HEALTH AND PHYSICAL BENEFITS OF RELIGIOUS PRACTICES: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF MUSLIM PRAYER (SALAT)

Abstract

Salat is the major act of worship in Islam, prescribed as obligatory practice observed five times daily. It involves movements in forms of positions and postures, some of which could be similar to movements and exercises, prescribed in yoga, and physiotherapy for the wellbeing of humans. This research was aimed at analyzing the postures taken at prayers during individual and congregational Salat to identify similarities to the ergonomically and medically prescribed exercises and physiotherapy for the wellbeing of practitioners. The research employed qualitative methods where interviews, surveys and observational studies were carried out. Findings showed that the number of postures observed in five daily prayers was 145. Worshippers made short recitations while standing, but moderate reading of supplications of Ruku’ and Sujud. Observations of the congregational Salat showed that 8 to 10 minutes were spent in a prayer of four units, falling within the category of moderate time spent in prayers. Thus, Salat postures and positions have physiological, psychological and therapeutic benefits. They help increase blood circulation in the body, treat certain body pains, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and depression. Though the health and physical benefits of Salat could be experienced by all worshippers, it is highly likely that worshippers who spent more time in prayers would benefit from the postures and positions more than those who spent short time in them.