Top Ten Books on Research Methodology

¹Prof. Junaidahmed Quazi and  ²Dr. Hasin S. Tadvi

²S. G. PATIL Arts Comm.& Sci. College Sakri

¹Jamia Institute of Technology, Akkalkuwa

Abstract

Salah, the Islamic ritual prayer performed five times daily, is both a spiritual practice and a form of light physical activity. Its prescribed movementsstanding, bowing, prostrating, and sittingengage major muscle groups, enhance joint flexibility, and promote cardiovascular regulation. Beyond musculoskeletal benefits, Salah fosters psychological wellbeing through mindfulness, relaxation, and social connectedness. This summary synthesizes recent literature on the biomechanical, cardiovascular, psychological, and rehabilitative impacts of Salah, highlighting its potential role in preventive and integrative healthcare.

Keywords: Salah, Physical Fitness, Exercise, Flexibility, Cardiovascular

Introduction

Salah (also spelled Salat or Namaz) is a central pillar of Islam, practiced by millions worldwide. Traditionally understood as worship, Salah involves rhythmic sequences of posturesQiyam (standing), Ruku (bowing), Sujood (prostration), and Jalsa (sitting)accompanied by Quranic recitations. While primarily spiritual, these movements constitute a structured form of physical activity. Scholars increasingly recognize Salah as a culturally embedded mindbody exercise with measurable health outcomes (ChamsiPasha & ChamsiPasha, 2021).

This review evaluates evidence on Salah’s musculoskeletal and psychological effects, asking:

1. How does Salah influence mobility, flexibility, strength, and joint health?
2. What are its impacts on stress, mood, and quality of life?
3. How do its mechanisms compare to other mindbody practices such as yoga or Tai Chi?

 

 

Biomechanical Benefits

Muscle Activation

Electromyography studies confirm that Salah engages upper and lower limb muscles, including the biceps brachii, triceps brachii, rectus femoris, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius (Osama & Malik, 2019). Bowing and prostration activate gluteal and paraspinal muscles, supporting endurance and postural stability (Jalal et al., 2024).

Flexibility and Joint Mobility

Salah requires repeated hip, knee, ankle, and lumbar flexion, which maintains joint health and reduces stiffness (AlAbdulwahab, 2014). Regular practitioners demonstrate improved spinal mobility and knee function (Yusni et al., 2023).

Balance and Coordination

Dynamic transitions demand proprioceptive control. Comparative studies show better balance, faster reaction times, and reduced fall risk among regular practitioners, particularly older adults (Nazish, 2018; Bashir et al., 2022).

Postural Correction

Routine alignment of the spine during Salah may counteract musculoskeletal imbalances. Lower prevalence of lumbar stiffness and knee osteoarthritis has been reported among practitioners, though lifestyle confounders remain (Osama & Malik, 2019).

Cardiovascular and Metabolic Impacts

Blood Pressure and Heart Rate

Observational studies reveal modest reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure after Salah, especially following prostration (Nazish, 2018). Heart rate variability improves, indicating enhanced autonomic regulation (Jalal et al., 2024).

 

Metabolic Outcomes

Habitual Salah correlates with healthier BMI and lower body fat percentage. Energy expenditure approximates mild to moderate aerobic activity, comparable to brisk walking (Alam et al., 2022).

Circulatory and Immune Benefits

Prayer movements enhance venous return and peripheral circulation, reducing vascular stasis. Some studies report improved immune profiles among congregational practitioners (Alam et al., 2022).

Musculoskeletal and Rehabilitation Applications

Salah can serve as a gentle therapeutic exercise for individuals with osteoarthritis, back pain, or limited mobility. Modified postures allow participation while promoting cartilage health and reducing stiffness (ChamsiPasha & ChamsiPasha, 2021). Preventive benefits include slowing degenerative conditions such as osteoporosis and arthritis (Osama & Malik, 2019).

Psychological and Neurological Benefits

Stress Reduction

Salah induces parasympathetic dominance, lowering physiological arousal and stress (Suseno, 2024). EEG studies show increased alpha and gamma rhythms, markers of relaxation and focus.

Mental Health Outcomes

Practitioners report reduced anxiety, depression, and fatigue, alongside improved attention, memory, and executive function (ChamsiPasha & ChamsiPasha, 2021; Jalal et al., 2024). Emotional stability and resilience are consistently noted (Suseno, 2024).

Autonomic Regulation

Heart rate variability studies confirm systemic relaxation responses, reinforcing Salah’s role in stress resilience (Nazish, 2018).

 

Spiritual and Social Dimensions

Beyond physical and psychological outcomes, Salah strengthens faith, identity, and social connectedness. Congregational prayer fosters belonging and community resilience (Yusni et al., 2023). Integrating spirituality with health underscores its holistic impact.

Comparative Context

Salah shares similarities with yoga and Tai Chi, particularly in mindful movement and balance training. However, its cultural and spiritual framework distinguishes it as a unique intervention (Sayeed et al., 2013). Elderly and sedentary populations benefit significantly, though modifications may be necessary (Jalal et al., 2024).

Limitations

Current research faces methodological challenges:

• Few randomized controlled trials with large samples exist.
• Many studies rely on crosssectional or selfreport data.
• Lifestyle confounders (diet, activity) complicate causal inference.
• Most samples are male and middleaged, limiting generalizability (ChamsiPasha & ChamsiPasha, 2021).

 

Discussion

Salah represents a culturally significant, cost neutral, and nonpharmacological intervention. Its repetitive, mindful movements explain much of its physiological and psychological impact, aligning with theories of relaxation response and attention restoration. For clinicians and educators, Salah offers a culturally sensitive strategy for promoting holistic health in Muslim communities.

 

Conclusion

Evidence confirms Salah’s role in enhancing musculoskeletal mobility, cardiovascular regulation, psychological wellbeing, and spiritual resilience. While primarily a religious practice, its health benefits warrant recognition in preventive and rehabilitative care. Future research should expand demographic diversity and employ rigorous methodologies to strengthen causal claims.

References and bibliography

1.      AlAbdulwahab, S. S. (2014). Physical activity associated with prayer regimes improves dynamic balance. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 26(8), 1237–1240. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.26.1237

2.      Alam, I., Sultan, T., & Siddiqi, M. R. (2022). Improvement in cardiometabolic health and immune modulatory balance after Islamic obligatory Salat practice. Annals of Medicine and Surgery, 79, 104010. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104010

3.      ChamsiPasha, M., & ChamsiPasha, H. (2021). A review of the literature on the health benefits of Salat (Islamic prayer). Medical Journal of Malaysia, 76(1), 93–97. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33510116/

4.      Jalal, A. H., & Noorbhai, H. (2024). Selected morphological, cardiovascular and neuromuscular risk profiles among asymptomatic sedentary men performing Islamic prayer. BMJ open sport & exercise medicine, 10(2), e001928. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2024-001928

5.      Nazish, N. (2018). Muslim PrayerA New Form of Physical Activity. International Journal of Health Sciences and Research, 8(7), 293–302. http://www.ijhsr.org/IJHSR_Vol.8_Issue.7_July2018/43.pdf

6.      Osama, M., & Malik, R. J. (2019). Salat (Muslim prayer) as a therapeutic exercise. Journal of Pakistan Medical Association, 69(3), 399–404. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30890834/

7.      Sayeed, S. A., Prakash, A., & Patil, A. (2013). The Islamic Prayer (Salah/Namaaz) and yoga togetherness in healthcare in general and mental health in particular. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 55(2), 171–174. https://doi.org/10.4103/00195545.111464

8.      Suseno, B. (2024). Muslim Prayer (Salah), and Its Restorative Effect: Psychophysiological Explanation. Asian Journal of Islamic Psychology, 1(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.23917/ajip.v1i1.3702

9.      Yusni, Y., Darmawan, M., & Yulanda, M. (2023). Exploring the Influence of a Single Bout of Tahajjud Prayer on Blood Pressure: A Study in Normotensive Young Men. International Journal of Medical Science and Health Research, 7(8), 55–62.

 

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