The Science Behind Taraweeh & Its Physical Benefits

 One of the significant prayers performed during this month is Taraweeh, an additional prayer offered after the obligatory Isha prayer. it holds immense spiritual and physical benefits for Muslims worldwide.

This article briefly describes the scientific benefits of Taraweeh, emphasizing how it enhances physical well-being, improves metabolism, and fosters mental clarity.

What is the Taraweeh Prayer?

Taraweeh is an optional but highly recommended namaz e Taraweeh night prayer performed during Ramadan. The name Taraweeh comes from the Arabic word "راحة" (rahah), meaning rest and relaxation, referring to the short breaks taken after every four rakats.

Historically, Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) performed Taraweeh for three consecutive nights, and many companions joined him. On the fourth night, he refrained, fearing it would become obligatory for the believers. Since then, it has remained an essential part of Ramadan’s spiritual practice.

Physical Benefits of Taraweeh

Taraweeh is not just a spiritual act but also provides numerous physical advantages. It is a form of gentle exercise that benefits the body in multiple ways:

 Regulates Blood Sugar Levels

• Before Iftar, blood glucose and insulin levels are at their lowest.

• After eating, glucose levels spike, and Taraweeh helps burn excess glucose, reducing the risk of diabetes and obesity.

• The physical movements during prayer facilitate glucose metabolism, converting it into energy.

 Enhances Cardiovascular Health

• Taraweeh involves repetitive standing, bowing (Ruku), and prostration (Sujood), which increase heart rate and improve blood circulation.

• It is comparable to moderate aerobic exercise, reducing the risk of heart disease, hypertension, and high cholesterol.

 Improves Muscular and Skeletal Strength

• Regular movement in Taraweeh strengthens muscles, tendons, and joints, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and arthritis.

• Especially for the elderly, these movements enhance bone density and prevent fractures.

 Boosts Flexibility and Coordination

• The sequential movements of the prayer improve posture, stability, and coordination.

• It prevents joint stiffness, which often occurs due to inactivity.

Mental and Emotional Benefits of Taraweeh

Taraweeh not only strengthens the body but also enhances mental well-being:

 Reduces Stress and Anxiety

• Prayer induces a relaxation response, reducing cortisol (stress hormone) levels.

• The rhythmic recitation of the Quran releases endorphins, which create a sense of calmness and joy.

 Improves Focus and Memory

• Repeating Quranic verses with Urdu translation strengthens cognitive functions, particularly in the elderly.

• Meditation-like focus in Taraweeh enhances attention span and mental clarity.

 Enhances Sleep Quality

• The physical exertion and mental tranquility experienced in Taraweeh promote deeper, more restful sleep cycles.

• It regulates melatonin production, improving circadian rhythms.

Metabolic and Weight Loss Benefits

• Taraweeh burns calories, preventing weight gain supplements despite increased food intake during Ramadan.

• Helps in digestion and metabolism regulation after heavy Iftar meals.

• Combined with moderate eating, it aids in healthy weight loss.

 Dua e Taraweeh

Before starting Taraweeh prayers, it is recommended to make neeyat (intention). Additionally, the following taraweeh dua can be recited:

اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْنَا فِيْهَا مِنَ المُتَّقِيْنَ، وَاجْعَلْنَا فِيْهَا مِنَ القَانِتِيْنَ، وَاجْعَلْنَا فِيْهَا مِنْ عِبَادِكَ الصَّالِحِيْنَ، وَاجْعَلْنَا فِيْهَا مِنَ الْمُسْتَغْفِرِيْنَ بِالأَسْحَارِ

Transliteration: Allahumma aj‘alna fiha minal muttaqeen, waj‘alna fiha minal qaniteen, waj‘alna fiha min ‘ibadikas saliheen, waj‘alna fiha minal mustaghfireen bil-as’har.

Translation: "O Allah! Make us among the righteous in it, and make us among Your devoted servants in it, and make us among those who seek Your forgiveness in the early hours of the morning."

Common Duas After Taraweeh Prayer 

Here are some common dua Taraweeh in English and Arabic:

Dua for Seeking Forgiveness From Allah (Astaghfirullah)

 “O Allah, You are forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me.”

“اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ الْعَفُوَّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي”

Dua in Taraweeh Prayer for Acceptance of Worship (Rabbana Aatina Fiddunya Hasanah)

 “Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”

 “رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ”

Dua After Taraweeh Prayer for Guidance and Righteousness

“Our Lord, grant us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”

“رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّا

Conclusion

Taraweeh is more than just a religious ritual. it is a holistic exercise that strengthens the body, mind, and soul. Scientific research highlights its benefits in metabolism, cardiovascular health, mental well-being, and muscle strength. Engaging in this prayer regularly can lead to long-term health improvements, making it a powerful practice for both spiritual and physical well-being.

“Our Lord, grant us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”

During this Ramadan, embrace the Taraweeh prayer to purify your soul and enhance your health.