Integrating faith and fitness: The role of Salāh in promoting holistic well-being

Gopa Saha Roy; Kartick Chandra Mandal; Neha Afroja; Chandan Adhikary

doi:10.63697/jessp.2026.10094

Authors

Gopa Saha Roy Department of Physical Education, The University of Burdwan, Golapbag, Burdwan, West Bengal, PIN-713104, India
Kartick Chandra Mandal Department of Education, The University of Burdwan, Golapbag, Burdwan, West Bengal, PIN-713104, India
Neha Afroja Department of Physical Education, The University of Burdwan, Golapbag, Burdwan, West Bengal, PIN-713104, India
Chandan Adhikary Department of Education, The University of Burdwan, Golapbag, Burdwan, West Bengal, PIN-713104, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5583-012X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63697/jessp.2026.10094

Keywords:

Anthropometric measures, Mindfulness, Cognitive function, Cardiovascular endurance, Holistic well-being

Abstract

Salāh, the Islamic ritual prayer, is performed five times daily: Fajr, Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha. It is regarded as the central act of worship in Islam and integrates physical postures, recitation, and mindfulness. It is not only a symbolic act of devotion but also contributes to physical health. This study examined the influence of Salāh, as a spiritual and physical practice, on physiological, psychological, and anthropometric measures in boys aged 13–14 years. Sixty participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 30) or a control group (n = 30). The experimental group performed Salāh five times daily for six weeks, while the control group received no intervention. Pretest–posttest data were collected for body composition (weight, height, and body mass index), flexibility (sit-and-reach test and Gap test), cardiovascular endurance (Harvard step test), blood pressure, resting heart rate, and cognitive function (Stroop Color and Word Test). The results showed that the experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, resting heart rate, and cognitive function, with no significant change observed in body mass index (BMI). These results indicate that regular Salāh practice positively affects cardiovascular health, muscular flexibility, and mental alertness through rhythmic movement, controlled breathing, and focused attention. The spiritual and physical dimensions of Salāh thus offer a natural, culturally grounded approach to enhancing the holistic well-being of youth.

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