Salah is not only the primary commandment of Allah but also acts as a renewal of relationship

between the believer and Allah. Observance of Salah is the concrete expression of

thankfulness and appreciation to our Creator and Sustainer. And thereby we derive spiritual

benefits.

In addition to spiritual benefits, emotional and physical benefits are also derived from Salah.

Muslims perform 5 daily prayers regularly every day. This results in moderate physical exercise

of every muscle in the body.

We can now have a glimpse in the benefits of Salah in the light of recent discoveries.

It is a well known fact that exercise improves mood, thought and behaviour.  The gentle

exercise performed in Salah improves physical fitness and emotional well being,

reducing anxiety and depression.

The energy spent in performing Salah is less, while that spent during other exercises is 500-

700 calories. So a person feels tired after the hectic exercise, whereas the gentle exercise in

Salah enhances endurance and diminishes tiredness.

Salah improves respiratory efficiency; and circulation in the capillaries surrounding the alveoli

(or air sacs) in lungs is increased. This brings about enhanced gas exchange and deeper

breathing. This increase in the consumption of oxygen makes the believer feel better.

Repeated and regular movements of the body during Salah increase the muscle strength and

tendon power. They improve lubrication of joints and movements maintain flexibility.

It is well known that exercise prevents coronary heart disease, increases maximum oxygen

intake, slows down the heart beat, and lowers the blood pressure.

It has been found by a Harvard University researcher, Dr. Herbert Bensen, that constant

repetition of the verses from the glorious Quran or zikr of Allah (swt) can help to screen the

mind from incoming thoughts; coupled with muscular activity with passive disregard to

intensive thoughts causes a 'relaxation response' that leads to the lowering of blood pressure,

decrease in the consumption of oxygen, and a reduction in heart and respiratory rates.   The

relaxed and calm state of mind may be partly due to the release of hormones known as beta-

endorphins in the blood being circulated. Beta-endorphins found in the brain is the most potent

of the endorphins and is a powerful analgesic (pain killer) in humans. The Tahajjud Prayer:-

Modern studies show that sleep inhibits the release of thyroid stimulating hormone that helps

to control our metabolism and indirectly our energy; whereas staying awake through the night

boosts it.  This scientific research is incomplete in accordance with the habit of prophet

Mohammad (saws) which was to sleep early and wake for tahajjud prayers. The sleep-wake

cycle of the pineal gland (endocrine gland]) becomes disrupted by the use of artificial light

which has its physical and pschychological effects on our body. Once day light ends, the pineal

gland goes into increased production of melatonin. By extending light artificially we impede its

production. In indian tradition, the pineal gland is the seat of consciousness.  The pituitary and

pineal glands work together through relaxation and meditation which our prophet Mohammad

(saws) practised much before revelation. Flashes of intuition occur with increased practice,

raising consciousness from an emotional nature to awareness. This can be experienced to fully

realise the benefits of salah. Make a crucial decision today to derive spiritual, 

emotional, mental and physical benefits of salah!",1] Harvard University researcher, Dr.

Herbert Bensen, that constant recitation of the verses from the glorious Qur’an or

remembrance of Allah can help screen the mind from incoming thoughts; as muscular activity

with passive disregard to intensive thoughts causes a ‘relaxation response’ that leads to the

lowering of blood pressure, decrease in the consumption of oxygen, and a reduction in heart

and respiratory rates. 

The relaxed and calm state of mind may be partly due to the release of hormones known as

beta-endorphins in the blood being circulated. Beta-endorphins found in the brain GI is the

most potent of the endorphins and is a powerful analgesic (pain killer) in humans.

THE TAHAJJUD PRAYER

Modern studies show that sleep inhibits the release of thyroid stimulating hormone that helps

to control our metabolism and indirectly our energy; whereas staying awake throughout the

night boosts it.  This scientific research is incomplete in accordance with the practice of

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be with him) to sleep early and wake up for

Tahajjud prayers.

The sleep-wake cycle of the pineal gland (endocrine gland) becomes disrupted by the use of

artificial light which has its physical and psychological effects on our body. Once day light

ends, the pineal gland goes into increased production of melatonin. By extending light

artificially we impede its production.

In Indian tradition, the pineal gland is the seat of consciousness.  The pituitary and pineal

glands work together through relaxation and meditation which Prophet Muhammad (peace and

blessings of Allah be with him) practised much before revelation.

Flashes of intuition occur with increased practice, raising consciousness from an emotional

nature to awareness.

This can be experienced to fully realise the benefits of Salah. Let us make a crucial decision

today to derive spiritual, emotional, mental and physical benefits of Salah!