Koran and Sunnah on Prayer
Prayer and Faith
Dr. Andrew Newburg, neurologist, asserts that believing that there is a Creator and God for this Universe is extremely necessary for better physical and psychological health. In his book How God Changes Your Brain which achieved high sales in the USA, Newburg says that the stronger your belief of the Creator, the better your brain. Hence, prayer helps cure from diseases especially if it is performed regularly and in its due times. God, the Exalted says (meaning): “When ye pass (congregational) prayers, celebrate God’s praises, standing, sitting down, or lying down on your sides. But when ye are free from danger, set up regular prayers. For such prayers are enjoined on believers at stated times.” (Sura An-Nisa, ayah 103).
Prayer and Patience
Psychologists believe that prayer is an effective method for the treatment of psychological diseases since it grants believers stability and tranquility and makes them forget the distresses of life especially night (qiam) prayer. Let us read the following great divine verse (meaning): “O ye who believe! Seek help with patient perseverance and prayer. For God is with those who patiently persevere.” (Sura Al-Baqarah, ayah 153).
If patience is combined with prayer, they form a strong remedy for any disease especially when believers establish it with absolute humility and without thinking about any matter of this life, but rather aspire to achieve the satisfaction of God, the Great.
Prayer and personal tranquillity
Prayer has great psychological effects, and someone who truly humbles himself in prayer will normally find improved levels of concentration, and a better ability to reflect and ponder, and these are all effective ways of treating problems of stress and exhaustion. Also, prayer is an excellent treatment of anger, haste and recklessness, as it teaches an individual to relax, have peace of mind, and submit to God the Almighty alone. It also teaches patience and humbleness. All these factors contribute positively to the nervous system as well as to the function of the heart, including the steadiness of its beats and the pumping of blood through it. Prayer helps a person release negative energy, be it in the form of depression, anxiety, fear or anything else. That is, all these worries are forgotten when a person recognizes that he is but standing before the God, and realizes that God is by his side and will never leave him, so long as he is sincere in his submission to God the Almighty. God says in the Holy Koran (meaning): “Successful indeed are the believers: those who humble themselves in their prayers.” (Sura Al-Mu’minun, ayat 1-2).
Prayer and Time Management
Among the benefits of prayer is that when believers maintain their prayers in its regular times, their lives will be organized hence assisting the biological clock to function with high efficiency and amazing stability. The immune system is hence boosted as well as the capacity of the body to fight various organic diseases. That is why Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) told us to maintain steadfast to prayers and considered the best deeds at all is performing prayer according to a specific system. He said: “The most loved deeds to God is to perform prayer in its regular time.” (Narrated by Al- Bukhari).
Prayer and Heart Healing
In an article published by the Washington Post, researchers affirm that people who perform prayers regularly regardless of their religion are healthier and psychologically stable and do not suffer from psychological disorders. It is because worshiping and contemplation reduce stress hormones and slows down heart beating rates in addition to their impact as tranquilizers. We glorify God who has granted us this amazing gift, prayer. God the Almighty says (meaning): “Thy Lord doth know that thou standest forth (to prayer) nigh two-thirds of the night, or half the night, or a third of the night, and so doth a party of those with thee. But God doth appoint night and day in due measure. He knoweth that ye are unable to keep count thereof. So He hath turned to you (in mercy): read ye, therefore, of the Quran as much as may be easy for you. He knoweth that there may be (some) among you in ill-health; others travelling through the land, seeking of God’s bounty; yet others fighting in God’s cause. Read ye, therefore, as much of the Quran as may be easy (for you); and establish regular prayer and give regular charity; and loan to God a beautiful loan. And whatever good ye send forth for your souls, ye shall find it in God’s presence, - yea, better and greater, in reward. And seek ye the grace of God: for God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Sura Muzzammil, ayah 20).
Prayer Lowers Blood Pressure
Researchers confirm that faith is extremely significant for the continuation of the human race because it makes them more adaptable to their environments and answers the questions raised by their brains. They have discovered that praying (for instance according to the Buddhist manner) lowers blood pressure and removes depression and anxiety in addition to lowering heart beating rates. Faith accordingly is better that atheism for man’s health and safety. The best type of prayer is that of Muslims because they get close to their Lord and creator. God says (meaning): “Recite what is sent of the Book by inspiration to thee, and establish regular prayer: for prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds; and remembrance of God is the greatest (thing in life) without doubt. And God knows the (deeds) that ye do. (Sura Al-‘Ankabut, ayah 45).
By Abduldaem Al-Kaheel
