The physical benefits of Salah: A wellness routine
Published: 03:03 PM,Mar 01,2025 | EDITED : 07:03 PM,Mar 01,2025
Worshippers attend prayers at London Islamic Cultural Society mosque in London. - Reuters
Salah, the Islamic prayer, is often recognised as a vital spiritual practice, but beyond its spiritual essence, it also serves as a full-body wellness routine!
Research shows that Salah is essentially a fitness and relaxation routine wrapped in a few minutes of devotion. Salah is proof that when Allah commands something, it is ultimately for our own good: body, mind, and soul. How?
One of the biggest perks of Salah is how it strengthens muscles, improves flexibility, and boosts posture. The different prayer movements: standing (Qiyam), bowing (Ruku), prostration (Sujood), and sitting (Juloos) aren't just part of worship; they are like mini stretches and strength exercises.
Standing helps tone leg and core muscles, keeping your posture on point. Bowing stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower back, offering relief to those who spend hours sitting.
The prostration position, where the forehead touches the ground, does not just humble you but also increases blood flow to the brain, possibly making you sharper! And Juloos is your built-in cool-down session, helping maintain joint flexibility and warding off arthritis.
Salah also benefits cardiovascular health. The fluid movement between prayer postures helps improve blood circulation, reducing the risk of hypertension, so in a way, it is like a built-in heart health routine.
Studies have shown that individuals who perform Salah regularly tend to have lower blood pressure and better heart health. The controlled, deliberate movements lower stress levels and promote relaxation; think of it as a meditation session wrapped in movement.
And if you are watching your weight, good news! Research indicates that a person weighing 80 kg burns approximately 80 calories per day through prayer. Plus, the Juloos position aids digestion by keeping things flowing smoothly and reducing acid reflux.
Beyond the physical benefits, Salah improves mental well-being. Research suggests that Salah reduces cortisol (the stress hormone), making you feel more relaxed and at ease. The focus required during prayer enhances brain activity in the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for decision-making, memory, and learning. And if you are struggling with sleep, Salah might just be the remedy. Regular prayer has been linked to better sleep quality, as it encourages relaxation and helps regulate melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep cycles.
Some researchers have even compared Salah to yoga.
Studies published in the Journal of Alternative Medicine have found that many Salah postures resemble yoga poses. Sujood is quite similar to the child’s pose in yoga, which helps increase circulation to the brain and relieve stress. The bowing position offers the same spinal benefits as a forward bend. So if anyone tells you that you need yoga for flexibility, just remind them that Salah has been doing the job for over a thousand years!
What are the key benefits of Salah in short?
Stronger muscles, better flexibility, improved posture, and heart health. It enhances cognitive function by sharpening memory, increasing focus, and reducing stress. The physical movements also help relieve pain, particularly for those with chronic back pain or arthritis.
Plus, Salah supports weight control, digestion, and metabolism while also proving beneficial for stroke recovery and elderly mobility. While Salah is an essential part of Islam, it is also an incredible wellness routine disguised as prayer. By making it a consistent part of daily life, you are nurturing your spiritual side and keeping your body and mind in top shape.
Research shows that Salah is essentially a fitness and relaxation routine wrapped in a few minutes of devotion. Salah is proof that when Allah commands something, it is ultimately for our own good: body, mind, and soul. How?
One of the biggest perks of Salah is how it strengthens muscles, improves flexibility, and boosts posture. The different prayer movements: standing (Qiyam), bowing (Ruku), prostration (Sujood), and sitting (Juloos) aren't just part of worship; they are like mini stretches and strength exercises.
Standing helps tone leg and core muscles, keeping your posture on point. Bowing stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower back, offering relief to those who spend hours sitting.
The prostration position, where the forehead touches the ground, does not just humble you but also increases blood flow to the brain, possibly making you sharper! And Juloos is your built-in cool-down session, helping maintain joint flexibility and warding off arthritis.
Salah also benefits cardiovascular health. The fluid movement between prayer postures helps improve blood circulation, reducing the risk of hypertension, so in a way, it is like a built-in heart health routine.
Studies have shown that individuals who perform Salah regularly tend to have lower blood pressure and better heart health. The controlled, deliberate movements lower stress levels and promote relaxation; think of it as a meditation session wrapped in movement.
And if you are watching your weight, good news! Research indicates that a person weighing 80 kg burns approximately 80 calories per day through prayer. Plus, the Juloos position aids digestion by keeping things flowing smoothly and reducing acid reflux.
Beyond the physical benefits, Salah improves mental well-being. Research suggests that Salah reduces cortisol (the stress hormone), making you feel more relaxed and at ease. The focus required during prayer enhances brain activity in the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for decision-making, memory, and learning. And if you are struggling with sleep, Salah might just be the remedy. Regular prayer has been linked to better sleep quality, as it encourages relaxation and helps regulate melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep cycles.
Some researchers have even compared Salah to yoga.
Studies published in the Journal of Alternative Medicine have found that many Salah postures resemble yoga poses. Sujood is quite similar to the child’s pose in yoga, which helps increase circulation to the brain and relieve stress. The bowing position offers the same spinal benefits as a forward bend. So if anyone tells you that you need yoga for flexibility, just remind them that Salah has been doing the job for over a thousand years!
What are the key benefits of Salah in short?
Stronger muscles, better flexibility, improved posture, and heart health. It enhances cognitive function by sharpening memory, increasing focus, and reducing stress. The physical movements also help relieve pain, particularly for those with chronic back pain or arthritis.
Plus, Salah supports weight control, digestion, and metabolism while also proving beneficial for stroke recovery and elderly mobility. While Salah is an essential part of Islam, it is also an incredible wellness routine disguised as prayer. By making it a consistent part of daily life, you are nurturing your spiritual side and keeping your body and mind in top shape.