SLIDE SHOW: Interfaith Discussion

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Fajr Iqamah

Medical Benefits of Prostration

Medical Benefits of Prostration

Sajdah (prostration) is a unique position or stance in the regular prayers, which a Muslim is supposed to offer at least five times a day. Although the basic purpose of obligatory prayers is not to provide exercise, yet it is being increasingly recognized that it has plenty of medical advantages for the human body.

The Prophet, mentioned in a Hadeeth (narration) collected by Ibn Majah  that prayer is a cure for many diseases. A person who offers his prayers regularly, especially in the mosque, is protected from many ailments  some of which he many not even know. The position of Sajdah in which the forehead touches the earth is exclusively associated with the Muslim form of prayer. It is the climax of a Muslim's prayer and as mentioned in a Hadeeth as the position in which a Muslim is nearest to Allah The Almighty.

Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported in Saheeh Bukhari that the Messenger of Allah, said: "The nearest a servant comes to his Lord is when he is prostrating himself, so make supplication (in this state)."

Aa`ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, narrates that the Prophet , used to prolong the prostration to such an extent that one could recite fifty verses (of the Quran) before he lifted his head. (Al-Bukhari). 

In another Hadeeth narrated by Anas bin Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, the Prophet , advised Muslims to perform Ruku' (bowing) andSajdah properly. 

In another Hadeeth, he advised to perform Sajdah and bowing calmly and to get up only when the body has come to ease. 

In the supplication for the victory, he also performed a long bowing (Ruku') and Sajdah in the special prayers at the time of the eclipse. Hence, the first positive effect upon a person who prostrates or does Sajdah is that he comes nearest to Allah The Almighty and hence in that condition he can supplicate. This is a great psychological advantage and it gives relief to the person concerned, as life is full of worries and in this position he gets at least a transient refuge and succor.

Effect on muscles

When a person goes to the position of prostration Sajdah his whole body is in an active motion. In this position, the Musalli (the person who offers the prayer) rests his forehead on the ground while his hands are placed at the sides. This brings most of the body muscles, if not all, in active motion and gives them some exercise.

The hands are then stretched out in a manner such that the forearm, as well as arm muscles, bear the weight in the Sajdah position. This is a good exercise for the muscles of the upper limbs. The Prophet, in aHadeeth advised people not to put the forearms flatly on the ground but to keep them elevated above the ground. From the physical point of view, this is better for the forearm and arm muscles.

Effect on blood circulation

Sajdah is a unique position as this is the only position in which brain (or head) becomes lower than the heart, and hence the blood gushes towards the brain with full force, whereas in all other positions (even when lying down) the brain is above the heart when it has to work against gravity to send blood to the brain.

In the position of Sajdah, due to the increased blood supply, the brain receives more nourishment, which has a good effect upon memory, vision, hearing, concentration, psyche and all other cognitive abilities. People who offer their prayers regularly may have stronger willpower and can cope with the difficulties of life in much better ways. They are less vulnerable to headaches, psychological problems and other disorders of the cognitive functions.

Effect on neck muscles

In the unique position of Sajdah, the neck muscles get the best exercise. They have to bear the load when the forehead touches the ground; hence, the neck muscles become stronger. One can note the tense pressure at the neck muscles in the position of Sajdah, especially the active motion of the neck and the facial muscles when the head is lifted. (e.g. one inch above the ground) and it will be observed that they are in a very active state. 

Stronger cervical muscles mean the cervical vertebra will be better protected. The strength of the cervical muscles is important, as the head rests upon cervical vertebra, supported by cervical musculature.

In fact, the head performs rotator movements over the cervical vertebra. In the case of an accident, examination of the cervical (neck) region is especially important to physicians. 

It is uncommon that a person who offers his prayers regularly will get common neck ailments like myalgias or cervical spondylosis because the neck muscles, in particular, become very strong due to the 34 Sajdahs offered daily in five prayers.

Effect on internal organs and muscles

The position of the Sajdah is also said to be a good treatment for the retroversion of the uterus, a disease of women. 

Most of us do not know that the position of Sajdah is an excellent exercise for men. While rising from Sajdah the perineal muscles pull the trunk back to sitting position and they contract actively. Similarly, while getting up from Sajdah, the perennial muscles are again actively mobilized and this gives strengthens the muscles associated with the male reproductive system.

The unique position of Sajdah also has positive effects upon the back muscles as while going into Sajdah and getting up from it the back muscle contract actively and they become stronger. Probably, it is because of this reason that a person who is regular in prayers seldom gets a backache.

After performing Sajdah either the Musalli stands up or he sits to pray. In this position, the person sits calmly while his hands rest on his thighs which are folded backward. This has a soothing effect on one's health and mental condition.

Prophet Muhammad, used to lengthen the position of Ruku' (bending) and Sajdah and advised others to do so, as well. In the light of the above facts, it is appropriate to say that from the medical point of view this advice is a golden rule for health.

In conclusion, we should keep in mind that prayer is not meant to be an exercise. However, there are a lot of medical advantages associated with it. Still, the best blessing is the peace of mind, which a person derives by the accomplishment of his duty to Allah The Almighty by fulfilling an obligation.

source: http://islamweb.net

HUMAN RIGHTS AND JUSTICE IN ISLAM

HUMAN RIGHTS AND JUSTICE IN ISLAM

Islam provides many human rights for the individual.  The following are some of these human rights that Islam protects.

The life and property of all citizens in an Islamic state are considered sacred, whether a person is Muslim or not.  Islam also protects honor.  So, in Islam, insulting others or making fun of them is not allowed.  The Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, said: “Truly your blood, your property, and your honor are inviolable.” Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #1739, and Mosnad Ahmad, #2037.

Racism is not allowed in Islam, for the Quran speaks of human equality in the following terms: “O mankind, We have created you from a male and a female and have made you into nations and tribes for you to know one another.  Truly, the noblest of you with God is the most pious. (A pious person is a believer who abstains from all kinds of sins, performs all good deeds that God commands us to do, and fears and loves God)  Truly, God is All-Knowing, All-Aware.” (Qur'an 49:13)

Islam rejects certain individuals or nations being favored because of their wealth, power, or race.  God created human beings as equals who are to be distinguished from each other only on the basis of their faith and piety.  The Prophet Muhammad said: “O people!  Your God is one and your forefather (Adam) is one.  An Arab is not better than a non-Arab and a non-Arab is not better than an Arab, and a red (i.e. white tinged with red) person is not better than a black person and a black person is not better than a red person, (The colors mentioned in this Prophetic saying are examples.  The meaning is that in Islam no one is better than another because of his color, whether it is white, black, red, or any other color).  except in piety.” Mosnad Ahmad, #22978.

One of the major problems facing mankind today is racism.  The developed world can send a man to the moon but cannot stop man from hating and fighting his fellow man.  Ever since the days of the Prophet Muhammad, Islam has provided a vivid example of how racism can be ended.  The annual pilgrimage (Hajj) to Makkah shows the real Islamic brotherhood of all races and nations, when about two million Muslims from all over the world come to Makkah to perform the pilgrimage.

Islam is a religion of justice.  God has said: “Truly God commands you to give back trusts to those to whom they are due, and when you judge between people, to judge with justice....” (Qur'an 4:58)

And He has said: “...And act justly.  Truly, God loves those who are just.” (Qur'an 49:9) We should even be just with those who we hate, as God has said: “...And let not the hatred of others make you avoid justice.  Be just: that is nearer to piety....” (Qur'an 5:8)

The Prophet Muhammad said: “People, beware of injustice, (i.e. oppressing others, acting unjustly, or doing wrong to others).  for injustice shall be darkness on the Day of Judgment.” Mosnad Ahmad, #5798, and Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #2447. 

And those who have not gotten their rights (i.e. what they have a just claim to) in this life will receive them on the Day of Judgment, as the Prophet said: “On the Day of Judgment, rights will be given to those to whom they are due (and wrongs will be redressed)...” Saheeh Muslim, #2582, and Mosnad Ahmad, #7163.

Registration August 13-2016