Sujood and Mental Health

Sujood and Mental Health

SujoodIn his book, Sujood (Prostration), Dr. Ahmed Sakr states, "In Islam the concept and action of prostration (al-Sujood) is very important. It is important physically, medically, morally, spiritually and biologically. Prostration has been mentioned in the Qur'an 92 times in 22 different forms and in 32 different surahs. In the Qur'an Surah Al-Sajdah (prostration) says, "Only those believe in Our Signs who, when they are recited to them, fall down in prostration, and celebrate the praises of their Lord, nor are they puffed up with pride." (Qur'an 32:15)

With the advancement of science and technology, and the whirl that existence in the west can be, one feels obligated to mention one method that brings peace, harmony, accord, tranquility, and happiness. This practice is Sujood or prostration!

People today are exposed to many daily frustrations. They are also propounded with many electrostatic charges from the atmosphere. These charges are precipitated on the central nervous systems (CNS) which becomes supersaturated. One has to get rid of these extra charges, otherwise, there is the possibility of headaches, neck aches, muscle spasms, etc. The use of anti-depressants, tranquilizers and other mood altering drugs could be reduced or eliminated with the practice of Sujood.

The best way to rid oneself of these extra electrostatic charges is by dissipating them and discharging them from the body. In the same way that an electrical appliance needs to be grounded by the use of an electric cord, a person will find it helpful to do likewise.

The frontal areas of the brain are those that control abstract thought, creativity, conscience, and personality. Therefore, "grounding" oneself by putting the forehead (the frontal portion of the brain) on the ground during Sujood has beneficial medical (grounding) properties. The action of putting the forehead, nose, hands, knees, and toes all in contact with the ground at the same time during Sujood will result in a calming feeling resulting from dissipation of the electromagnetic energy."

Drs. Abdul Ahad and Mehdi Hassan in their article "Some Medical Aspects of Al-Salat" say about prostration, "During Sajdah, a person has to support his body on knees, hands, and forehead. This posture has its effect on the intervertebral joints, especially cervical and other spinal diseases. During sajdah, while the person lays his body weight on legs flexed at knees, these muscles are put in action to various degrees which aids venous return and acts as a massage for these muscles."

During prostration, muscles are exercised, blood flow is increased, lung capacity is utilized...all leading to better physical health. This in turn results in better mental health, not only because of the physical activity, but due to the spiritual process also.