Radio Islam and Agencies | 15 Jumadal Ukhra 1438/14 March 2017

The repetitive physical movements of Salaah can reduce chances of lower back pain if performed properly, according to new research.

A study found that not only does quiet Salaah eliminate physical anxiety, but that proper knee and back angles can be an effective clinical treatment.

“One way to think about the movements is that they are similar to those of yoga or physical therapy intervention exercises used to treat lower back pain,” said study co-author Mohammad Khasawneh.

The paper, entitled An ergonomic study of body motions during Muslim prayer using digital human modelling, was published in the latest issue of the International Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering.

The research used computer-generated human models of healthy Indian, Asian, and American men and women to look at the effect on lower back pain.

The bowing posture, known as sujud, apparently increases the elasticity of joints.

So fall you down in prostration to Allah, and worship Him (Alone).(Quraan 53:62)

The team did not however look at how varying prayer rituals for physically disabled people will effect back pain.

“Physical health is influenced by socio-economic, lifestyle and religious factors,” added Mr Khasawneh, from Penn State Behrend university in Pennsylvania.

“When you make ruku`, place your palms on your knees, then space your fingers out, then remain (like that) until every limb takes its (proper) place,” (Ibn Khuzaymah)

Once the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasalam was praying, when he glanced out out of the corner of his eye at a man not settling his backbone in Ruku’ and sujud. When he finished, he said, “O assembly of Muslims! Verily the prayer is not valid of the one who does not settle his spine in Ruku’ and sujud.”

“Prayer can eliminate physical stress and anxiety, while there is also research that indicates prayer rituals can be considered an effective clinical treatment of neuro-musculoskeletal dysfunction.”

Performing the obligatory prayers daily is one of the 5 pillars of Islam, which is done exclusively seeking the Pleasure of Allah. Additional health and well-being benefits accrued by performing the prayer are subsidiary and should not constitute the primary reason for engaging in the worship.