The Salams App has a filter that indicates religiosity and prayer levels. This filter is to help other Salams users find a significant other with similar spiritual values as themselves. As Muslims we always should strive to be the best versions of ourselves, so if someone is striving to become better in faith we should also look at those profiles and start a convo about how users define religiosity. Everyone has their own ideal of religiosity, and so we chose to explore this filter and how it relates to the choice of Prayer Levels.

Let's explore the benefits of Salah since it is an action that unites us all as muslims. Whether you pray Sometimes, Regularly, or Always, Allah loves those who come close to him through prayer.

70:34-35 And those who [carefully] maintain their prayer: They will be in gardens, honored.

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What is Salah?

Prayer is one of the 5 pillars of Islam, the fundamentals of faith as a Muslim.The word “Salah” originated from Arabic origin meaning "worship" or "praying." It is the 2^nd pillar of Islam. Muslims perform Salah five times a day. The mental, physical and spiritual advantages of offering Salah on time are phenomenal. It forms a connection between mankind and Allah. The 5 obligatory prayers are divided throughout the day at different times; Fajr, Dhuhr, Asar, Maghrib and Isha. Salah is the Mi'raj of Muslims.

It is mentioned in the Quran; “Only in the remembrance of God do hearts find peace”.

Praying 5 times a day is a gift enjoined by Allah on his beloved mankind. It improves our character, purifies us from sins and encourages us to become better Muslims. Here are some of the advantages associated with praying Salah on time. Have a look:

5 Benefits of Performing the Salat at its Prescribed Time

Abdullah asked Hazrat Muhammad SAW, who is dearest to Allah? Hazrat Muhammad SAW replied, "The one who performs salah at the appointed time."

1. The time between Adhan and Iqamah is listed as the blessed time when Duas get accepted. 

2. The person who prays Salah five times a day will be under the shade of divine light on the Day of Judgment.

3. Salah means obtaining Allah's consent the first time, mercy the second time, and forgiveness of Allah the third time. Praying Salah at the prescribed time helps you to gain the pleasure of Allah. 

4:103 And when you have completed the prayer, remember Allah standing, sitting, or [lying] on your sides. But when you become secure, re-establish [regular] prayer. Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times.

4. Performing salah at a prescribed time helps you to attain success in this life and the hereafter.

It is narrated that when the time for Salah sets in, the doors of heaven are opened for the acceptance and the ascent of the good deeds.

5. Offering Salah at prescribed time intercedes for the particular human being on The Day of Judgement. 

Physical benefits

With a plethora of spiritual and mental benefits, Salah has immense physical advantages too. All the physical postures and movements harmonize perfectly with spiritual health, thus resulting in many surprising health benefits. 

Reduces the levels of stress, agitation and anxiety

Offering Salah has been linked to reducing the levels of depression, anxiety and stress in humans. It works miraculously to provide you with spiritual comfort. It is a wonderful source of comfort that has the same positive effects as yoga and meditation. The detection of alpha waves when a person prays is linked to reduced levels of tension, fatigue and stress. Various studies have shown a strong connection between Salah and spiritual enlightenment. 

Disclaimer: If you are suffering from any mental health condition, we suggest you take help from a professional for the best results. 

Stretches the body

When a Muslim is in the state of Ruku; bowing down to the extent when the fingers of his hands reach the knees, his body stretches without any exhaustion. This posture is extremely important for the lower vertebral column as it provides trunk stability and strengthens your core. It relieves backache by exerting the right amount of abdominal pressure and providing flexibility to the spine, shoulders and knees. 

Improves Blood Flow

It is scientifically proven that praying 5 times a day improves overall blood circulation in the body. All the postures in Salat help regulate the blood flow to all body parts effectively. Salah involves physical movements such as standing, bowing, prostration and sitting. All these movements work in perfect harmony to improve blood flow. Starting from Takbir, the movement of hands and shoulders improves blood flow to the torso. During the Ruku and Tashahhud, blood is regulated in the upper and lower parts of the body respectively. Sajda (prostration) regulates the flow of blood towards the head that has tremendous spiritual benefits. The cerebral flow is essential for the normal functioning of the body. 

Spiritual benefits

Offering Salah has the following spiritual benefits of providing peace, tranquility, purifying us from sin,

Provides peace and tranquillity 

Our hearts find rest and tranquillity in the remembrance of Allah. Our souls relax when we remember God. Prayer serves as the Mi'raj of Momin, it forms a spiritual connection between Allah and mankind.  Offering Salah on time helps in the remembrance of Allah. Think of it as essential “me time” that connects you with Allah tala, soothes your mind and reboots your energy levels. 

Prayer purifies us from sin

Offering Salat purifies our mind and heart from bad sins. When we bow our heads in front of Allah, we refrain from sinning. It improves moral elevation, reduces the feelings of stress and anxiety and motivates us to become better people. It promotes self-control and discipline that serves to be key to a successful life in this world and the hereafter. 

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Final thoughts

The Islamic ontology of Salah is to purify the heart. Performing Salah helps to minimize the levels of stress and anxiety, it strengthens your core and provides you with a plethora of mental and physical health advantages. Allah loves you and looks at your hearts (intentions) Be kind to yourself and start offering Salah to gain success in this life and the hereafter. 

May Allah tala help us to become the best version of ourselves. Ameen! 

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