Yoga and Salaah: Some theoretical comparisons

Abstract

Yoga is one of the most ancient cultural heritage of India, which focuses on bringing harmony among body, mind and spirit. It is an art and science of healthy living. ‘Salaah’ or ‘Namaz’, the second pillar of Islam, is one of the mandatory duty of a Muslim. Through ‘Salaah’, Muslims can develop their body as well as soul regularly five times in a day. There are five Asanas in Yoga like Namaste’ ‘Ardha Uttanasana’, ‘Vajrasana’, ‘Balasana’, Om (Aum) and Meditation which are very similar to ‘Qiyam’, ‘Ruk’u’, ‘Julus’, ‘Sajud’ or ‘Sajdah’, ‘Adhan’, Meditation, Adhan respectively practiced in ‘Salaah’. In this paper, it was aimed to relate the Yoga theoretically with ‘Salaah’ through some basic practices of Islamic life and to present benedictory contributions of ‘Salaah’ comparing with Yoga.

Full text

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International Journal of Yogic, Human Movement and Sports Sciences 2018; 3(1): 477-480
ISSN: 2456-4419
Impact Factor: (RJIF): 5.18
Yoga 2018; 3(1): 477-480
© 2018 Yoga
www.theyogicjournal.com
Received: 13-11-2017
Accepted: 14-12-2017
Merajul Hasan
Contractual Faculty Department
of Education, Raiganj
University Uttar Dinajpur,
West Bengal, India
Dr. Ujjwal Kumar Halder
Assistant Professor, Department
of Education, University of Gour
Banga, Malda, West Bengal,
India
Correspondence
Merajul Hasan
Contractual Faculty Department
of Education, Raiganj
University Dinajpur,
West Bengal, India
Yoga and Salaah: Some theoretical comparisons
Merajul Hasan and Dr. Ujjwal Kumar Halder
Abstract
Yoga is one of the most ancient cultural heritage of India, which focuses on bringing harmony among
body, mind and spirit. It is an art and science of healthy living. ‘Salaah’ or ‘Namaz’, the second pillar of
Islam, is one of the mandatory duty of a Muslim. Through ‘Salaah’, Muslims can develop their body as
well as soul regularly five times in a day. There are five Asanas in Yoga like Namaste’ ‘Ardha
Uttanasana’, ‘Vajrasana’, ‘Balasana’, Om (Aum) and Meditation which are very similar to ‘Qiyam’,
‘Ruk’u’, ‘Julus’, ‘Sajud’ or ‘Sajdah’, ‘Adhan’, Meditation, Adhan respectively practiced in ‘Salaah’. In
this paper, it was aimed to relate the Yoga theoretically with ‘Salaah’ through some basic practices of
Islamic life and to present benedictory contributions of ‘Salaah’ comparing with Yoga.
Keywords: Yoga, ‘Salaah’, Asanas, Basic Practices in ‘Salaah’
Introduction
To survive in harmony with oneself and the environment is the wish of every human.
However, in present times greater physical and emotional demands are constantly placed upon
many areas of life. As a result, many people suffer from physical and mental tension such as
stress, anxiety, insomnia, and there is an imbalance in physical activity and proper exercise.
This is why methods and techniques for the attainment and improvement of health, as well as
physical, mental and spiritual harmony, are of great importance, and it is obviously in this
respect that ‘Yoga in Daily Life’ comprehensively offers an aid to help one’s self
(Maheshwarananda) [1].
Modern Educational system also seems to fail in the integrated development of the body, mind
and spirit. It was said by Gandhiji that Education means all round drawing out of the best in
child and man-body, mind and spirit. According to Aurobindo all life is yoga. But in the
modern world the erosion of human values of truth, cooperation, non-violence, peace, love,
respect for parents, elders, authority and hard work is leading to the decay of moral and social
fabric of society at a speed never witnessed in the history of civilization (Rao, 2014) [2].
The word Yoga has been derived from Sanskrit word ‘Yuj’ which means joining
(Yujyateanenaiti Yogaḥ). Yoga is that which joins. What are the entities that are joined? In the
traditional terminology, it is joining of the individual Self with the universal self. It is an
expansion of the narrow constricted egoistic personality to an all pervasive, eternal and blissful
state of reality (NCERT, 2015) [3].
What religion you belong to has nothing to do with your ability to make use of the yogic
systems, because yoga is a technology. Technology does not make any distinction as to what
you believe in and what you do not believe in. What you may believe in or not is purely a
psychological process – it has got nothing to do with making use of a technology. It is
meaningless to say that Yoga is Hindu just the way gravity is Christian. Just because the law
of gravity was propounded by Isaac Newton, who lived in a Christian culture, does it make
gravity Christian? Yoga is a technology. Anybody who is willing to make use of it can make
use of it. It is ridiculous to even think that there could be a religious tinge to yoga. (Sadhguru)
As far as ‘Salaah’ or ‘Namaz’ is concerned, its spiritual and scientific benefits in releasing the
stress and calming mind is mind boggling only if we understand it (Khan, 2015) [5].‘Salaah’
or‘Namaz’ is the second pillar of Islam and is one of the obligatory act which has to perform
five times in a day regularly. It is said in the religion of Islam that ‘Salaah’ is the key to
Jannah (Paradise) in the Afterlife and serves as a great reformer in Islamic daily lives

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International Journal of Yogic, Human Movement and Sports Sciences
(Khurram, 2015) [6]. The ‘Salaah’ is the most accessible form
of exercise in Islamic life. There are five Asanas in Yoga like
‘ArdhaUttanasana’, ‘Vajrasana’, ‘Balasana’, ‘Namaste’ and
Meditation which are very similar to ‘Qiyam’, ‘Ruk’u’,
‘Julus’, ‘Sajud’ or ‘Sijdah’ and Meditation respectively
practiced in ‘Salaah’. Here, the Authors aim to relate the
Yoga with ‘Salaah’ through some basic practices of Muslims
in their life and to present benedictory contributions of
‘Salaah’ comparing with Yoga.
Objectives of the Study
 To compare between the Yoga and ‘Salaah’ through
some basic practices in Islamic life.
 To present some benefits of ‘Salaah’ comparing with
Yoga.
 To present some other aspect of ‘Salaah’ which are
different from Yoga practices.
Salaah or Namaz
The word ‘Salaah’ is derived from an Arabic word ‘Silah’
(
ولص
) which means ‘to pray’, ‘to establish contact’ or
connection i.e. connection with The God. Some translate
‘Salaah’ as ‘contact prayer’ which is correct but awkward in
English. The Islamic definition of ‘Salaah’ is the name given
to the formal ‘Ibaadat’ or prayer of Islam. ‘Salaah’ is a
fundamental principle of Islamic life and is an important
practice which must be performed at organisedtimes and
conditions. As the second pillar of Islamic faith, ‘Salaah’ is
performed by all Muslims across the globe in exactly the
same manner and measure, at least the mandatory five
prayers. It is a form of worship towards God. Muslims were
ordered to perform‘Salaah’ five times a day (Ibrahim & Wan
Ahmed) [7]. ‘Salaah’ consists not only of prayer recitation and
meditation, but also of body movements and positions. The
main body positions involved in ‘Salaah’ are standing
(qiyyam), bowing (ruk’u), prostration (sujud) and sitting
(julum) positions. The movements are performed repeatedly,
in accordance to the ordained prayer regulations (Reza,
Urakami & Mano) [8].
‘Salaah’ consists of ‘rakaats’, each ‘rakaat’ being a series of
7 postures. For example, before sunrise, 2 ‘rakaats’ or 14
postures must be performed. Thus, each Muslim is under
obligation to perform 119 postures per day, that is 3750
postures per month and 42,840 postures per year. Suppose, if
we live up to an average of 50 years, ‘Salaah’ being
obligatory from the age of 10 years, we would have
performed 1,713,600 postures compulsorily in this lifetime
(Ashrad & Nizami) [9]. Thus, if a Muslim practises ‘Namaz’
strictly and properly, he will be automatically fit and sound
physically, mentally and spiritually. Though there are some
religious distinction between ‘Salaah’ and Yoga, some
medical or health benefits of ‘Salaah’ is almost similar to
Yoga.
Salaah Positions and Yoga Asanas
There are some positions in ‘Salaah’ which are similar to
some Asanas in Yoga. (Ibrahim-Issa) [10] Here, these will be
illustrated in details along with their health and physical
benefits. In the following, these are mentioned:
Qiyam Standing for Salaah vs Namaste
By performing Qiyam and Namaste, there is an even
distribution to both feet, relaxation of legs and back, generates
feelings of humility, modesty, and piety. This will ease the
nervous system and balance the body. The body is charged
with positive energy. This position straightens the back and
improves posture.
Qiyam Namaste
In the Qiyam, a verse of the Qur’an is recited: ‘And guide us
to the straight path.’ Some have interpreted this to mean the
alignment of our Chakras. While reciting more verses from
the Qur’an, the sound vibrations of the long vowels ā, ī, and ū
stimulate the heart, thyroid, pineal gland, pituitary, adrenal
glands, and lungs, purifying and uplifting them all. When
rising from this position, the fresh blood moved up into torso
in previous posture returns to its original state, carrying away
toxins. Body regains relaxation and releases tension.
Ruku Bending at the waist/Bowing vs Ardha Uttanasana
By performing ‘Ruk’u’ and ‘Ardha Uttanasana’ fully stretch
the muscles of the lower back, front torso, thighs, and calves.
Blood is pumped into the upper torso. This position tones
muscles of the stomach, abdomen, and kidneys.
Ruk’u Ardha Uttanasana
Over time, this posture improves the personality, generating
sweet kindness and inner harmony.
Julus Sitting vs Vajarasana
‘Julus’ and ‘Vajrasana’, aid the detoxication of the liver and
stimulate peristaltic action of the large intestine. This position
assists digestion by forcing the contents of the stomach
downward. It helps in curing varicose veins and joint pains,
increases flexibility, and strengthens the pelvic muscles.
Julus Vajarasana
After standing and bowing and proceeding to prostration,
sitting is done on the left leg knee flexed with the inverted
dorsi flexed ankle and flexed right knee and
metatarsophalangeals joint for two minutes. After that,

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International Journal of Yogic, Human Movement and Sports Sciences
‘Salaah’ is concluded by looking over one’s right and left
shoulder wishing peace for mankind.
Sujud or Sijdah (Prostration) vs Balasana
One of the most important position in ‘Salaah’ or ‘Namaz’ is
‘Sujud’ or ‘Sijdah’ which quite similar to the Yoga
‘Balasana’. This position stimulates the brain’s frontal cortex.
It leaves the heart in a higher position than the brain, which
increases flow of blood into upper regions of the body,
especially the head and lungs.
Sijdah Balasana
This allows mental toxins to be cleansed. This position allows
stomach muscles to develop and prevents growth of
flabbiness in the midsection. It maintains proper position of
fetus in pregnant women, reduces high blood pressure,
increases elasticity of joints and alleviates stress, anxiety,
dizziness and fatigue.
Meditation in Salaah and Yoga
People perform Yoga with soothing instructions to help them
meditate. In a soft voice, a man or woman would describe
how to breathe, what to imagine, and what to feel. Recitation
of the Qur’an serves similarly as guidance to the individual
Meditation
However, it serves not only to guide you during ‘Salaah’ but
also to guide your life. Many describe meditation as a source
of enlightenment as it leaves them at peace and eases their
daily activities. ‘Salaah’ serves this exact purpose. Guidance
and peace are core values in Islam to the point that prayer is
needed five times a day.
Om’ (Aum) Vs. ‘Adhan’ Or ‘Azaan’
‘Om’ ‘Adhan’
Om is a mantra, or vibration, that is traditionally chanted at
the beginning and end of yoga sessions. The mantra is
considered to have high spiritual sound and creative power.
It’s both a sound and symbol rich in meaning and depth and
when pronounced correctly it is actually AUM. Aum actually
consist of four syllables – A, U, M and the silent syllable, in
which A (Awe) sound starts at the back of throat and stretch it
out. It starts the solar plexus and chest vibrating. The U (‘oo’)
sound gradually rolling forward the upper plate of the body
and feels throat vibrating. The M (‘mmmm’) sound touches
the front teeth and feels the top vibrate. The silent syllable is
the deep silence of the infinite. The symbolic three letters
have characterized by i) creation, ii) preservation & iii)
liberation respectively. (Saunders, 2013) [11], (Alpert) [12]
In Adhan have more benefits than OM sound because it has
more syllable than OM. The Adhan in Arabic is the Islamic
call to worship, recited by the muezzins (Who gives Adhan)
prescribed five times of the day. The meaning of the word is
‘to listen, to hear, and be informed about’. Azan sounds
highly meaningful as it contains the language of glorifying the
Lord and His Messenger (pbuh). t starts with ‘Allah is the
Greatest’ (four times) which is to testify the ultimate power of
the Creator of the universe. The next phrase, ‘There is none
worthy of worship except Allah’ justifies the very first
criterion of a Muslim’s faith to believe in One Allah’s
Supremacy and comparing none to Him. This follows up with
bearing witness that the Prophet (pbuh) is the Messenger of
Allah. Next the azan says, ‘Come to Salaah’ and ‘Come
towards Success’ which are meant to inspire the Muslims
about the prayers as being the key source of one’s success in
this world and Hereafter. (Hedayat, 2017) [13]
Others Aspect of Salaah
There is some other aspect of performing ‘Salaah’ which are
different from Yoga exercise. Here, some of them are
presented:
Wudu (Ablution) The purification and preparation
Any act of worship in Islam requires the devotee to make an
intention and perform physical cleansing and ready himself
spiritually. The term Wodu broadly translates to ablution
which Muslims perform before the ‘Salaah’ by washing their
hands, face and feet in a specific order. This in itself is an act
of worship since it preconditions the person to perform a
serious and sacred duty. The Prophet (SAW) has said that
Wudu does not only clean the person physically but also
washes off his sins committed by the washed parts through
the dripping water as evident from this Hadith, A Muslim
who purifies (himself) and completes purification as enjoined
upon him by Allah and then offers the ‘Salaah’, that will be
expiatious (of his sins he committed) between these
(‘Salaah’). (Sahih Muslim Book 2, Book of Purification,
Hadith: 0444). Before every mandatory ‘Salaah’ or when one
intends to recite the Holy Qur’an the Muslim performs
‘Wudu’ and thereby maintains a high level of physical
cleanliness and spiritual purity. The mind is put to rest from
worldly distractions and stress as the act of ablution
conditions the psyche to focus singularly on the act of
obedience and submission to His will. By commencing the
‘Salaah’ with clean body and clear intention the worshiper
enters into a state of mind appropriate to communicate with
Allah. This is an exclusive act performed at least five times by
the Muslims and has scientifically been noted to relax the
mind and reduce stress levels as the spirituality overtakes any
worldly concern.

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International Journal of Yogic, Human Movement and Sports Sciences
Niyyah The intention towards Salaah
Expression of intention called Niyyah in Arabic to perform
the ‘Salaah’ is an essential precondition and is usually done
within one's heart appropriately for the ‘Salaah’ of the time.
With the intention, the worshiper is committed to complete
the action as prescribed and to obey all the rules therein in
order that his prayer is accepted and rewarded.
Benefits of Salaah comparing with Yoga
There is great correlation between ‘Salaah’ and Yoga. Yoga
rejuvenates the mechanism of body and mind. Yoga Therapy
is a refreshing process as well as a cost-effective solution;
tries to find out the very root cause of diseases. It helps to
restore harmony among various components of lifestyle-
physical, social, emotional, spiritual, mental and
psychological. The basic concept of Yoga is to relish and
cherish the life with exhilarating excitement. The system
provides psychological and emotional well-being. Being
drugless therapies, it enhances sustainable and functional
ability of the body. The same case is also with ‘Salaah’. Yoga
and ‘Salaah’ is certainly a substitute of stress and disease free
personality. There are many benefits by performing ‘Salaah’
like physical health benefits, Spiritual benefits and all other
medical benefits which can be considered as benedictory
contribution in Islamic life.
Conclusions
A number of attempts in the study have been made to relate
‘Salaah’ to a popular ancient heritage for exercise. Yoga has
been known for its scientific basis as a healthy lifestyle
practice for thousands of years (Sayeed & Prakash, 2013) [14].
Today, Yoga, regardless of its religious affiliation, has
become one of the most popular fitness practices all over the
world. In India, it has been consistently applied for centuries
for its curative powers of movement. Several ‘Asanas’
(physical postures) of Yoga may not be possible to follow in
healthcare practices in the absence of the professional
supervision for desirable advantage, Muslims have had the
blessing of ‘Salaah’ that has since fourteen hundred years
become an integral part of their daily activities with physical,
psychological, social and spiritual benefits. The absence of
Yoga in Islamic life, ‘Salaah’ will fulfil the needs of Yoga.
Here, the authors would suggest to every Muslim individual
to perform ‘Salaah’ regularly five times in a day for their
better human life. It can reduce every type of physical and
medical problems as well as psychological problems of the
individual.
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