Eman Sakina

Namaz (Salat) is one of the five most important pillars of Islam that needs to perform five times a day. Salah is an Arabic word that means “worship,” and it’s obligatory for every Muslim. Salah is a practical sign of obedience to the commands of Allah Almighty, the proof of our faith in Allah and the religion of Islam. Salah is a source of direct communication with Almighty Allah. Moreover, it also refrains a person from evil deeds and bad habits.

There are five daily prayers Fajr, Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha which a believer must perform daily at specified times. The ritual prayers prescribed by Islam are to be offered five times a day.

Salat al-Fajr: dawn, before sunrise

Salat al-Zuhr: midday, after the sun passes its highest

Salat al- ‘Asr: the late part of the afternoon

Salat al-Maghrib: just after sunset

Salat al- ‘Isha: between sunset and midnight

An offering of Namaz five times during the day and night cleanses us of sins in a similar way as washing multiple times during the day and night makes our body clean of all rottenness and soil.

Allah stated in the Holy Quran about the Salah in these words: “O you who believe! Seek help in patience and As-Salat (the prayer). Truly! Allah is with As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.).” (Quran, 2:153)

The benefits of Salah do not end with the spiritual domain but in fact, enclose the physical domain as well. Science has enabled people to see the physical benefits of Salah as well due to which Muslims can also offer Salat to keep them physically healthy.

Ablution is compulsory before starting the prayer. So firstly, we will start with the Wudu (ablution). Wudu cleanses the body. Staying in a constant state of cleanliness leads to healthier skin and overall hygiene.

A Muslim man praying at Jama Masjid in downtown Srinagar

Namaz improves body posture. Improper body posture is one of the most common things for which people search for treatment. An improper posture can occur because of various reasons dealing with the way a person walks or the kind of work he or she does.

The forward bending Rukuh position is best for a person’s lower vertebrate. It relaxes the lower back, hip pain, knee pain, ankle pain, and Toe pain. Ruku position helps maintain the flexibility of shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles.

The Sajadah posture of Salat can help a great deal in controlling the belly from expanding and accumulating fats. The knees and both the feet are on the ground while the head goes to the ground in such a way that a refined pressure is put on the abdominal muscle making them strong. This type of exercise is recommended for women who want to hold the fetus in the proper position. Therefore, if you wish to control your abs and make them slim then prayers five times a day is a good exercise for doing so.

Islamic equality shows through prayers. When Muslims offer prayer in the congregation, rich and poor, high, and low, all stand shoulder to shoulder. It is the best scene of mankind’s equality in the religion Islam.

Prayer satisfies our spiritual needs to be in contact with our Creator. This gives the soul peace and pleasure.

Prayer saves Muslims from the Hellfire. The daily five prayers are a source of comfort for Muslims.

Salah keeps us away from harmful things.

Salah strengthens the heart.

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A Muslim must realize that above anything, Salah is an obligation and every Muslim must fulfill this obligation and get blessings from Almighty Allah.