International Journal of Health Sciences and Research

www.ijhsr.org ISSN: 2249-9571

Review Article

Muslim Prayer- A New Form of Physical Activity: A

Narrative Review
Dr Nabeela Nazish1, Dr Nidhi Kalra2
1
Assistant Professor, Dr. B .R. Ambedkar Medical College, Bengaluru, Pincode-560043
2
Assistant professor, BCIP, New Delhi.
Corresponding Author: Dr Nabeela Nazish

ABSTRACT

Aims and objectives: This review aims to discuss the relationship of Muslim Prayer with regular
physical activity and its various medical benefits along with spiritual benefits.
Methodology: For the present article, a literature search was performed using Google Scholar,
Pubmed and Cochrane data base using the key words. Articles were searched and reviewed using the
narrative approach.
Outcome & Conclusion: There are numerous physical and physiological benefits of Salat because
almost all the muscles of the body and joints are exercised during Salat. Different studies prove the
medical benefits along with spiritual benefits of Salat. So Salat can be considered as a new form of
physical activity due to its multiple dimension positive effect on overall health.

Key words- Muslim Prayer (Salat), Physical Activity, Health Benefits

INTRODUCTION depression, and fall-related injuries.

Regular physical activity is Physical activity is considered as a leading
important for living healthy lifestyle. health indicator. [5] To promote and maintain
Physical activity is an essential human health, all healthy adults aged 18–65 yr need
functions. [1] The human body has evolve as moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity
a complex organism capable of performing for a minimum of 30 min on five days each
different ranges of tasks, from large week or vigorous-intensity aerobic activity
muscular activity to fine manual dexterity. for a minimum of 20 min on three days each
[2]
Daily physical activity can improve week. [6] Salat is a practice of formal prayer
overall physical and musculoskeletal fitness. in Islam which must be practiced by
Numbers of evidences are there that showed Muslims. [7] Salat (Muslim Prayer) is the
that enhanced musculoskeletal fitness is Arabic word for praying by Muslim
associated with an improvement in overall worshippers and considered as second pillar
health status and also decrease the risk of of the Islamic faith. [8] Salat is the Muslim
chronic disease and disability. [3] Regular prayers which involve performing some
physical activity induces multiple spiritual along with certain physical
adaptations within various system of body. postures. [9] Salat is performed by Muslim
[4]
worshippers five times a day and it is a
Regular physical activity helps in spiritual and physical act in where, muscular
reducing risk of different cardiovascular system of human body became active
disease, neurological conditions, systemic without muscle fatigue and induces serenity
diseases, musculoskeletal conditions, on body and soul. There are some scientific

International Journal of Health Sciences & Research (www.ijhsr.org) 337

Vol.8; Issue: 7; July 2018
 Nabeela Nazish et al. Muslim Prayer-A New Form of Physical Activity: A Narrative Review

evidences of long-term health benefits of spiritual act involving total obedience and
performing moderate intensity activities submission to Allah (God) and it is
regularly. [10] Muslim prayer (Salat) can be obligatory for all Muslims to perform it. The
called as Islamic yoga because of some method of praying is similar all over the
common postures and benefits like Yoga. world. These are the following steps in
Yoga consists of a number of „asana` or performing Salat.
body positions, which is to be maintained Standing for Prayer
for a desired length of time along with Starting position is standing and
reciting „mantras` or breathing in a rhythmic worshippers should concentrate their minds
manner. Salat (Islamic yoga) helps in on praying. in the comfortable standing
promoting relaxation and emotional position, the center of pressure is usually
wellness, enhance balance and coordination, midway between the in step of the two feet.
and helps in enhancement of immune In a standing position, they raise their hands
system. Relaxation effect reduces the mental up to the ear lobe and bring them down one
stress and tension & enhances the memory. after another by holding the left wrist with
Even each (Salat) positions is having some the right hand on the abdomen, above the
similarity with corresponding yoga position navel, or on the chest. During voluntary
and the positions together “activate” all clenching of the right hand, blood flow is
seven “chakras” (energy fields) in the body- increased in the hand area of the left motor
as per yoga practices. [11] cortex, and the corresponding sensory areas
The present review aims to discuss various in the post-central gyrus. Worshippers utter
physical and medical benefits of Muslim some Quran versus in Arabic which also
prayer with evidence based findings on contribute in activating speech muscles.
proving Muslim prayer as a new form of Bowing
physical activity After standing and uttering some
Physical Activity verses from the Quran, bowing is done by
Physical activity is one of the most forward movement of the vertebral column,
basic human functions. The human body has resulting in activation of the back muscles
evolved over millions of years for especially the Para spinal muscles and this
performing an enormous range of tasks, movement is supported by two straight
from walking; running or climbing to hands grasping the hyperextended knees.
detailed actions involving fine manual After a few seconds, the worshipper
dexterity. [2] Regular physical activity is gradually reverts to their normal standing
being an important component of healthy position.
lifestyle. Physical activity is one of the most Prostration
basic human functions. [1] Routine physical The act of prostration is the
activity can improve musculoskeletal fitness substance of Salat. It is done from the
which results in improving overall health standing position to kneeling, putting the
status and a reduction in the risk of chronic head down and touching the ground with the
disease and disability. [3] Regular physical forehead, with the palms remaining parallel
activity induces multiple adaptations within to the ears, and touching the ground with the
musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory flexed elbows for a few seconds
system. [4] Sitting and Finishing Salat
Muslim Prayer (Salat) After standing and bowing, and
Salat is the Arabic word for prayers proceeding to prostration, sitting is done on
offered by Muslim worshippers, and it is the left leg knee flexed with the inverted
also considered as the second pillar of the Dorsi-flexed ankle and flexed right knee and
Islamic faith. The procedure of the prayer metatarsophalangeal joint for a couple of
ritual includes standing, bowing, prostration minutes. After that, Salat is concluded by
and sitting. Salat is a physical as well as a

International Journal of Health Sciences & Research (www.ijhsr.org) 338

Vol.8; Issue: 7; July 2018
 Nabeela Nazish et al. Muslim Prayer-A New Form of Physical Activity: A Narrative Review

looking over one‟s right and left shoulder wishing peace for mankind. [8]

i)standing for prayer ii)Bowing

iii) Prostation iv) Sitiing and finishing salat

Fig-1 Steps of Muslim prayer [27]

Relationship of Muslim Prayer and and it is different from typical meditations.

Physical Activity Salat is a physical movement as well as a
According to definition of the World spiritual practice relating to the pure
Health Organization one of the major obedience to god which is performed 5
aspects of health is physical health which is times in a day. Various movements
easier to understand than other aspects of including standing, ruku, sujood and sitting.
health. Physical health is proper function of Joints involved in prayer contains shoulders,
organs and cells biologically in wrist, elbow, metatarsophalangeal, proximal
coordination. Medical and scientific and distal Interphalangeal,
societies showed the interest in temporomandibular joint, jaw joint, spinal
understanding impressions of religion on cord, pelvis, knee, ankle, subtalar,
health. There is 350 to 400 studies found by metatarsophalangeal and atlantoaxial. [9]
Matthews which shows that people having Salat is spiritual and physical act which
strong religious beliefs, have more lifespan activates nearly all muscles of human body
and a better quality of living rather than without muscle fatigue and induces serenity
people with weak religious belief .World on body and soul. Scientific evidence shows
Health Organization data shows 60% of that moderate intensity activities performed
health and quality of life is depended on daily can have some long term health
lifestyle. Islam guides the people in a right benefits. [10]
way which helps them in problem solving Muslim prayer (called: Salat) is
and stress release. The first and the foremost having similar effect like gentle exercise
important duty in Islam after faith in god that makes muscles contracts isometrically
and testify to the oneness of god is Prayer. and isotonically (Jing et al., 2012). Prayers
Salat is an Arabic term which is used for have been shown to have a positive effect
Muslim prayers and it is the second base of on the psychological as well as the physical
Islamic faith which is usually done in a health of the human body (Yucel, 2008).
quiet place and helps in better concentration There are two main movements during Salat
of the mind which leads to relaxation effect which involve two flexion movements,

International Journal of Health Sciences & Research (www.ijhsr.org) 339

Vol.8; Issue: 7; July 2018
 Nabeela Nazish et al. Muslim Prayer-A New Form of Physical Activity: A Narrative Review

namely Ruku (bowing 90 degree forward concluded by rotation of the head and neck
flexion with both hands on knees) and Sujud to the right and to the left. Such regular
(flexion with the hands and forehead flat on repeated movements for years strengthen
the floor). [12] An interesting statistic the overall body muscular system. All the
revealed that Arabians who follow the flexors and extensors of weight bearing
Muslim faith have a range of motion of joints are involved during various salat
139.5° in comparison to non-Arabic patients positions and these muscles bear the burden,
who do not follow Muslim faith have 102.5º of extending the knee joints against most of
of range. The act of sitting on the floor and the body weight on getting up from
kneeling for daily religious activities from prostration or deep squatting position. These
an early age may improve the flexibility of gentle movements are helpful in
muscles. [13] maintaining joint mobility and elasticity of
Muslim prayer is also a form of a mild its surrounding structures.1-7 and act as a
exercise. It involves movements of all body form of endurance exercise which help to
parts 5 times daily at regular intervals which protect the joints from osteoarthritis (OA).
[15]
helps to maintain the body round the clock
without causing any strain or tiredness. [14] One study done that investigated the
Benefits of Muslim Prayer muscle activity of the neck extensors (NE),
The major function of rehabilitation sternocleidomastoids (SCM) and biceps
is to provide the proper therapy that helps in brachii (BB) muscles in healthy subjects
improving the physical activities of during Salat and specified exercises using
impaired and disabled persons through surface electromyography (EMG). A group
improvement in their muscle strength. The of undergraduates aged between 19 to 25
rehabilitation team should always take heed years voluntarily participated in this study.
of the social and mental well-being of such For the assessment of the NE and SCM, the
patients. When the different aspects of Salat subjects were asked to perform Salat
were studied, it shows improvement in (salam‟s position) and exercise [neck
heart, spine, memory, concentration, and rotation exercise]. Subjects were asked to
cognitive functions, in fact the whole body perform takbir‟s position and biceps
gets benefitted by the cumbersome dumbbell curl (BDC) to access BB. The
beneficial effects of different postures of EMG and the motion signals of the muscles
Salat. Salat activity can helps in the were recorded. The findings indicate that
rehabilitation process of various there were contractions of the muscles
musculoskeletal and neurological during the Salat and exercise with difference
conditions. [10] EMG level. Therefore, Salat may be useful
Musculoskeletal Benefits in warm up exercise or in rehabilitation
Islamic prayers include several programs. [16]
physical activities while performing One study done on Muslim patients
Raq‟aas. Each includes standing erect, presenting with advanced degenerative
bowing to a right angle position, standing arthritis of the knee, the movements of the
again, prostrating from standing position, affected joint are often preserved because of
then squatting with the knee joints the traditional Arabic way of sitting and the
maximally flexed and shins lying in parallel Muslim way of praying force the knees into
on ground, i.e., deep squatting, prostrating deep flexion for long periods many times a
again, then deep squatting again. Raq'aas are day. Arabic patient was having significantly
no less than two and no more than four in better range of flexion than that of non-
each of the five main daily prayers. Each Arabic patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Raq'aa after the first has to start by standing There was also a statistically significant
up from either the position of prostration or difference between the mean extension
from deep squatting position and it

International Journal of Health Sciences & Research (www.ijhsr.org) 340

Vol.8; Issue: 7; July 2018
 Nabeela Nazish et al. Muslim Prayer-A New Form of Physical Activity: A Narrative Review

deficit of the two groups with osteoarthritis. significantly better dynamic balance than
[17]
the non-practicing healthy subjects. The
One research was done to investigate results of this study support the hypothesis
the activity of the gastrocnemius (Gas) that Muslim prayers benefits and improves
muscle in healthy subjects during salat the human physiological function,
(ruku‟ position) and specific exercise especially balance. [19]
[Unilateral Plantar Flexion Exercise Another study investigated the effect
(UPFE)] using electromyography (EMG). of Muslim prayer (Salat) on the relative
Both lateral and medial Gas muscles were power (RPa) of electroencephalography
assessed in a group of undergraduates aged (EEG) and autonomic nervous activity and
between 19 to 25 years who voluntarily the relationship between them by using

participated in this study and the spectral analysis of EEG and heart rate
myoelectric activity of the muscles were variability (HRV). Thirty healthy Muslim
recorded and analyzed. The finding showed men participated in the study and Their
that there were same EMG level electrocardiograms and EEGs were
contractions of the muscles during the salat continuously recorded before, during, and
and exercise. Therefore, salat may be after Salat practice with a computer-based
considered useful for strengthening data acquisition system which shows during
exercises and rehabilitation programs for Salat, a significant increase (p < .05) was
lower limb activities. [18] observed in the mean RPa in the occipital
Another study was done to assess the and parietal regions and in the normalized
effectiveness of Muslim Prayer movements unit of high-frequency (nuHF) power of
on strength of lower back muscles (LBM) in HRV (as a parasympathetic index). This
relation to some common LBM exercises. A study concludes that regular Salat practices
cross-sectional study was conducted at King may help promote relaxation, minimize
Abdul Aziz University, Saudi Arabia in anxiety, and reduce cardiovascular risk. [20]
October, 2012. They analyzed surface One study was done to identify the effects
electromyogram data of 15 men and 15 of the Muslim prayer, known as Salat, on
women aged (21.4±2.2 years) to compare heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP)
the strength of LBM contraction in while performing or mime the different
Muslim‟s prayers movements with that of postures of Salat i.e.:; standing, bowing,
three chosen LBM exercises. Their study prostrating and sitting. The results showed
showed that there were no significant that there was a significant difference in the
differences between Muslim‟s four prayers HR of the subjects between performing and
movements and two of the LBM exercises miming Salat. The standing and prostration
included in the study (p≥0.05.The positions of Salat produced the highest and
conclusion of the study was that major the lowest HR, respectively. The systolic
movements of Muslim‟s prayers is having and the diastolic BP decreased significantly
similar effects as LBM exercises. [12] after performance and mime of Salat, and a
Neurological and Cardiovascular benefits greater reduction in BP was observed during
One study was done to determine the performance of Salat. [21]
effect of the Islamic prayer regime on
balance. Sixty healthy male subjects were Psychological Benefits
divided into two groups: one group who Salah is the formal prayer of Islam that is a
practiced Islamic prayer, and another group physically demanding practice that helps in
includes non-practicing subjects. The adjusting the rhythm of the body. One study
dynamic balance was assessed by using a done on the muscle activity of the right and
Balance Master. Group performing Islamic left external upper trapezius muscles to
prayer regimes were having statistically assess the level of muscle activity during

International Journal of Health Sciences & Research (www.ijhsr.org) 341

Vol.8; Issue: 7; July 2018
 Nabeela Nazish et al. Muslim Prayer-A New Form of Physical Activity: A Narrative Review

Islamic prayer. The EMG showed more in the Islamic, however, hospital researchers
significant decrease and relaxation have concluded that patients benefit from
compared with non-training tasks of clients. even a simplified version of Yoga i.e.
Salat augments the behavioral interventions Islamic postures (Karima Burns, 2012; Roaf
because it helps develop internal awareness et al.,2014). The Muslim Prayer positions is
and enhance health status and reduce the similar as some Yoga position, and the
risk of shoulder problems. [22] One study positions together 'activate' all seven
was done to find out the mental health and 'chakras' (energy fields) in the human body.
self concept among Muslim those Who The idea of activating a chakra may means
Practice Regular Namaz and Tilawat -E- thinking about how the 'feeling' sense
Quran and Muslim those Who Do Not functions (Roaf et al.,2014). [11]
Practice Regular Namaz and Tilawat -E-
Quran. The result of this study conclude that DISCUSSION
Muslim those who Practice Regular Namaz This review focuses on evidence
and Tilawat -E- Quran have significantly based various benefits of Muslim prayer.
high mental health than Muslim those who There are numerous physical, physiological
do Not Practice Regular Namaz and Tilawat and psychological benefits of Salat because
-E- Quran. [23] almost all the muscles of the body and joints
Muslim prayer is the meditation of are exercised during Salat. In the prostration
Islam. One pilot study was done with EEG movement of Muslim prayer besides the
analysis in twenty-five trials of Muslim limb, back and perineal muscles are
prayer was reported. Some of the findings exercised repeatedly. Prayer is a kind of
are consistent with the majority of the psychological therapy that helps in calming
previous meditation studies (alpha rhythm and soothing the soul as well as relieving all
slowing, increased alpha rhythm coherence). tension. It was found that prayer is
However, Muslim prayer does not show an distinguished by a wonderful measure of
increase in alpha and/or theta power like smoothness, harmony and coordination,
most of the results of other meditation represented in standing, kneeling (ruku),
studies. [24] prostration (sujud) and sitting between
Similarity between Yoga and Namaz every two prostrations. Consequently, the
Muslim Prayer can be called Islamic risks of varicose vein reduced affects in
Yoga because of the similar benefits like those, who perform prayers regularly and
regular practice of Yoga .Yoga as 'one of properly. Also Sujud which is one of the
the oldest systems of personal development action of Salat in which the head is in a
encompassing body, mind and spirit'. Yoga position lower than the heart and therefore,
is now became the fastest growing health receives increased blood supply and due to
trend for its curative powers of movement. surge in blood supply, this phenomenon has
Yogic Asanas comprises of a different of a positive effect on memory, concentration,
body postures, while reciting 'Mantras' or psyche and other cognitive abilities and also
breathing in a rhythmic manner. Medical it helps in drainage of sinuses, as a result of
schools like Harvard and foundations such which person has less chances of getting
as Menninger Foundation have researched sinusitis. Sujud position also helps in
the various benefits of Yoga and now maintaining the respiratory functions, and
recommend it to their patients. Interestingly keeps lungs in good shape also. [25]
Islamic also have similarity in postures with One study was done to assess the
yoga. This simple form of Yoga provides an effect of Salat and mimicking salat
individual physical, mental and spiritual movements and postures on subjects with
benefits five times a day as Muslims assume erectile dysfunction. In that study Ten
certain positions while reciting Quran. Of volunteers were recruited and were divided
course, not all the Yoga positions are found into two groups- one group who were

International Journal of Health Sciences & Research (www.ijhsr.org) 342

Vol.8; Issue: 7; July 2018
 Nabeela Nazish et al. Muslim Prayer-A New Form of Physical Activity: A Narrative Review

Muslims (Group I) were asked to perform concentric and eccentric muscle actions
their daily Salat and a new intervention of which play an important role in postural
an additional 12 movement cycles of Salat stability and balance. [19] Namaz is a
for three sessions a week. Non-Muslim haemodynamic exercise which overall
subjects (Group II) were taught to mimic improved circulation, coordination, Good
Salat movements, and were asked to Posture, balance and wellbeing which burn
perform a total of 12 movement cycles off the calories and helps in losing weight
without reading the recitation for three and maintaining and body composition and
sessions a week. An International Index for increased aerobic capacity & reduces
Erectile Function 5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire incidence of brain hemorrhage & stroke. [14]
was given to the subjects before and after
the intervention of performing Salat or CONCLUSION
mimicking Salat movements and postures. A sound body with sound mind is
The results showed that all measured essential for every man to achieve the goal.
parameters improved significantly, with the Muslim prayer coordinates the actions of
largest change observed in the maximum body & mind of people. Different studies
percent volumetric change over the baseline prove the medical benefits along with
(from 138 to 222%). This study concludes spiritual benefits. So, by these evidence
that the alternative approach of Salat and based researches Muslim prayer postures
mimicking Salat movements and postures, can be taken as a new form exercise for
may have beneficial effects for ED patients. treating different musculoskeletal and
[26]
neurological conditions.
Salat as a physical exercise is quite
similar to the tai chi and yoga as it also REFERENCES
1. Pate RR, Pratt M, Blair SN, Haskell WL,
involves the movements of the whole body Macera CA, Bouchard C, Buchner D, Ettinger
and promotes physical fitness. Recent W, Heath GW, King AC, Kriska A. Physical
studies of yoga show that a decrease in the activity and public health: a recommendation
systolic pressure is observed when an from the Centers for Disease Control and
individual performs yogic relaxation and Prevention and the American College of Sports
Medicine. Jama. 1995 Feb 1;273(5):402-7.
meditation. One study showed that Salat 2. Cavill N, Kahlmeier S, Racioppi F, editors.
decreased systolic BP and also reduces the Physical activity and health in Europe: evidence
sympathetic discharge resulting in and for action. World Health Organization; 2006.
predominance of the parasympathetic 3. Warburton DE, Nicol CW, Bredin SS. Health
system. A study covering 17,000 Harvard benefits of physical activity: the evidence.
Canadian medical association journal. 2006 Mar
alumni provides strong evidence that 14;174(6):801-9.
moderate aerobic exercise is equivalent to 4. Chaput JP, Klingenberg L, Rosenkilde M,
jogging about 3 miles a day. Ibrahim et al. Gilbert JA, Tremblay A, Sjödin A. Physical
suggests that subjects who perform Salat activity plays an important role in body weight
regularly, five times a day, would have a regulation. Journal of obesity. 2010 Aug
12;2011.
healthy body composition, increase the 5. Kahn EB, Ramsey LT, Brownson RC, Heath
basal metabolic rate and reduced body fat GW, Howze EH, Powell KE, Stone EJ, Rajab
mass. [21] MW, Corso P. The effectiveness of interventions
Studies on the benefits of „Salat‟ to increase physical activity: A systematic
have revealed that when it performed review1, 2. American journal of preventive
medicine. 2002 May 1;22(4):73-107.
correctly and with the right postures along 6. Haskell WL, Lee IM, Pate RR, Powell KE, Blair
with the spiritual well-being; it is also SN, Franklin BA, Macera CA, Heath GW,
improving mental and physical health, Thompson PD, Bauman A. Physical activity and
improving muscle strength, joint mobility public health: updated recommendation for
and blood circulation. A study reported that adults from the American College of Sports
Medicine and the American Heart Association.
the different postures of salat provide Circulation. 2007;116(9):1081.

International Journal of Health Sciences & Research (www.ijhsr.org) 343

Vol.8; Issue: 7; July 2018
 Nabeela Nazish et al. Muslim Prayer-A New Form of Physical Activity: A Narrative Review

7. Ibrahim F, Ahmad SA, Woo PJ, Abas WA. Influence? Bone & Joint Journal. 2000 Nov
Biomechanical response of the upper body 1;82(8):1167-9.
during prostration in Salat and the child‟s pose: a 18. Safee MK, Abas WW, Osman NA, Ibrahim F.
preliminary study. Journal of Physical Therapy Electromyographic Activity of the Medial
Science. 2012;24(10):1021-4. Gastrocnemius and Lateral Gastrocnemius
8. Reza MF, Urakami Y, Mano Y. Evaluation of a Muscle during Salat‟s and Specific Exercise.
new physical exercise taken from salat (prayer) Lateral. 2013 Jun 27;57:86-24.
as a short-duration and frequent physical activity 19. Al Abdulwahab SS, Kachanathu SJ, Oluseye K.
in the rehabilitation of geriatric and disabled Physical activity associated with prayer regimes
patients. Annals of Saudi medicine. 2002;22(3- improves standing dynamic balance of healthy
4):177-80. people. Journal of physical therapy science.
9. Asma Tab , Zahra Atazadegan, Sayed Hasan 2013;25(12):1565-8.
Hosini , Evaluation of the relation between 20. Doufesh H, Ibrahim F, Ismail NA, Wan Ahmad
praying (Salat) with physical health in nursing, WA. Effect of Muslim prayer (Salat) on α
midwifery and paramedical students of electroencephalography and its relationship with
Hormozgan university of medical science autonomic nervous system activity. The Journal
,International Electronic Journal of Medicine. of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
2016. 2014 Jul 1;20(7):558-62.
10. Misbah Ghous D, Malik AN. Health Benefits of 21. Doufesh H, Ibrahim F, Ismail NA, Ahmad WA.
Salat (Prayer). Science. 2016;31:07. Assessment of heart rates and blood pressure in
11. İMAMOĞLU O, DİLEK AN. Common Benefits different salat positions. Journal of Physical
of Prayer and Yoga on Human Organism. Therapy Science. 2013;25(2):211-4.
International Journal of Science Culture and 22. Wahab WJ, Abdalla AN, Ming G, Yao L, Noor
Sport (IntJSCS). 2016;4(2):639-51. HM. The influence of relaxation with
12. Bangash MH, Alsufyani HA, Karami MM, Qadi electromyography and Islamic prayer programs
HH, Khayat W, Adas MA, Zaher MA. The for female Muslim. International Journal of
effect of bowing and kneeling on lower back Physical Sciences. 2012 Jun 9;7(22):2897-904.
muscle. 23. Javeed QS. A Study of Muslims those Who
13. Chokkhanchitchai S, Tangarunsanti T, Practice Regular Namaz and Tilawat-E-Quran
Jaovisidha S, Nantiruj K, Janwityanujit S. The and Muslim those Who Do Not Practice Regular
effect of religious practice on the prevalence of Namaz and Tilawat-E-Quran Respect to Mental
knee osteoarthritis. Clinical rheumatology. 2010 Health and Self Concept”.
Jan 1;29(1):39. 24. Alwasiti HH, Aris I, Jantan A. EEG activity in
14. Mr. AzizulHaque, Namaz Is a Very Good Muslim prayer: a pilot study. Maejo
Exercise for Whole Some Development, global International Journal of Science and
research analysis, Volume: 2, Issue: 11. Nov Technology. 2010 Sep 1;4(3):496-511.
2013 25. Hakak S, Kamsin A, Lubis A, Prasetyo Y, Amin
15. Al-Dabbagh tq. Islamic praying and G. Effects of Salat on Health
osteoarthritis changes of weight bearing joints. 26. Ibrahim F, Sian TC, Shanggar K, Razack AH.
Duhok Med J.:33. Muslim prayer movements as an alternative
16. Safee MK, Wan WA, Ibrahim F, Osman NA. therapy in the treatment of erectile dysfunction:
Electromyographic Activity of the Upper Limb A preliminary study. Journal of physical therapy
Muscleduring Specific Salat's Position and science. 2013;25(9):1087-91.
Exercise. International Journal of Applied 27. Noorbhai mh. The utilization and benefits of
Physics and Mathematics. 2012 Nov 1;2(6):433. salaah (Muslim prayer) as a means of functional
17. Szabo G, Lovasz G, Kustos T, Bener A. A rehabilitation and low-intensity physical activity,
prospective comparative analysis of mobility in The Experiment, Feb, 2013. Vol..7(3), 401-403.
osteoarthritic knees: Does Lifestyle Have An

How to cite this article: Nazish N, Kalra N. Muslim prayer- a new form of physical activity: a narrative
review. Int J Health Sci Res. 2018; 8(7):337-344.

******

International Journal of Health Sciences & Research (www.ijhsr.org) 344

Vol.8; Issue: 7; July 2018