Unraveling the Profound Meaning of "Prayer is Better than Sleep"
In Islam, the Fajr Adhan is a significant moment marking the start of the day. However, beyond being a call to prayer, there are intriguing scientific secrets hidden within it.
Understanding the Fajr Adhan Phrase:
The phrase "Assalaatu khairun minan naum," which translates to "Prayer is better than sleep," holds a profound meaning. But why is this phrase only recited during the Fajr Azan and not for other prayers? In this phrase, Allah SWT is conveying His love and mercy to Muslims, a message often overlooked in its significance.
So, why is this signal sounded during the Fajr prayer, when we are all in deep slumber, and not during other prayers?
Unveiling the Secrets of Body Health Behind the Adhan and Fajr Prayer:
Numerous studies abroad have convincingly concluded that the majority of heart attacks peak between 6:00 AM and 12:00 PM.
Why is that? It's because during this time, there's a shift in our body's systems, with an increase in sympathetic nervous system activity (known as Yang in Chinese medicine) and a decrease in parasympathetic nervous system activity (YIN).
The heightened sympathetic tension prepares us for action, increasing blood pressure, strengthening heartbeats, and more. Simultaneously, increased parasympathetic tension makes us feel drowsy and inclined to rest.
The Body's System and Morning Time:
The rising sympathetic tension readies us for action, increasing blood pressure and heartbeats. Meanwhile, the increased parasympathetic tension makes us drowsy and inclined to rest.
During the pre-dawn hours (starting around 3:00 AM), blood pressure silently rises, adrenaline surges, causing increased blood pressure and narrowed blood vessels (vasoconstriction), and an increase in platelet aggregation (platelets sticking together to form clots) even while we sleep.
Isn't it intriguing? This happens to all humans and is known as the Circadian rhythm, a natural gift from Allah SWT to humanity. He knows best about all His creations.
The Importance of Nitric Oxide:
In 1980, Furchgott and Zawadsky discovered a critical substance affecting blood vessels: Nitric Oxide (NO). This substance plays a pivotal role in regulating blood vessels and preventing blood clotting. These three researchers even received the Nobel Prize in 1998 for their discovery.
Normal blood vessels, when exposed to a chemical called Acetylcholine, dilate. However, a peculiar phenomenon occurred when cells lining the inner walls of blood vessels were removed; the vessels no longer dilated when exposed to Acetylcholine.
This discovery caused a stir in the medical world. "So, this is what determines whether blood vessels widen or narrow, a new discovery that had been researched for decades but never found."
This research prompted worldwide investigations to identify the substance inside the inner walls of blood vessels capable of expanding them. From thousands of studies, Furchgott, Ignarro, and Murad identified NO/Nitric Oxide. These three researchers received the Nobel Prize in 1998.
NO is constantly produced, even during rest or sleep. However, its production can be increased through medications like Nifedipine and nitrates, as well as physical activity.
Nitric Oxide's additional effect is preventing blood from clotting by reducing platelet aggregation.
So, when we wake up for the pre-dawn prayer and perform the ablution and the obligatory and voluntary prayers, especially when accompanied by walking to the mosque, it provides cardiovascular protection, unbeknownst to us.
Moreover, it's worth noting that the positions of Ruku (bowing) and Sujood (prostration) involve rhythmic movements that increase parasympathetic tone, counteracting the effects of sympathetic tone.
Salat (Prayer) and Health:
When we wake up for the pre-dawn prayer and engage in the act of worship, it boosts Nitric Oxide production in our bodies. Fajr prayer, especially when accompanied by walking to the mosque, offers protection against cardiovascular issues, all unbeknownst to us. Additionally, the movements within the prayer, such as bowing and prostration, have positive effects on our nervous system.
From the earliest days of Islam, Allah has provided guidance for the well-being of His people. While the benefits have only recently been discovered in human science, it's evidence of Allah's compassion towards His servants. By understanding the scientific secrets behind the Azan and Fajr prayer, we can better appreciate the importance of this worship in maintaining our body's health. Allahu Akbar!
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