Let
us examine each shalat movement and its positive health benefits. Shalat
begins with takbiratul ihram, which
has been shown to improve blood and lymph circulation while strengthening arm
muscles. Raising both hands stretches the shoulder muscles, facilitating the
flow of oxygen-rich blood. This movement opens the chest cavity, allowing blood
from the veins in the arms to circulate toward the part of the brain that
regulates bodily balance—sharpening our senses of sight and hearing and helping
to maintain physical equilibrium. Subsequently, placing the hands together in
front of the abdomen or lower chest helps prevent joint-related issues,
particularly in the upper body.
Research
indicates that ruku (bowing) and sujud (prostration) are highly beneficial for
the health of the liver and blood vessels. These postures strengthen muscles
and joints through movement, fortify the spine—preventing it from becoming
stiff or deformed—strengthen the joints in the legs, inhibit fat accumulation,
tone abdominal muscles, and improve digestive function. Back pain is a serious
concern; in France, for instance, 18–20 percent of the population suffers from
bone or back pain. For women specifically, both ruku and sujud offer remarkable
benefits for fertility and the health of the reproductive system.
In
his book Mukjizat Gerakan Shalat (The Miracles of Shalat Movements),
Madyo Wratsongko, MBA, explains that these movements help relax nerves,
activate the body’s sweating and thermoregulatory systems, increase oxygen
supply to the brain, discharge negative electrical charges from the body,
condition the delicate blood vessels in the brain to handle higher pressure,
and open up internal blood vessels (such as the coronary arteries).
The
ruku
posture—performed by placing one's palms on the knees—helps maintain the
flexibility of the spine, which houses the spinal cord (the human central
nervous system) and its associated blood flow. The ruku’
(bowing) posture helps maintain the flexibility of the structures associated
with the sweat gland systems located in the back, waist, thighs, and calves. It
also helps preserve the flexibility of the cervical vertebrae, the nape of the
neck, and the neural pathways related to memory.
The ruku’ position ensures the proper alignment and function of the vertebral column (corpus vertebrae), which serves as the body’s support structure and a central hub for the nervous system. When the heart is positioned level with the brain, blood flow to the midsection of the body is maximized. Resting the hands on the knees helps relax the muscles from the shoulders downward. Furthermore, ruku’ acts as a form of exercise for the urinary tract, which may help prevent prostate-related issues. The flexibility of the neural pathways associated with memory can be maintained by lifting the head as high as possible while keeping the eyes focused on the sujud (prostration) spot. Ruku’ also strengthens the abdominal muscles and aids in digestion.
A
prolonged sujud can help lower high
blood pressure; for optimal results, the sujud should be held for a
sufficient duration. The Prophet taught that one should perform ruku’ with
composure (thuma’ninah), rise to a fully upright standing position,
perform sujud with composure, and then rise to a seated position, also with
composure.
Sujud also maximizes the flow of blood
and oxygen to the brain—as well as to the eyes, ears, neck, shoulders, and
liver. This process is effective in clearing blockages in the blood vessels of
the heart, thereby minimizing the risk of coronary heart disease. It also
facilitates the circulation of lymph fluid toward the neck and underarm areas.
With the heart positioned above the brain, oxygen-rich blood can flow optimally
to the brain, which in turn influences cognitive function. Therefore, perform sujud
with thuma’ninah—do not rush—to ensure that an adequate volume of blood reaches
the brain. Sujud may also help prevent hemorrhoids.
Sujud promotes a healthy brain. When
the head is positioned lower than the buttocks, the blood vessels in the brain
receive an increased supply of blood, as the heart—being in a higher
position—pumps blood more effectively. The oxygen carried by the blood stimulates
the activity of brain cells.
Research
has shown that the act of prostration (sujud) strengthens the bones and
muscles of the thighs, heels, and feet, helping to prevent joint pain, bone
issues, and rheumatism. It also facilitates better blood circulation,
particularly the flow from the upper body toward the lower body. Dr. Faris
Aazuri, an American specialist in neurological and joint disorders, states that
the postures of bowing (ruku') and prostration (sujud) strengthen
the back and increase the flexibility of the muscles and tendons surrounding
it.
According
to Dr. Mushthafa Al-Haffar, prostration also has a beneficial effect on a
woman's uterus. The movement of prostration pushes air from within the abdomen
toward the mouth. Furthermore, prostration serves as an exercise to strengthen
the chest muscles. During prostration, the weight of the upper body is
supported by the arms and palms; this causes the chest muscles—a part of the
body often considered a source of pride for women—to contract. This not only
enhances the shape of the breasts but also improves the function of the mammary
glands within them.
The
act of prostration (sujud) also facilitates childbirth. When the hips
and waist are elevated above the head and chest, the abdominal
muscles—specifically the rectus abdominis and obliquus abdominis externus—undergo
full contraction. This conditions the abdominal organs, enabling more sustained
and forceful pushing—a significant advantage during labor, which requires both
effective breathing techniques and the capacity for sustained exertion.
Stronger, more developed abdominal muscles are also naturally more elastic.
Furthermore, prostration helps return abdominal organs to their proper
anatomical positions and keeps them secured in place.
The
transition between bowing (ruku') and the subsequent standing posture (i'tidal)
serves as an excellent exercise for the digestive system; the digestive organs
within the abdomen are alternately massaged and released, promoting smoother
digestion. As one rises from the bowing position, blood flows back down from
the head, reducing pressure on the base of the brain—the area responsible for
regulating balance. This helps maintain the stability of the body’s
equilibrium-regulating nerves and serves to prevent sudden fainting.
Additionally,
the posture of sitting between two prostrations helps
balance the body’s electrical and neurological systems, while maintaining the
flexibility of the nerves in the inner thighs, the areas behind the knees and
calves, and down to the toes. The iftirosy sitting position—where one rests on
the base of the thigh, which is connected to the sciatic nerve—helps prevent
pain in the hip/thigh region that can otherwise hinder one's ability to walk.
The tawarruk sitting position is particularly beneficial for men, as the heel
applies pressure to the urethra, the prostate gland, and the vas deferens. When
performed correctly, this can help prevent impotence.
The
varying positions of the feet during the iftirosy and tawarruk postures ensure
that all the muscles of the legs are stretched and subsequently relaxed. It is
this harmonious interplay of movement and pressure that preserves the
flexibility and strength of our musculoskeletal system. When sitting, the
muscles in the perineal region contract. The heel of the left foot presses
against and massages this area. This gentle pressure helps improve the
condition of the reproductive organs located there. For women, this is a highly
protected area, as it contains three openings: the vaginal canal, the anus for
the elimination of waste, and the urinary tract.
Finally,
the salam (turning the head)
movement—rotating the head as far as possible to the right and left—induces
relaxation in the muscles around the neck and head, which optimizes blood flow
to the head. This movement helps prevent headaches and maintains the firmness of
the facial skin, effectively serving as a form of relaxation for the face and
neck. Furthermore, it plays an important role in protecting women from
migraines and other types of headaches.
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