(Namaz as Exercise and its Other Benefits)
Namaz (or Salat in Arabic) is one of the strongest of the 5 pillars of Islam. Allah has mentioned the benefits and importance of Namaz as many as 67 times in the Holy Qur’an. Apart from the spiritual benefits that Namaz offers to the Muslim worshippers, it is also one of the best forms of exercise that one can have on a regular basis daily and 5 times a day. These prayers for muslim are ordered to be compulsorily performed 5 times at various designated times of the day. Many questions arises in the mind of a person who wants to offer namaz for the first time that "What are prayers?" or "how to pray?" or "when to pray?". Below is answer to these questions about prayers. The five times for namaz are:
The benefits of Namaz are immense, and this can be proved by the innumerable benefits offered by only one action in a Namaz, which is the prostration or the Sajda. A worshipper keeps his forehead touched on the ground along with four other parts of the body which makes his Sujood acceptable; these are the touching of the soft bone of the nose, the palms of our hands pressed on the floor with fingers facing the Kaba, the knees on which we rest our body and the toes of our feet bent and pressed on the ground pointing towards the Kaba. We all have been told that this posture increases fresh supply of blood to our brain, which is but only one of the many benefits of Sajda. Scientific observations give the other following gains from it. The latest results are of a scientific study by Dr. Mohamed Diaa El Deen Hamed, Professor of Biological Sciences and Head of Food Radiation Department in Radiation Technology Center. If you are suffering from exhaustion or tension or permanent headache or nervousness and if you are afraid of tumors, so all you have to do is Sujood (plural of Sajda). Sujood frees you from your psychological and nerves illnesses. It is a common knowledge that a human being is exposed to extra waves of radiation and lives, in most cases, in the middle of electromagnetic fields which affects the cells and increase energy. So, as stated by Dr. Diaa, Sujood frees the body from the extra waves that cause many diseases. Any increase in the electromagnetic waves to which the body is exposed, causes disruption in the cells and consequently the human being is infected by what is called the diseases of the era; such as headaches, muscles pain, neck pain, exhaustion in addition to
forgetting things and non concentration. This matter gets worse if the waves are too much and being blocked in the body. In that case, it causes cancer tumors and distortion of fetuses. We have to get rid of these waves out of the body without taking medicines and tranquilizers and their bad side effects. The Solution lies in prostration. There has to be an earthling's connection to free these extra waves and this is to be done by Sujood to Allah Almighty, as we are ordered. This process is done by connecting the forehead to the floor. In Sujood, the negative waves move from the body to the floor which is a negative pole. Consequently, the emptying process happens specially if you done the Sujood by your seven members (forehead, nose, hands, knees and feet). The studies showed that, in order to empty the waves, you have to face the geographical center of the earth, which is scientifically proven to be Mecca. That is what we are all doing in our prayer (facing the Qibla or Kaba). The studies revealed that Mecca is the best direction to free these waves because of facing the centre of the Earth which is effective in freeing the human being from his grieves to feel peacefulness afterwards
Another important observance is the increase in our prayers and additional Namaz or the Taraweeh which is prayed during the month of Ramzan. While we had all these years believed that these additional 20 Rakats were for our spiritual self and gaining manifold the blessings of Allah in the Holy month of Ramzan and from our hearing of the entire Qur’an in the process, which is true, but is also associated with immense medical benefits, about which we had but little knowledge:
· - Muslims observe fasts during Ramzan, which is broken at sunset during Iftaar. We tend to eat high calorie foods in Iftaar to compensate for the lack of food and water for the entire day. As a result the blood sugar level continues to rise from the food ingested. Just before the Iftaar meals, the blood glucose and insulin levels are at their lowest level. After an hour or so after the Iftar meal, the blood glucose begins to rise and also plasma insulin. The liver and the muscles take up the circulating glucose. The blood sugar reaches high levels in an hour or two and the benefits of prayers of Taraweeh come into effect. The circulating glucose is metabolized into carbon dioxide and water during the exercise and the accompanying blood circulation during prayers of Taraweeh. They help in expanding the extra calories and improve flexibility, coordination, reduce stress-related autonomic responses in healthy persons, and relieve anxiety and depression.
Overall the benefits of these islamic prayers are insurmountable as it improves physical fitness, emotional well-being and increase the longevity of the Namazi resulting in betterment in the endurance, stamina, flexibility and strength. It was noted that the five daily prayers produce the same physiological changes without any undesirable side effects as those produced by jogging or walking at about three miles daily. Another major benefit is the prevention of Osteoporosis (weakening of bones and reduction in bone density among the elderly and post-menopausal women). Performing Namaz helps repeated and regular movements of the body, due to which the muscle strength, tendon power, joint, flexibility and the cardiovascular reserve are improved, reducing the chances of Osteoporosis. The repeated movement of joints involves proper circulation of blood and improved lubrication in the joints, thus preventing early onset of Arthritis.
Namaz involves movement and contraction of every muscle of the body in a gentle way, which enhances endurance and diminishes tiredness thus preventing Muscular Atrophy as it increases blood flow in them. Namaz involves increase in Systolic Blood Pressure while reducing the Diastolic Blood Pressure, which improves respiratory efficiency and deep breathing with maximum utilization of Oxygen by the capillaries surrounding the alveoli in the lungs. The overall result is a refreshing feeling by the individual. The benefits are uncountable to be summarized in one article; more of these can be read in details at: http://www.crescentlife.com/spirituality/medical_benefits_of_tarawih.htm
Praying Namaz requires one to be clean in all respects, be it’s the physical self, the surroundings or the intent. No matter how hard a person prays or for how long he lies in prostration (Sajda), unless his intention are clean and motives selfless, the Namaz will not be accepted by Allah. It is required that a person ensures the surrounding is clean and free from sins where he intends to
offer Namaz. The Prophet (SAW) advised that except for the washroom or where one relieves himself and the Kabrastan or the graveyard, Allah has made the whole world as a place of worship for his believers. For men, it is advisable to pray in a Masjid in congregation behind an Imam, as it is 27 times more rewarding than praying alone at home, but for women it is equally rewarding whether she prays alone within the confines of her home or in a congregation in a Masjid. The distinction does not signify that Islam discriminates men from women, as during the times of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), men and women would pray inside a same Masjid in separate lines or separate areas marked specifically for women, behind one Imam, and it is practiced even today in many Masjid's around the world the Haram Sharif or the Kaba and Masjid-e-Nabvi included. Read more details on Women in Mosques in: http://fardinq.blogspot.com/2008/01/sania-mirza-unforced-errors.html
One should ensure before praying that the surroundings are clean and also advisable to lay out a clean piece of cloth called the Jahnamaz or Musalla, on which to pray than on bare ground. Another important requirement in preparation for Namaz is the Wazu or the ablutions which requires one to clean his mouth, nose face, hands, head, neck and feet with running water to purify oneself physically. Running water does not mean wasting of water with taps opened as is observed amongst most of us, but to use a minimum and sufficient amount so as to thoroughly clean the afore mentioned parts. The Prophet has even said that in absence of water one can use air and carry out the actions as normally done in Wazu using water to perform the ablutions or use a clean cloth to wipe ourselves to carry out the Wazu as it was observed for the travelers in the desert in parts of Arabia who did not have enough water.
Namaz is basically to purify oneself, seek forgiveness for the sins we commit intentionally and unintentionally, and pledge not to repeat it. It teaches one to have his feet on the ground and submit to will of the Almighty, before whom all are helpless. Namaz makes us compassionate and believe in the equality of mankind. It gives a message that when the Jamaat (congregation) stands before Allah for observing Namaz, there is no distinction between the prince and the pauper. All will stand alongside each other and pray in a similar way and recite the same verses from the same Holy Qur’an. Namaz makes us disciplined and brings feeling of regularity and gives a direction to our daily life, 5 times a day, if we make it a routine to get up on hearing the Azaan, do the Wazu (ablutions) and head for prayers, either in a congregation or alone, we feel a sense of Time Management in our daily chores. I had this personal experience when during our childhood we would religiously pray the Namaz-e-Maghrib regularly, although we skipped the Namaz-e-Asar. The Asar Azaan marks the beginning of evening and cooling of the environment, and that would mean we could go out to play. The Maghrib Namaz begins immediately after the sunset, and as kids we would go out in the playgrounds in evening and the Azaan for Maghrib prayers would be a call to end our games and head towards home. As in the case of other children, there was no need for my mother to shout at the top of her voice from the house asking us to head back home as it would be getting dark soon. The correcting tone of the microphone by the Muazzin from the nearby Masjid for Azaan would be enough indication for us to wind up. It meant a distinction between the Playtime and Study time interspersed with a few minutes for Allah. The same is the case for other times of Namaz as well for those regular Namazi who prays 5 times without fail. I would recall another incident, where a
non-Muslim friend of mine said the Azaan for the Namaz-e-Fajr was like an alarm clock for his mother who would begin her day, hearing the Azaan, even before the rooster had opened his eyes to justify the nursery rhymes associated with it. Similarly there are innumerable examples of how to pray Namaz brings discipline in our lives.
A research study conducted by Mohammed Faruque Reza, Yuji Urakami and Yukio Mano, concluded that Namaz or Salat has immense benefits providing for psychological, musculoskeletal and cerebral improvements and also as an aid for rehabilitation as physiotherapy resulting in long term health benefits affecting the brain, heart and the body apart from its spiritual benefits. The benefits are irrespective of age, gender and ability of an individual. Read the full report: http://www.kfshrc.edu.sa/annals/223_224/01-185.pdf
Namaz (or Salat in Arabic) is one of the strongest of the 5 pillars of Islam. Allah has mentioned the benefits and importance of Namaz as many as 67 times in the Holy Qur’an. Apart from the spiritual benefits that Namaz offers to the Muslim worshippers, it is also one of the best forms of exercise that one can have on a regular basis daily and 5 times a day. These prayers for muslim are ordered to be compulsorily performed 5 times at various designated times of the day. Many questions arises in the mind of a person who wants to offer namaz for the first time that "What are prayers?" or "how to pray?" or "when to pray?". Below is answer to these questions about prayers. The five times for namaz are:
Fajr : Early morning just before sunrise. It comprises 4 Rakats.
Zuhar: Afternoon paryers post the period of Zawaal (when sun is perpendicular to earth). It comprises 12 Rakats.
Asar: Post afternoon and before Sunset. It comprises 8 Rakats.
Maghrib: Just after Sunset. It comprises 7 Rakats.
Ishaa: Late evening after the Sunset is complete and darkness of the night is complete and the cooling effect of the atmosphere begins. It comprises 17 Rakats
The various times for namaz in a day and the number of Rakats hold specific meaning and the benefits derived out of it. A Rakat is one complete cycle of Standing, Bending, Prostrations and subsequent Sitting or Standing up again in the Namaz. Each posture of the Namaz has a standard defined procedure and recitations that is observed by every Muslim irrespective of where he is residing and to what race he belongs. We follow the methods as taught to us by Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
There is a specific way and various postures in which Namaz has to be performed as guided by Prophet Muhammad (SAW). It is said that earlier times it was compulsorily 50 times in a day when Namaz had to be performed by an individual. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) on the night of Meraj or Shab-e-Meraj or night of prayer ascended to the heavens and requested Allah to reduce the number of times the Namaz to be performed by the Muslims. This was done by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) on advice from all the Prophets earlier to him on the way to heaven. Every time he requested Allah, 5 Namaz’ would be reduced when finally it was fixed to 5 times a day. However as he was returning, Prophet Musa insisted that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) request Allah to reduce the Namaz’ further as he had a bitter experience of his followers not obeying and praying to Almighty as commanded. But Prophet Muhammad (SAW) relented this time, saying that he had immense faith in his followers (Muslims) to submit to the authority of Allah in obedience at least 5 times a day. And the legacy of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is carried on in its original form and as directed by The Prophet (SAW) for the past over 1400 years. The various postures of Namaz, their representation and physical benefits can be seen at http://chishti.org/posture_1.htm
Zuhar: Afternoon paryers post the period of Zawaal (when sun is perpendicular to earth). It comprises 12 Rakats.
Asar: Post afternoon and before Sunset. It comprises 8 Rakats.
Maghrib: Just after Sunset. It comprises 7 Rakats.
Ishaa: Late evening after the Sunset is complete and darkness of the night is complete and the cooling effect of the atmosphere begins. It comprises 17 Rakats
The various times for namaz in a day and the number of Rakats hold specific meaning and the benefits derived out of it. A Rakat is one complete cycle of Standing, Bending, Prostrations and subsequent Sitting or Standing up again in the Namaz. Each posture of the Namaz has a standard defined procedure and recitations that is observed by every Muslim irrespective of where he is residing and to what race he belongs. We follow the methods as taught to us by Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
There is a specific way and various postures in which Namaz has to be performed as guided by Prophet Muhammad (SAW). It is said that earlier times it was compulsorily 50 times in a day when Namaz had to be performed by an individual. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) on the night of Meraj or Shab-e-Meraj or night of prayer ascended to the heavens and requested Allah to reduce the number of times the Namaz to be performed by the Muslims. This was done by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) on advice from all the Prophets earlier to him on the way to heaven. Every time he requested Allah, 5 Namaz’ would be reduced when finally it was fixed to 5 times a day. However as he was returning, Prophet Musa insisted that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) request Allah to reduce the Namaz’ further as he had a bitter experience of his followers not obeying and praying to Almighty as commanded. But Prophet Muhammad (SAW) relented this time, saying that he had immense faith in his followers (Muslims) to submit to the authority of Allah in obedience at least 5 times a day. And the legacy of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is carried on in its original form and as directed by The Prophet (SAW) for the past over 1400 years. The various postures of Namaz, their representation and physical benefits can be seen at http://chishti.org/posture_1.htm The benefits of Namaz are immense, and this can be proved by the innumerable benefits offered by only one action in a Namaz, which is the prostration or the Sajda. A worshipper keeps his forehead touched on the ground along with four other parts of the body which makes his Sujood acceptable; these are the touching of the soft bone of the nose, the palms of our hands pressed on the floor with fingers facing the Kaba, the knees on which we rest our body and the toes of our feet bent and pressed on the ground pointing towards the Kaba. We all have been told that this posture increases fresh supply of blood to our brain, which is but only one of the many benefits of Sajda. Scientific observations give the other following gains from it. The latest results are of a scientific study by Dr. Mohamed Diaa El Deen Hamed, Professor of Biological Sciences and Head of Food Radiation Department in Radiation Technology Center. If you are suffering from exhaustion or tension or permanent headache or nervousness and if you are afraid of tumors, so all you have to do is Sujood (plural of Sajda). Sujood frees you from your psychological and nerves illnesses. It is a common knowledge that a human being is exposed to extra waves of radiation and lives, in most cases, in the middle of electromagnetic fields which affects the cells and increase energy. So, as stated by Dr. Diaa, Sujood frees the body from the extra waves that cause many diseases. Any increase in the electromagnetic waves to which the body is exposed, causes disruption in the cells and consequently the human being is infected by what is called the diseases of the era; such as headaches, muscles pain, neck pain, exhaustion in addition to forgetting things and non concentration. This matter gets worse if the waves are too much and being blocked in the body. In that case, it causes cancer tumors and distortion of fetuses. We have to get rid of these waves out of the body without taking medicines and tranquilizers and their bad side effects. The Solution lies in prostration. There has to be an earthling's connection to free these extra waves and this is to be done by Sujood to Allah Almighty, as we are ordered. This process is done by connecting the forehead to the floor. In Sujood, the negative waves move from the body to the floor which is a negative pole. Consequently, the emptying process happens specially if you done the Sujood by your seven members (forehead, nose, hands, knees and feet). The studies showed that, in order to empty the waves, you have to face the geographical center of the earth, which is scientifically proven to be Mecca. That is what we are all doing in our prayer (facing the Qibla or Kaba). The studies revealed that Mecca is the best direction to free these waves because of facing the centre of the Earth which is effective in freeing the human being from his grieves to feel peacefulness afterwardsAnother important observance is the increase in our prayers and additional Namaz or the Taraweeh which is prayed during the month of Ramzan. While we had all these years believed that these additional 20 Rakats were for our spiritual self and gaining manifold the blessings of Allah in the Holy month of Ramzan and from our hearing of the entire Qur’an in the process, which is true, but is also associated with immense medical benefits, about which we had but little knowledge:
· - Muslims observe fasts during Ramzan, which is broken at sunset during Iftaar. We tend to eat high calorie foods in Iftaar to compensate for the lack of food and water for the entire day. As a result the blood sugar level continues to rise from the food ingested. Just before the Iftaar meals, the blood glucose and insulin levels are at their lowest level. After an hour or so after the Iftar meal, the blood glucose begins to rise and also plasma insulin. The liver and the muscles take up the circulating glucose. The blood sugar reaches high levels in an hour or two and the benefits of prayers of Taraweeh come into effect. The circulating glucose is metabolized into carbon dioxide and water during the exercise and the accompanying blood circulation during prayers of Taraweeh. They help in expanding the extra calories and improve flexibility, coordination, reduce stress-related autonomic responses in healthy persons, and relieve anxiety and depression.Overall the benefits of these islamic prayers are insurmountable as it improves physical fitness, emotional well-being and increase the longevity of the Namazi resulting in betterment in the endurance, stamina, flexibility and strength. It was noted that the five daily prayers produce the same physiological changes without any undesirable side effects as those produced by jogging or walking at about three miles daily. Another major benefit is the prevention of Osteoporosis (weakening of bones and reduction in bone density among the elderly and post-menopausal women). Performing Namaz helps repeated and regular movements of the body, due to which the muscle strength, tendon power, joint, flexibility and the cardiovascular reserve are improved, reducing the chances of Osteoporosis. The repeated movement of joints involves proper circulation of blood and improved lubrication in the joints, thus preventing early onset of Arthritis.
Namaz involves movement and contraction of every muscle of the body in a gentle way, which enhances endurance and diminishes tiredness thus preventing Muscular Atrophy as it increases blood flow in them. Namaz involves increase in Systolic Blood Pressure while reducing the Diastolic Blood Pressure, which improves respiratory efficiency and deep breathing with maximum utilization of Oxygen by the capillaries surrounding the alveoli in the lungs. The overall result is a refreshing feeling by the individual. The benefits are uncountable to be summarized in one article; more of these can be read in details at: http://www.crescentlife.com/spirituality/medical_benefits_of_tarawih.htmPraying Namaz requires one to be clean in all respects, be it’s the physical self, the surroundings or the intent. No matter how hard a person prays or for how long he lies in prostration (Sajda), unless his intention are clean and motives selfless, the Namaz will not be accepted by Allah. It is required that a person ensures the surrounding is clean and free from sins where he intends to
offer Namaz. The Prophet (SAW) advised that except for the washroom or where one relieves himself and the Kabrastan or the graveyard, Allah has made the whole world as a place of worship for his believers. For men, it is advisable to pray in a Masjid in congregation behind an Imam, as it is 27 times more rewarding than praying alone at home, but for women it is equally rewarding whether she prays alone within the confines of her home or in a congregation in a Masjid. The distinction does not signify that Islam discriminates men from women, as during the times of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), men and women would pray inside a same Masjid in separate lines or separate areas marked specifically for women, behind one Imam, and it is practiced even today in many Masjid's around the world the Haram Sharif or the Kaba and Masjid-e-Nabvi included. Read more details on Women in Mosques in: http://fardinq.blogspot.com/2008/01/sania-mirza-unforced-errors.htmlOne should ensure before praying that the surroundings are clean and also advisable to lay out a clean piece of cloth called the Jahnamaz or Musalla, on which to pray than on bare ground. Another important requirement in preparation for Namaz is the Wazu or the ablutions which requires one to clean his mouth, nose face, hands, head, neck and feet with running water to purify oneself physically. Running water does not mean wasting of water with taps opened as is observed amongst most of us, but to use a minimum and sufficient amount so as to thoroughly clean the afore mentioned parts. The Prophet has even said that in absence of water one can use air and carry out the actions as normally done in Wazu using water to perform the ablutions or use a clean cloth to wipe ourselves to carry out the Wazu as it was observed for the travelers in the desert in parts of Arabia who did not have enough water.Namaz is basically to purify oneself, seek forgiveness for the sins we commit intentionally and unintentionally, and pledge not to repeat it. It teaches one to have his feet on the ground and submit to will of the Almighty, before whom all are helpless. Namaz makes us compassionate and believe in the equality of mankind. It gives a message that when the Jamaat (congregation) stands before Allah for observing Namaz, there is no distinction between the prince and the pauper. All will stand alongside each other and pray in a similar way and recite the same verses from the same Holy Qur’an. Namaz makes us disciplined and brings feeling of regularity and gives a direction to our daily life, 5 times a day, if we make it a routine to get up on hearing the Azaan, do the Wazu (ablutions) and head for prayers, either in a congregation or alone, we feel a sense of Time Management in our daily chores. I had this personal experience when during our childhood we would religiously pray the Namaz-e-Maghrib regularly, although we skipped the Namaz-e-Asar. The Asar Azaan marks the beginning of evening and cooling of the environment, and that would mean we could go out to play. The Maghrib Namaz begins immediately after the sunset, and as kids we would go out in the playgrounds in evening and the Azaan for Maghrib prayers would be a call to end our games and head towards home. As in the case of other children, there was no need for my mother to shout at the top of her voice from the house asking us to head back home as it would be getting dark soon. The correcting tone of the microphone by the Muazzin from the nearby Masjid for Azaan would be enough indication for us to wind up. It meant a distinction between the Playtime and Study time interspersed with a few minutes for Allah. The same is the case for other times of Namaz as well for those regular Namazi who prays 5 times without fail. I would recall another incident, where a
non-Muslim friend of mine said the Azaan for the Namaz-e-Fajr was like an alarm clock for his mother who would begin her day, hearing the Azaan, even before the rooster had opened his eyes to justify the nursery rhymes associated with it. Similarly there are innumerable examples of how to pray Namaz brings discipline in our lives.A research study conducted by Mohammed Faruque Reza, Yuji Urakami and Yukio Mano, concluded that Namaz or Salat has immense benefits providing for psychological, musculoskeletal and cerebral improvements and also as an aid for rehabilitation as physiotherapy resulting in long term health benefits affecting the brain, heart and the body apart from its spiritual benefits. The benefits are irrespective of age, gender and ability of an individual. Read the full report: http://www.kfshrc.edu.sa/annals/223_224/01-185.pdf
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