By Hasan Kamoonpuri -
One of the most common and beautiful spectacles after Isha prayers daily during the holy month of Ramadhan is Taraweeh prayers at every small and big mosque in Oman.
During Salat al Taraweeh long portions of the Glorious Quran are recited. Salat al Taraweeh assumes significance because the Glorious Quran was revealed in the holy month of Ramadhan. Even though Taraweeh prayers are not obligatory, most people attend these prayers so much so that even as it starts at 8.30 pm there is a huge reduction of vehicles on roads and people in malls. Mosques are overcrowded with people who devote themselves to the recitation of the Glorious Quran — a living miracle for mankind.
Medical benefits
Dr Ibrahim Syed, Clinical Professor, University of Louisville School of Medicine Louisville, Kentucky, USA, and President, Islamic Research Foundation International, Inc USA, says Muslims derive therapeutic and spiritual benefits starting from the Wudu to the physical movements in the Salat — Takbir, Qiyam, Ruku, Sajda, and Tasleems. Muslims perform five daily contact prayers (Salat) and voluntary prayers throughout the year and Taraweeh prayers during the month of Ramadhan. This results in moderate physical exercise particularly to every muscle in the body.
During the month of Ramadhan, additional prayers are performed after salatul Ishaa, called Taraweeh prayers which vary from 8 rakat (unit of prayer) to 20 rakat with a few minutes break after every 4 rakat for chanting and extolling the Majesty of Allah. After Iftar (breaking of fast) the blood glucose level continues to rise from the food ingested. Just before the Iftar meals, the blood glucose and insulin levels are at their lowest level. After an hour or so after the Iftar meal, the blood glucose begins to rise and also plasma insulin. Liver and the muscles take up the circulating glucose. The blood sugar reaches high levels in an hour or two and the benefits of Taraweeh prayers come into effect. The circulating glucose is metabolised into carbon dioxide and water during the Taraweeh prayers.
Hence the Taraweeh prayers help in expending the extra calories and improve flexibility, co-ordination, reduce stress-related autonomic responses in healthy persons, and relieve anxiety and depression. The gentle exercises performed in Taraweeh prayers improve physical fitness, emotional well-being and increase the longevity of the worshipper. It was noted that the five daily prayers (Salat) produce the same physiological changes without any undesirable side effects as those produced by jogging or walking at about three miles per hour.
In addition to the health-boosting qualities of the Salat, the worshipper is trained to be steadfast on the path of goodness, righteousness and to shun evil. The Taraweeh prayer is considered to be a gentle exercise.
Mental health
It is a known fact that exercise improves mood, thought and behaviour. Exercise improves the quality of life, induces greater sense of well-being and energy, reduces anxiety and depression, influences mood favourably and contributes to self-esteem and an aura of confidence; improves memory in the elderly especially with constant repetition of the Ayaat (verses) from the Glorious Quran and other Ayaat which exalt His Glory. This constant repetition of the Quranic Ayaat would help to screen the mind from the incoming thoughts.
It has been found by a Harvard University researcher that repetition of a prayer, Ayaat of the Quran or remembrance (Dhikr) of Allah or muscular activity coupled with passive disregard of intensive thoughts causes a “relaxation response” that leads to the lowering of blood pressure and decreases in oxygen consumption and a reduction in heart and respiratory rates. All these are combined in the Taraweeh prayer which is an ideal condition for “relaxation response.” It combines repeated muscular activity with repetition of Salat, chanting of words of glorification of Allah and of supplications. The Taraweeh prayer puts the mind in a relaxed state.
Islam is the only Deen (complete way of life) where physical movements of Salat and Taraweeh prayers are combined with spiritual exercise. When Salat and Taraweeh prayers are practised throughout a person’s life, it trains a person to undertake the difficult task of meditation during physical manoeuvres of Salat and Taraweeh prayers, so that the worshipper benefits both from spiritual as well as physical exercise. Salat and Taraweeh prayers are unique in that tension builds up in the muscles during physical manoeuvres on the one hand, while tension is relieved in the mind due to the spiritual ingredient, on the other hand.
Spritual and social benefits
Our beloved Prophet (PBUH) said, “Whoever observes night prayer in the Holy Month of Ramadan as an expression of his faith and to seek reward from Allah, his previous sins will be blotted out.” (Muslim).
Allah the Exalted says in the Glorious Quran, “Ramadhan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as guidance and clarification to humankind, and a distinction between right and wrong. So, whoever from among you witnesses the month should fast it.” (2: 185)
The significance of Ramadhan lies in the fact that the revelation of the Glorious Quran began in that month. For this reason, Ramadhan is often called the month of the Quran and Muslims try to spend much of their waking hours reading from the Holy Book throughout the month.
Salat al Taraweeh in congregation, like other en masse Islamic activities, go a long way in developing and deepening unity among people, and building bonds of brotherhood. At most Taraweeh prayers in Oman one can notice easily that there are people from not less eight to 12 nationalities. Some of them do not even know one another’s language but they are all one bowing together to the Almighty Allah.
Islam holds that there is a fundamental unity encompassing all things that exist. Ramadhan activities such as Iftar, Suhoor, congregational prayers and Salat al Taraweeh go a long way in cementing unity by liberating Muslims from the shackles of nationalism, racism, sectarianism, and any other ideology that contrasts with the Islamic concept of Unity of the Creator and His creation, which in turn advance universal brotherhood.
The importance of brotherhood and unity is not only stressed upon but also practically demonstrated in the form of mass activities. Take the case of Taraweeh prayers — special evening prayers during Ramadhan.
During Taraweeh prayers long portions of the Glorious Quran are recited and in the Quran too there is immense emphasis on unity among all people in general and among Muslims in particular. The invocations at these prayers invariably stress the importance of unity among people as well as on unity in one’s words/beliefs and actions. In addition to spiritual benefits, the congregational Taraweeh prayers serve to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and unity of the Islamic Ummah — the global Muslim community.
Unity is at the heart of Ramadhan events. Families and friends exchange invitations to Iftar parties, prepare collective Iftar, make home visits and socialise. People gather in mosques to perform Taraweeh and other congregational prayers. Furthermore, charity fosters social solidarity with the poor and with society at large.
One of the most common and beautiful spectacles after Isha prayers daily during the holy month of Ramadhan is Taraweeh prayers at every small and big mosque in Oman.
During Salat al Taraweeh long portions of the Glorious Quran are recited. Salat al Taraweeh assumes significance because the Glorious Quran was revealed in the holy month of Ramadhan. Even though Taraweeh prayers are not obligatory, most people attend these prayers so much so that even as it starts at 8.30 pm there is a huge reduction of vehicles on roads and people in malls. Mosques are overcrowded with people who devote themselves to the recitation of the Glorious Quran — a living miracle for mankind.
Medical benefits
Dr Ibrahim Syed, Clinical Professor, University of Louisville School of Medicine Louisville, Kentucky, USA, and President, Islamic Research Foundation International, Inc USA, says Muslims derive therapeutic and spiritual benefits starting from the Wudu to the physical movements in the Salat — Takbir, Qiyam, Ruku, Sajda, and Tasleems. Muslims perform five daily contact prayers (Salat) and voluntary prayers throughout the year and Taraweeh prayers during the month of Ramadhan. This results in moderate physical exercise particularly to every muscle in the body.
During the month of Ramadhan, additional prayers are performed after salatul Ishaa, called Taraweeh prayers which vary from 8 rakat (unit of prayer) to 20 rakat with a few minutes break after every 4 rakat for chanting and extolling the Majesty of Allah. After Iftar (breaking of fast) the blood glucose level continues to rise from the food ingested. Just before the Iftar meals, the blood glucose and insulin levels are at their lowest level. After an hour or so after the Iftar meal, the blood glucose begins to rise and also plasma insulin. Liver and the muscles take up the circulating glucose. The blood sugar reaches high levels in an hour or two and the benefits of Taraweeh prayers come into effect. The circulating glucose is metabolised into carbon dioxide and water during the Taraweeh prayers.
Hence the Taraweeh prayers help in expending the extra calories and improve flexibility, co-ordination, reduce stress-related autonomic responses in healthy persons, and relieve anxiety and depression. The gentle exercises performed in Taraweeh prayers improve physical fitness, emotional well-being and increase the longevity of the worshipper. It was noted that the five daily prayers (Salat) produce the same physiological changes without any undesirable side effects as those produced by jogging or walking at about three miles per hour.
In addition to the health-boosting qualities of the Salat, the worshipper is trained to be steadfast on the path of goodness, righteousness and to shun evil. The Taraweeh prayer is considered to be a gentle exercise.
Mental health
It is a known fact that exercise improves mood, thought and behaviour. Exercise improves the quality of life, induces greater sense of well-being and energy, reduces anxiety and depression, influences mood favourably and contributes to self-esteem and an aura of confidence; improves memory in the elderly especially with constant repetition of the Ayaat (verses) from the Glorious Quran and other Ayaat which exalt His Glory. This constant repetition of the Quranic Ayaat would help to screen the mind from the incoming thoughts.
It has been found by a Harvard University researcher that repetition of a prayer, Ayaat of the Quran or remembrance (Dhikr) of Allah or muscular activity coupled with passive disregard of intensive thoughts causes a “relaxation response” that leads to the lowering of blood pressure and decreases in oxygen consumption and a reduction in heart and respiratory rates. All these are combined in the Taraweeh prayer which is an ideal condition for “relaxation response.” It combines repeated muscular activity with repetition of Salat, chanting of words of glorification of Allah and of supplications. The Taraweeh prayer puts the mind in a relaxed state.
Islam is the only Deen (complete way of life) where physical movements of Salat and Taraweeh prayers are combined with spiritual exercise. When Salat and Taraweeh prayers are practised throughout a person’s life, it trains a person to undertake the difficult task of meditation during physical manoeuvres of Salat and Taraweeh prayers, so that the worshipper benefits both from spiritual as well as physical exercise. Salat and Taraweeh prayers are unique in that tension builds up in the muscles during physical manoeuvres on the one hand, while tension is relieved in the mind due to the spiritual ingredient, on the other hand.
Spritual and social benefits
Our beloved Prophet (PBUH) said, “Whoever observes night prayer in the Holy Month of Ramadan as an expression of his faith and to seek reward from Allah, his previous sins will be blotted out.” (Muslim).
Allah the Exalted says in the Glorious Quran, “Ramadhan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as guidance and clarification to humankind, and a distinction between right and wrong. So, whoever from among you witnesses the month should fast it.” (2: 185)
The significance of Ramadhan lies in the fact that the revelation of the Glorious Quran began in that month. For this reason, Ramadhan is often called the month of the Quran and Muslims try to spend much of their waking hours reading from the Holy Book throughout the month.
Salat al Taraweeh in congregation, like other en masse Islamic activities, go a long way in developing and deepening unity among people, and building bonds of brotherhood. At most Taraweeh prayers in Oman one can notice easily that there are people from not less eight to 12 nationalities. Some of them do not even know one another’s language but they are all one bowing together to the Almighty Allah.
Islam holds that there is a fundamental unity encompassing all things that exist. Ramadhan activities such as Iftar, Suhoor, congregational prayers and Salat al Taraweeh go a long way in cementing unity by liberating Muslims from the shackles of nationalism, racism, sectarianism, and any other ideology that contrasts with the Islamic concept of Unity of the Creator and His creation, which in turn advance universal brotherhood.
The importance of brotherhood and unity is not only stressed upon but also practically demonstrated in the form of mass activities. Take the case of Taraweeh prayers — special evening prayers during Ramadhan.
During Taraweeh prayers long portions of the Glorious Quran are recited and in the Quran too there is immense emphasis on unity among all people in general and among Muslims in particular. The invocations at these prayers invariably stress the importance of unity among people as well as on unity in one’s words/beliefs and actions. In addition to spiritual benefits, the congregational Taraweeh prayers serve to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and unity of the Islamic Ummah — the global Muslim community.
Unity is at the heart of Ramadhan events. Families and friends exchange invitations to Iftar parties, prepare collective Iftar, make home visits and socialise. People gather in mosques to perform Taraweeh and other congregational prayers. Furthermore, charity fosters social solidarity with the poor and with society at large.
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