great yoga..

Interestingly, for the millions of people enrolled in yoga classes,
the Islamic form of prayer has provided Muslims for fourteen
centuries with some of yoga’s same (and even superior) benefits.
This simple form of “yoga” offers physical, mental, and spiritual
benefits five times a day as Muslims assume certain positions
while reciting Qur’an and athkar (remembrances).

If you’re interested, read further…

The Muslim prayer has five positions, and they all have a
corresponding relationship with our spiritual and mental well
being, according to modern scientific research.

The Takbir and Al Qiyyam (mountain pose in Yoga) - found to
improve posture, balance, and self-awareness. Normalizes
blood pressure, breathing, thus providing many benefits to
asthma heart patients.

Placement of hands on the chest during the Qiyyam position
- activates the nerve pathway, which directs our awareness
of self in the world and controls the health of the muscular
system, skin, intestines, liver, pancreas, gallbladder and eyes.

When the hands are held open for du’a, they activate the heart
; center of the feelings of love, harmony, and peace, and to
control love and compassion. It also governs the health of
the heart, lungs, thymus, immune system, and circulatory
system.

When Muslims recite the Qur’an, old thoughts, feelings, fears
and guilt are released or healed, and blood pressure and stress
levels are reduced. Some specific sounds, in fact, correspond
to major organs in the body. Vibrations made when
pronouncing the long vowels, 'A', 'E' and 'U,' stimulated the
heart, lungs, and the thyroid, pineal, pituitary, and adrenal
glands.

The position of Ruku (forward bend) stretches the muscles
of the lower back, thighs, legs and calves, and allows blood
to be pumped down into the upper torso. It tones the
muscles of the stomach, abdomen, and kidneys. Forming a
right angle allows the stomach muscles to develop, and
prevents flabbiness in the mid-section.

It also promotes a greater flow of blood into the upper regions
of body – particularly to the head, eyes, ears, nose, brain,
and lungs – allowing mental toxins to be released.

The Sujud - activates the person’s spiritual connection with
the universe around them and their enthusiasm for spiritual
pursuits. This nerve pathway is also correlated to the health
of the brain, nervous system, and pineal gland. Controls basic
human survival instincts and provides essential grounding.
This helps to develop levelheaded and positive thinking along
with a highly motivated view of life, and maintains the health
of the lymph and skeletal systems, the prostate, bladder, and
the adrenal glands.

The position of Al Qaadah) -(Thunderbolt Pose in yoga), which
firms the toes, knees, thighs, and legs. good for those prone to
excessive sleep, and those who like to keep long hours.
Furthermore, this position assists in speedy digestion,
aids the detoxification of the liver, and stimulates peristaltic
action in the large intestine.

Last, but not least, the by turning the head towards first the
right and then the left shoulder in the closing of the prayer -
This nerve path is linked to the throat, neck, arms, hands,
bronchials, and hearing – effecting individual creativity and
communication.