Exploring the potential effects of the Seiza sitting position during Dzikr after Muslim prayer on stomach circumference changes.
We live in an era of high-intensity workouts and complex diet plans, all chasing the elusive goal of a healthier waistline. But what if a key to managing belly fat has been quietly woven into a spiritual practice for centuries? Intriguing new research is beginning to explore this very idea, investigating a traditional sitting posture known as Seiza and its potential physiological effects following Muslim prayer (salah).
This isn't about a new fitness fad; it's about understanding the hidden science within a ritual performed by over a billion people worldwide. Could the simple act of sitting still after prayer do more than just calm the mind? Let's dive into the fascinating intersection of spiritual tradition and bodily science.
For Muslims, the five daily prayers are a time for spiritual connection and discipline. The prayer itself is a sequence of postures—standing, bowing, prostrating, and sitting—each with its own spiritual significance. But from a physiological perspective, this sequence is also a gentle form of physical exercise involving repetitive stretching and muscle engagement.
The central hypothesis is that the Seiza position applies gentle, consistent pressure to the abdominal region.
The posture may encourage deeper, slower breathing from the diaphragm, which massages the internal organs and can reduce stress.
Maintaining an upright spine in Seiza engages the core muscles, potentially strengthening them over time.
The posture itself promotes a state of mindfulness, which can lead to better awareness of one's body and eating habits.
To test the theory, researchers conducted an in-depth case study on a single, healthy adult male. The goal was simple: to measure any changes in stomach circumference that could be linked to the consistent practice of sitting in Seiza after prayer.
Initial stomach circumference measured at navel level before study began.
Seiza position maintained for 15 minutes after each of the five daily prayers.
Usual diet and activity levels maintained to isolate the Seiza effect.
The participant followed a strict and monitored routine for 30 consecutive days. Following each of the five daily compulsory prayers, the participant would complete the prayer in its entirety and immediately sit in the Seiza position for 15 minutes of silent Dzikr, ensuring his posture was correct—spine straight and weight evenly distributed.
The data collected told a compelling story. The participant's stomach circumference showed a consistent decrease over the 30-day period without any other changes to his lifestyle.
| Measurement Period | Stomach Circumference (cm) | Change from Baseline (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Baseline (Day 0) | 95.0 | - |
| Mid-Study (Day 15) | 93.5 | -1.5 |
| Final (Day 30) | 92.0 | -3.0 |
To get a fuller picture, researchers also tracked metrics related to metabolism and body composition.
| Metric | Baseline (Day 0) | Final (Day 30) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body Weight (kg) | 78.0 | 77.8 | -0.2 kg |
| Body Fat Percentage | 24.5% | 24.1% | -0.4% |
| Resting Heart Rate | 72 bpm | 68 bpm | -4 bpm |
The minimal change in weight and body fat percentage reinforces the idea that the circumference loss was not due to general fat loss, but rather a more localized, musculoskeletal effect .
How do researchers quantify the effect of something as subtle as a sitting position? Here are the key tools and concepts used in this field.
A non-stretch, flexible tape used for accurate and consistent measurement of body circumferences.
A strict, step-by-step guide for posture, timing, and measurement to ensure the results are reliable and repeatable.
A diary kept by the participant to confirm that eating habits remained unchanged, ruling out diet as a variable.
An in-depth investigation of a single subject, ideal for generating hypotheses and observing detailed effects before larger trials .
This single case report is, of course, not definitive proof. It's a first step—a fascinating observation that opens the door to more extensive research. Larger studies with control groups (people who pray but don't sit in Seiza) and longer timeframes are needed to confirm these findings.
However, the implications are profound. It suggests that the benefits of spiritual practices like salah and Dzikr may extend beyond the peace of mind they provide. The Seiza posture, a simple act of stillness and respect, might be a powerful, accessible tool for promoting core strength and a healthier abdominal profile.
It reminds us that sometimes, the secrets to wellness are not found in the latest trend, but in the timeless wisdom of tradition. The next time you finish your prayer, that quiet moment of sitting still might be doing more for your body than you ever imagined.