Originally posted 2024-01-13 20:28:28.

The Islamic form of prayer has provided Muslims for fourteen centuries with some of yoga’s same (and even superior) benefits.

Called “one of the oldest systems of personal development encompassing body, mind, and spirit” by the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, yoga has become one of the fastest-growing health trends today. It has been renowned for centuries for its healing and restorative powers through movement.

Yoga consists of a number of asanas (body positions), which are held for a specific length of time while either reciting mantras or engaging in rhythmic breathing. Its benefits have been widely researched by medical professionals, endorsed by institutions like Harvard Medical School, and supported by organizations such as the Menninger Foundation.

In fact, yoga has become so mainstream that simplified seated versions have been developed for office workers, allowing secretaries and desk-bound employees to practice it during work hours. There are also adapted forms for the elderly, pregnant women, and athletes.

Interestingly, for the millions enrolled in yoga classes, the Islamic prayer (salah)—practiced for over fourteen centuries—offers many of yoga’s same (and in some cases, superior) physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. This “divine form of yoga” provides comprehensive well-being five times a day, as Muslims engage in specific positions while reciting Qur’anic verses and adhkar (remembrances of Allah).

Of course, not all yoga poses are found in Islamic prayer. However, medical researchers have shown that even simplified versions of yoga, such as the five to seven positions commonly used in programs like those at Spaulding Rehabilitation Center in Massachusetts, can yield significant benefits.

Islamic prayer includes five main positions. Modern scientific research indicates that each of these—along with their corresponding recitations—contribute to improved spiritual and mental well-being. The benefits arise from correctly executing each position, maintaining it for an appropriate duration, and reciting with accuracy and presence.

Each prayer position correlates with a similar yoga pose and collectively activates all seven chakras—energy centers recognized in Eastern healing traditions. While the term “chakra” may sound unfamiliar in Islamic terminology, the concept becomes clearer when translated into the language of nerve centers or energy pathways.

Eastern healers believe that chakras correspond to major nerve ganglia extending from the spinal cord. Activating these centers can be compared to receiving a chiropractic adjustment or applying neurostimulating therapy to improve physical function.

To understand this in layman’s terms, consider how the sense of touch operates. When you touch a body part, it becomes more “awake” or aware. Nearby areas connected via the same nerve pathway may also respond. Similarly, chakras are believed to become “aware” or activated through focused attention, touch, or movement.

Studies show that when certain body parts are activated—whether through touch, movement, or thought—they can trigger specific emotional and physiological responses. Just as smiling can lift your mood and improve circulation, performing prayer movements attentively can lead to both psychological and physical healing. This underscores the importance of performing prayer deliberately and not rushing through it.

Prayer Movements and Their Correspondence to Yoga and Chakra Activation

• Takbir and Qiyam (Standing): Similar to the Mountain Pose in yoga, these improve posture, balance, and self-awareness. They also normalize blood pressure and breathing, benefiting asthma and heart patients. Placing the hands on the chest is said to stimulate the solar plexus chakra, associated with self-awareness, digestive organs, skin, and muscular health. When hands are raised in supplication (du‘a), they stimulate the heart chakra, believed to govern love, peace, and immune function.

• Recitation of the Qur’an: Muslim researchers report that reciting the Qur’an releases emotional burdens, reduces stress and blood pressure, and balances the body through the unique phonetics of the Arabic language. Some sounds, such as long vowels like A, E, and U, have been linked (in eurhythmy studies by Rudolph Steiner) to stimulation of glands like the thyroid, pituitary, and pineal glands.

• Ruku‘ (Bowing): Corresponding to the Forward Bend Pose, this position stretches the back, thighs, and calves, and directs blood to the upper body. It strengthens the core and benefits the kidneys and digestive system. Ruku‘ also promotes mental clarity and enhances fetal positioning during pregnancy.

• Sujud (Prostration): This deep pose is said to activate both the crown chakra—linked to spiritual consciousness and brain health—and the base chakra, which governs survival instincts, grounding, and the skeletal and adrenal systems. It also engages the sacral chakra, supporting reproductive health and motivation.

• Julus (Sitting): Similar to the Thunderbolt Pose, this position strengthens the legs and knees, supports digestion, and aids detoxification. It is especially helpful for those prone to oversleeping or fatigue.

• Tasleem (Turning the Head): Concludes the prayer and activates the throat chakra, responsible for communication, creativity, and the health of the neck, arms, and bronchial system.

Conclusion

It is believed that activating all seven chakras—or major nerve centers—at least once daily promotes emotional, physical, and spiritual balance. This aligns with the holistic goals of Islamic worship. As such, Muslims are encouraged to perfect their prayer in both form and intention, following the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This includes attentiveness in posture, recitation, and breathing—principles shared with yoga, Tai Chi, and other wellness practices.

By deepening our understanding and mindfulness during salah, we can unlock the profound benefits embedded in every movement, word, and moment of connection with our Creator.

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Source: onislam.net.