the pressure is suddenly
relieved and the kidneys assume there normal
blood flow
Thus in the process of Ruk’u Kidneys undergo a
sort of massage.

Stretches the muscles of leg:
Pumping of blood from the
calves to upper torso -
particularly to the lungs,
abdominal organs, head, eyes,
ears, nose & brain.
Over time improves brain
function – Increased blood
supply.
Excellent stance to maintain
proper position of the fetus in
pregnant women.

The Prophet (SAW) used to make his Rukoo, his
standing after Rukoo, his sujood, and his
sitting in between the two sajdahs, nearly
equal in length.
(Sahih Bukhari and Muslim)

The Prophet (SAW) said, "O assembly of Muslims!
Verily, the prayer is not valid of the one who
does not settle his spine in Rukoo and Sujud."
(Sahih Ibn Abi Shaibah, Ibn e Maajah and Ahmad)

The Prophet (SAW) said, "…then rise from
bowing till you stand straight…"
(Sahih Bukhari)

Proper Ruk’u – Body Parts
Back: straight & extended forwards. You will feel
that the muscles of the abdominal wall become
taut while bending like this.
Arms: Hyper extended and straight without any
bend at the elbows and holding the knees firmly
Legs / Knees: Straight without any bend
Head: Should be at level of the back – Not too
low or high
Eyes: Focused at the ankles

Sajdah
The Prophet (SAW) said:
"I have been ordered to prostrate on seven
bones: on the forehead ... and he indicated
by moving his hand around the nose, ... the
hands, the knees and the toes, and not to
tuck up the garments and hair."

Man is nearest to Allah in sajdah
Sajdah is complete submission
4/4/2007 before Allah mmrforum.com 96

Important Points of Correct
Sajdah

Gently the tip of the nose should touch the ground first
followed by the forehead – Similarly when coming out of
Sajdah one should lift the nose first and then the forehead
Forearms should not touch the ground
Back should be bent smoothly without any bump
Hands in direction of Kaba’a with the fingers approximated
together
Eyes focused towards the tip of the nose
Lips should never touch the ground during Sajdah
Women: Slight difference – Elbows closer together and
touching the ground – to ensure modesty


Sajdah has positive effects on:
Brain
Lungs
Muscles
Various joints, and
Backbone – Vertebral Column

Sajdah has a great psychological advantage. It
gives relief to the person concerned as life is full of
worries and in this position he gets at least a
transient refuge from the agonizing problems.


BRAIN
This is the only position in which brain (or head) becomes lower than the
heart resulting in gushing of blood towards the brain. Also note that in all
other positions (even when lying on bed) brain is above the heart which
has to work against gravity to send blood to the brain.

Sajdah increases this blood flow to the Brain through the two Carotid
Arteries


Brain consumes 20% of the oxygen we inhale and one
fifth of the blood pumped by the heart.
Brain is responsible for all your functions, movements &
processing information gathered by the five senses:
taste, feel, smell, hear and see.
Blockages of blood flow to the brain result in tiredness,
lack of clarity and stroke.
In sajdah increased blood flow forcibly flushes the
brain cells, replenishing oxygen supply & nutrients to
the brain.
Blood flow to the pituitary and pineal glands in the
brain is also increased. These two glands monitor the
functioning of all glands in the body and play key roles
in metabolism, growth, health and vitality.


Blood Flow to Brain

Head - Lowest part
Gravity: Increased blood flow
Increased flow in the carotid arteries.
Regular Namazis have increased flow (10-15
seconds) - on a regular basis:
Increases the tensile strength and diameter of the
brain arteries
More resistant to hemorrhages due to high BP, and
Reduces clot impaction owing to the increased
diameter of blood vessels.
Less incidence of headaches

More Research Needed
The effects of Sajdah on blood flow to the
brain needs to be studied in more detail.
There is equipment available in the world
that can show us the processes that take
place in the brain while a person is in
Sajdah.
We request Muslims around the world to
support such research in order to
highlight the truth of Islam.

You must have noticed that
Namazis cough and clear throats Lungs
immediately after coming out of
Sajdah
There are hair like cilia in the
lungs that propel the mucus and
phlegm out of the lungs
In Sajdah their efficiency
increases many folds through
gravity by turning the lungs almost
upside down.
Repeated many times (minimum
34 Sajdahs/d) - Small increment
translates into a substantial
amount of sputum cleared.

Chest Physiotherapy
Present day Chest specialists recommend
the Sajdah position for chest
physiotherapy to people who are suffering
from diseases like Chronic Bronchitis &
other chronic lung conditions
But our Sajdah is a natural & excellent
way to do Chest Physiotherapy: 40
sessions (17+3)


The pattern of air tubes in the lungs of all human beings. The air
pipes are distributed in the shape of "La Ilaha Illallahu Muhammad
ur Rasullah" (There is no deity but Allah and Muhammad (P.B.U.H)
is the Messenger of Allah). (Photo courtesy of Dr. Syed Ashrafuddin, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia)


Bones & Muscles
Backbone
Cervical / Lumbar Spondylosis
The vertebral discs move & intra-spinal
muscles are stretched
Stretches the shoulders, leg muscles and nerves
Increases blood circulation
Hands are stretched out and the forearm as well as arm muscles bear
the weight in the Sajdah position. It gives good exercise to the
muscles of the upper limb. Holy Prophet in a hadith advised not to
put the forearms flatly on the ground but to keep them elevated
above ground (this is better for the forearm and arm muscles).

Backache - Backbone
The unique position of Sajdah
also has positive effects upon
the back muscles as while
going into Sajdah and getting
up from it, the back muscle
contract actively and they
become stronger. So a regular
Namazi usually don’t have
backache.


Neck – Cervical Problems
In Sajdah the neck muscles also get exercise.
They bear the load when the forehead lies at the ground
and make the neck muscles stronger.
There is a tense pressure at the neck muscles in the
position of Sajdah specially during the active motion of
the neck and the facial muscles when the head is being
lifted. (e.g. one inch above the ground).
More strong cervical muscles protect the cervical
vertebras.
Strength of cervical muscles is important as the head
rests upon cervical vertebra supported by cervical
musculature.

Julsa – Tash’ad


The Prophet (SAW) would lengthen it
(sitting between the two sajdahs) until it
was about almost as long as his sajdah.

Squeezing
effect on the
veins / arteries


Muscles & tendons of legs and thighs are stretched
Blood from the legs (500-800 ml) is squeezed towards
the torso thus the central organs like Heart, Brain, Liver,
Lungs get more blood
Relaxing time
2nd Sajdah: Even more blood flow to the brain – As
during ‘Jalsa’ more blood has been pumped towards the
upper torso
There are special prayers to be read during Jalsa –
The way we do Jalsa in which we just come out of
Sajdah and go back immediately there is no benefit –
Even Allah doesn't like it – So if we are praying for Allah
then we must try to please Him by following the exact
procedures – Otherwise its no use except wastage of
time

Sala’m
Sala’m is turning to your side so that the side of your face
can be seen be the person sitting behind.
This complete movement is excellent neck exercise in which:
The cervical vertebras (the neck bones) rotate on each other
Neck muscles (Sterno-Caedo-Mastoid / Trapezius) are stretched
A squeezing & twisting pressure is applied on the carotid artreys and
veins
Bilateral movement of both eyeballs focusing on the shoulders
This is a movement that we don’t normally make during the
day – but only in Namaz (if done properly)


While saying sal’am keep in mind that you
are addressing the Angels on your
shoulders. You can actually talk with
them & request for help.


Eyes
During different postures:
Qayam: place where forehead would rest in saj’dah.
Ru’ku: Ankles
Sajdah: Tip of nose
Tash’ad: Lap
Sal’am: Shoulders
Stress reduction.
Increases concentration.
Brain rest – Single focus.
A good eye exercise (specially focusing on the nose
during Sajdah).
Travel with Allah

ALLAH WRITTEN IN HONEYCOMB
A honeycomb found by a Turkish beekeeper!


The Final Prescriptions
Prescription 1:
“Lahaula wala quwata illa Billah L-Aliyyil-Adhim” 100
times / O.D.
Prescription 2:
Allah, Allah – ‘La ilaha illallah’ - All the free time.
Prescription 3:
Proper Wudu – preferably 24 hrs.
Prescription 4:
5 daily prayers (as per Sunnah-DO NOT BE A THIEF)


It must be noted that the beneficial effects
of Namaz only come with correct & exact
practice of prayers with regularity
If a person does not follow the correct
postures & movements he/she can create
more problems / diseases (specially of
back bone due to inappropriate Ruk’u and
Sajdah)


Points to Remember
Wudu:
Hands: Always wash in between the fingers and rub the
surface & edges of the nails
Mouth Cavity: Gargle atleast once along with the routine
‘Kuli’
Nose: With conscious effort inhale water up to the upper
bony part and then with the little finger of left hand dislodge
any sticking substance
Face: Ensure that water has touched and flowed over the
whole face from below the chin to the top of forehead & up to
both the ears
Arms& Elbows: Wash & rub the whole forearm including the
elbow so that flow of water is towards the end of elbows
Ears & Nape of Neck: Rub wet fingers both on the inside &
outside of the ear
Feet: Always wash in between the toes by crisscrossing the
fingers of your hands in them

Points to Remember
Namaz:
Keep the feet straight towards qibla. Do not place
them at an angle to the legs.
Bend completely straight, with extended arms holding
the knees during Ruk’u. Do not hurry and do it calmly.
Pause a while after coming back from Ruk’u
In Sajdah do not rush – Prolong your Sajdah – Would
you not like to be close to Allah for a longer time?
Pause in jalsa and try to recite the special dua’s of
Jalsa
While making salam ensure that the person sitting
behind you can see the complete sides of your face


It must be reminded that prayer is not meant
to be an exercise. Though there are many
health benefits associated with it.

Other then physical effects, prayers give
complete peace of mind, when the worshipper
accomplishes his duty to Allah by fulfilling the
obligation of Namaz.


Research Projects
There is a need of lot of research on Islamic practices on scientific
grounds. This will not only give us more solitude but also can be an
eye opener for non-Muslims. MMRF has planned to take up the
following research projects in 2007:
Memory Comparison: Hafiz – Others
Waist Measurement: Regular Namazis – Non-
Namazi - occasional Namazis
Old Age Eye sight evaluation: Recitors – Non-
Recitors
Flu History of 6 months / 1 yr: Namazis – Non-
Namazis
Fasting Blood Chemistry: Before, mid way &
after Ramzan

Prayer
Allah please give us the strength & courage to offer
our prayers in the best possible manner as per the
Sunnah of our Prophet (PBUH).
Please also enable us to live our life as per Qur'an &
Sunnah. Protect us from the punishment of grave
and the fire of hell. Please take us, our parents and
our children to Jann’at. Amen.

May Allah Bless You All !
with the best of health and energy to do good deeds
for your self and the Ummah.

4/4/2007
ALLAH u’ AKBAR
mmrforum.com 122

"We will show them Our signs in all the regions of the
earth and in their own souls until they clearly see that
this is the truth..." (Qur'an 41:53)


A photo from Balakot after the earthquake


Health Benefits of Namaz

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