An Introduction to Prayer

Meditation for Muslims

Question: Is she praying or meditating?

Prayer and Yoga have some commonalities

Credit: mvslim.com/5-ways-yoga-is-a-basic-practice-for-muslims/

However Prayer is first an act of worship, whereas Yoga is a spiritual exercise

What is Meditation? “Meditation is an experience of relaxing the body, quieting the mind, and awakening the spirit.”

What is Meditation?

1.) A quiet location with as few distractions as possible 2.) A specific, comfortable posture (sitting, lying down, walking, or in other positions) 3.) A focus of attention (a specially chosen word or set of words, an object, or the sensations of the breath) 4.) An open attitude (letting distractions come and go naturally without judging them).

Source: National Institute of Health

All the following acts of worship also involve meditation 1. Purification: Ghusl 2. Intention 3. Place: Direction 4. Prayer: Tahajjud & Qiyam

(night prayer) 5. Supplication:Zikr/Tasbeeh 6. Fasting, Itikaaf & Laylatul

Qadar 7. Charity: Zakah & Sadqah 8. Pilgrimage (to Mecca)

Power of Intention

"Verily, all actions are but driven by intention and for everyone is what he intended." “"Certainly, Allah does not look at your shapes (appearance) or wealth. But He only looks at your hearts and deeds.”

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Quran & Meditation?

In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the succession of night and day, there are signs for men of understanding; those that remember God when standing, sitting, and lying down, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth (saying): ‘Lord, You have not created these in vain. Glory be to You! Save us from the torment of the fire, Lord. (Quran 3:191)

Quran & Meditation?

This is a Blessed Book which We have revealed to you, Oh Prophet, so that they may contemplate its verses and people of reason may be mindful. (Quran 38:29)

Muslims can be more mindful

By being more mindful we can improve our acts of worship

How to be more mindful?

Just a way to be present (body, mind, and spirit), in the moment in whatever you’re doing without being judgmental. It helps us ride the roller coaster of emotions we go through on a daily basis and helps to fight stress and find that inner calm we all strive for. Even when we may not feel under pressure we run through life on Auto-Pilot

How to be more mindful?

In a world of increased distractions and demands taking time out for prayer, meditation, yoga is a way to connect with not only our inner-self but with God, where-in lies ultimate peace. Only once we are willing to be accepting of ourselves can we accept others.

How to be more mindful?

It’s not very complicated, set some time aside for the activity, go slow, forget the past and the future, all you have is now, be patient, find a teacher/mentor, and continue to learn and grow.

How to be more mindful?

Just a way to be present (body, mind, and spirit), in Our minds wander, no problemo. Just notice when its happening and gently reign it back to your focus. Whatever activity you are doing pay attention to it.

The 5 pillars of the Islamic Faith

Each act has multiple spiritual benefits

The prayer is preceded by the call to prayer (Azan)

Before a Muslim can pray they must perform ablution (wudu)

Ablution includes washing the hands, rinsing mouth, cleaning nostrils, washing face, arms to the elbows, a ‘masah’ of the hair, neck, ears, and washing the feet.

Wudu

Wudu

Wudu

Wudu

Wudu

Wudu

All prayers are unified in the direction of the Kabah in Mecca and Muslims are encouraged to pray together

Prayer starts with the intention

Qiyam: Standing in prayer

Rukuh

Sujud

Julus

Dua: Supplication

One hour’s meditation on the work of the Creator is better than 70 years of

prayer Prophet Muhammad (SAW)

Supplication (Dua) at the Mountain of Mercy near Mecca

Collective Supplication (Dua)

Tools for Islamic Spiritual Care

Reciting Tasbeeh

Reciting Qurang Quran

Supplication & Reciting Quran

Giving Zakah/Sadaqah (Chairty)

Giving Zakah/Sadaqah (Chairty)

Breaking Fast in the month of Ramadan

Breaking Fast in the month of Ramadan

Fasting in the month of Ramadan

Fasting in the month of Ramadan

Performing Hajj in Mecca

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