The Importance of Salah
Salah or salat is an essential part of every Muslim’s life. It’s one of the five pillars of Islam and is a compulsory form of worship for Muslims.
إِنَّنِي أَنَا اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنَا فَاعْبُدْنِي وَأَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ لِذِكْرِي – 20:14
Verily! I am Allah! La ilaha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I), so worship Me and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat) for My Remembrance
We are all aware of the spiritual benefits of offering prayers and how it brings one close to Allah Almighty however most of us are unaware that there is also a number of physical benefits that can be associated with praying five times a day.
Improved Hygiene
Hygiene, in general, is given huge importance in Islam. Ablution or wudhu is a precondition for each salah meaning that a Muslim who offers their prayers regularly throughout the day will always be in a state of purity and would be extra careful in regards to his personal hygiene including the cleanliness of their clothes. Additionally, the use of miswak before praying is also encouraged which can help maintain oral hygiene.
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا قُمْتُمْ إِلَى الصَّلَاةِ فَاغْسِلُوا وُجُوهَكُمْ وَأَيْدِيَكُمْ إِلَى الْمَرَافِقِ وَامْسَحُوا بِرُءُوسِكُمْ وَأَرْجُلَكُمْ إِلَى الْكَعْبَيْنِ ۚ وَإِن كُنتُمْ جُنُبًا فَاطَّهَّرُوا ۚ وَإِن كُنتُم مَّرْضَىٰ أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ أَوْ جَاءَ أَحَدٌ مِّنكُم مِّنَ الْغَائِطِ أَوْ لَامَسْتُمُ النِّسَاءَ فَلَمْ تَجِدُوا مَاءً فَتَيَمَّمُوا صَعِيدًا طَيِّبًا فَامْسَحُوا بِوُجُوهِكُمْ وَأَيْدِيكُم مِّنْهُ ۚ مَا يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ لِيَجْعَلَ عَلَيْكُم مِّنْ حَرَجٍ وَلَٰكِن يُرِيدُ لِيُطَهِّرَكُمْ وَلِيُتِمَّ نِعْمَتَهُ عَلَيْكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ – 5:6
O you who believe! when you rise up to prayer, wash your faces and your hands as far as the elbows, and wipe your heads and your feet to the ankles; and if you are under an obligation to perform a total ablution, then wash (yourselves) and if you are sick or on a journey, or one of you come from the privy, or you have touched the women, and you cannot find water, betake yourselves to pure earth and wipe your faces and your hands therewith, Allah does not desire to put on you any difficulty, but He wishes to purify you and that He may complete His favor on you, so that you may be grateful
Correct Posture
We are all guilty of having an improper posture and unknowingly this becomes a major cause of problems and ailments especially as we grow old. In Salat the posture is automatically corrected, in the Qiyam an individual stands straight with the feet slightly apart. The body eases at this particular posture. Praying 5 times a day means that an individual subconsciously gets used to such a posture and adopts it in their daily routine solving a number of potential problems.
Enhanced Concentration
A lot of us have the issue of lack of concentration, we find ourselves being distracted really easily. While offering salah however concentration is a must. We can not let our thoughts wander or be distracted instead our whole attention and concentration are at praying. This trains the brain and improves the ability to concentrate.
Regulates Blood Pressure
Abnormal blood pressure has, unfortunately, become a very common problem for people of all ages. The issue often arises because of the irregular flow of blood to certain areas of the body. The Qiyam encourages a normal blood flow whereas the rukuh helps blood flow in the top half of the body and the tashud helps it flow to the bottom half. The result can be a more regulated blood pressure.
Improved Digestion
In the state of julus during salah when the prayer sits on the heel of the foot, it can improve the function of the liver and relax the intestines which eventually leads to improved digestion and bowel movements.
These are just a few of the benefits of salat, the physical benefits do not end here. Additionally, we have spiritual, social, and psychological benefits to praying. Not only does praying fulfill a religious obligation but it truly makes our life and lifestyle better. Make a commitment to yourself to religiously offer the daily prayers. Check out this guide on salat in case of confusion.
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَأَقَامُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتَوُا الزَّكَاةَ لَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ – 2:277
Truly those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), and give Zakat, will have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
May Allah accept our worship and prayers and grant us all paradise.
Also Read:
- Teachings Kids About Islam
- How to Understand the Holy Quran as a Non-Arabic Speaker?
- 10 Islamic Books You Must Read
