Chapter 4 - Islamic Prayer (Salat) and Health

Summary

Salat or prayer in Islam is a holistic act, creating parity between physical and mental health. Prayer in Islam is a collective term for a cycle of movements and acts, including Rak’ah performed by the Ummah or global community of Muslims, at the same times each day, in exactly the same order, in the same language, which is Arabic. Rak’ah unites movement and prayer. If the individual is unwell, confined to bed, or physically impaired, then the expectation is for the individual to perform Rak’ah in a way that causes least harm. The physical movements flex and extend numerous muscles and joints throughout the body, creating a gentle and consistent form of exercise. The act of praying focuses the mind, creating a form of mindfulness because the individual concentrates on Allah to the exclusion of everything else. Regularly undertaking salat exerts spiritual, physical, and cognitive benefits for Muslims. Even though evidence-based research highlights positive benefits, public health interventions in the West frequently fail to use the evidence to enhance physical and mental well-being in Muslim populations.