Ramadhan: Praying keeps Muslims fit and peaceful

Jun 12, 2017

Besides gaining rewards from Allah, performing prayer contributes to keeping Muslims physically active and fit.

RELIGION | RAMADHAN

Muslims are required to carry out several spiritual practices.

According to Ali Sebuliba a nutritionist and sheikh, Muslims who can afford pilgrimage are encouraged to make one to the holy places of Mecca and Madina.

He says that in addition to spiritual benefits, such a pilgrimage which involves travelling helps to refresh and rejuvenate one's body and mind. It is like a holiday where a person takes a break from their everyday life.

Haji Twaha Semakula, a resident of Kitagobwa in Wakiso, says that during the pilgrimage, Muslims are encouraged to focus on spiritual renewal through prayer and meditation.

Health experts say that meditation has several health benefits. Richard Tushabe, a neuro-paediatrican in Wakiso district, says meditation reduces stress and related complications, rejuvenates the body and mind, in addition to improving focus.

Five times a day

Muslims are required to pray five times a day.

Prayer among Muslims involves physical actions such as standing, bowing, prostrating and sitting. Apart from gaining rewards from Allah, performing such prayers contributes to keeping Muslims physically active and fit, says Sheikh Abdu Mpindi, the imam of Kisaasi Mosque.

When beginning prayer, Muslims raise their arms while reciting the Koran; prostrate, kneel down and turn the neck from right to left while closing prayer. This, in itself, is physical execise.

Meanwhile, neuro-paediatrican Tushabe says that executing the above steps helps to exercise the muscles and almost every joint in the body is used. Therefore, it helps in toning the body.

Therefore praying consistently in such a manner means keeping physically fit as muscles are stretched during the process.

Sheikh Mpindi explains that prayer also involves meditation, which helps people in maintaining internal peace. In addition, praying five times a day also provides Muslims with regular breaks from stressing activities and life's challenges during the day. As a result, prayers help to reduce stress.

The peace you get

Sheikh Abdu Rahman, a sheikh at Matugga Mosque, says the Koran encourages Muslims to work towards achieving prevailing peace and harmony in society.

"For example, we are ordered to keep away from bad-mouthing others," he says, adding that being peaceful keeps one calm, focused and undisturbed by negative circumstances and people.



 

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