10 Amazing Benefits of Salah (Prayer) and Wudu

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Very few people may realize that the proper form of praying and wudu actually have many various health and mental benefits.

1. Science Daily reported from Birmingham University that, “proper movements in Muslim prayer ritual can reduce lower back pain.” Also, “the complex physical movements of the ritual can reduce lower back pain if performed regularly and properly.” We must remember to pray properly as hypocrites pray improperly. “If he does not go through the postures of standing, bowing and prostration calmly then his prayer is like a hen pecking all the seeds spread on the ground.” (The Signs of the Hypocrites : Al Huda Publications)

2. Also, Independent.co.uk reported that, “the kneeling posture, known as sujood, apparently increases the elasticity of joints.” Furthermore, “prayer can eliminate physical stress and anxiety, while there is also research that indicates prayer rituals can be considered an effective clinical treatment of neuro-muskuloskeletal dysfunction.” The paper this research has been based on was titled, “An ergonomic study of body moons during Muslim prayer using digital human Modeling.” This paper was published in the, “International Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering.”

3. Also, what is interesting is that 12 Rakah are said to be equal to 30 minutes of light exercise! (University of Malaya Medical Centre – Cardiology Consultant Specialist Prof Dr Wan Azman Wan Ahmad)

4. Also, in the article [Kamran G. Physical Benefits of (Salah) prayer – Strengthen the faith & fitness. J Nov Physiother Rehabil. 2018; 2: 043-053. DOI: 10.29328/journal.jnpr.1001020] there are many mentions of the healing benefits of Salah. “Each position involves the movement of different parts of the human body in ways that some muscles contract isometrically (same length) and some contract in approximation or isotonically (same tension). The prayer movements would enhance flexibility and general muscular fitness. This results in moderate physical exercise particularly to the large muscle group and encourage health and well-being. Besides being an excellent form of exercise, physical activity breaks the monotony of chores.”

5. Furthermore, “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.”

6. “There is an even distribution of weight through both feet throughout the practice of Qayyam posture. This will ease the balance of the body and lower back brought into a neutral position whilst activating the core muscles at the same me. This position aids to straighten the back and improves posture.” Ruk’u, “strengthens the back, extends the spine and increases the flexibility of hips and hamstrings. It relieve the stiffness at spine, neck, and back and help to improves posture as well as balance and co-ordination.” Tasshahhud, “prevents restricted joint range which is most commonly seen in patients with degenerative knee problems.” Sujood, “allows abdominal muscles contraction to be activated and prevents flabbiness.” “This posture combined with other exercises opens
the lower lumbar facet joints may help to reduce the lower back pain and sciatica can be used to treat spinal stenosis and other degenerative disc diseases.”

7. “Al- Gazal (2006) and Ayad (2008) stated that 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, helps to reduces high blood pressure.” “This surge in blood supply also has a positive effect on memory, concentration, psyche and other cognitive abilities. A study investigated the alpha brain activity during prostration has reported increased amplitude in the parietal and occipital regions suggestive of parasympathec elevation, thus indicating a state of relaxation (Doufesh,2012).”

8. Another amazing thing regarding the health aspects of Islamic prayer is the phenomenon known as “grounding”. This link to prayer is something that was brought to my attention from thedeenshow.com on their video titled, “Amazing Benefits of Prostration in Islam and new science on “Earthing”.” On that videos page it mentions, “people are exposed daily to many different problems. They may also be exposed to many electrostatic charges from the atmosphere. These charges … affect the central nervous systems (CNS) supersaturating it. One has to rid themselves of these extra charges, otherwise, they will have headaches, neck aches, muscle spasms, etc. The best way to get rid of these extra electrostatic charges is by dissipating them and discharging
them from the body. In as much as an electrical appliance is in need of grounding (earthing) by the use of an electric cord, a human being has to “earth” him/herself to the ground as well. By putting, his/her forehead on the ground, because the thinking capacity of the brain is in the forelobe and the topmost portion of the brain, one dissipates the extra electrostatic charges from the brain and the central nervous system to the ground. Therefore, one will receive [peace] of mind and soul. By doing prayer five times a day, with each prayer having several prostrations in it, a person will undoubtedly feel more peace, happiness, and relaxation. This type of approach does not cost money and does not have any side effects. It is very natural. This is the best method for allowing a person to continue to live in peace, harmony, obedience, and happiness for the rest of his/her life.” It is truly amazing that this healing mechanism of grounding/earthing is prescribed to us not only 5 times a day within our prayers but multiple mes during each sujood.

Here is the video mentioned:

9. As far as wudu goes, it is beneficial to increase the circulation in many different parts of your body. It also helps to keep your body clean and refreshed.

10. It has also been said that washing the ears and nose can help prevent them from accumulating harmful bacteria that can make you sick.

Our Creator truly designed us in the best of ways and shows us the perfect way to live!

Here is a video with more information on this amazing subject.