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During a fierce battle, Ali (RA) was struck by an arrow in his foot. The wound was so deep that its removal would have been excruciatingly painful. A surgeon offered to alleviate the pain, but Ali (RA) had a different solution.

As Ali (RA) immersed himself in salaah, the surgeon discreetly extracted the arrow.

When Ali (RA) finished his prayer, he inquired, “Did you remove the arrow?”

This remarkable episode illustrates Ali's (RA) profound connection to salaah. It also sheds light on a phenomenon that modern science calls the flow state.

What is the Flow State?

The flow state is a mental state where you feel fully immersed in an activity, experiencing heightened focus, clarity, and peak performance. It’s the same state artists, athletes, and high achievers tap into when performing at their best.

But what’s happening in the brain during this state? Flow activates alpha brain waves linked to relaxation, focus, and creativity. Alpha waves bridge the gap between the active, high-alert beta state and the deep relaxation of theta waves. In this state, your mind is calm yet alert, and time seems to slow down.

When performed with mindfulness, Salaah can guide us into this flow state, offering spiritual tranquility and cognitive and emotional balance.

How Salaah Leads Us to Flow

Regularly engaging in mindful salaah, we condition our minds and bodies to access the flow state more efficiently. This brings moments of clarity and “coolness” to our day. To deepen your salaah experience and enter this flow state more effortlessly, here are three practical tips:

• Breathe: Focus on deep, diaphragmatic breaths throughout salaah. Breathing deeply calms the nervous system and activates alpha brain waves.

• Connect: Ground yourself by feeling your feet on the floor, keeping a straight posture, and savoring the full stretch during transitions.

• Extend: Take your time in each position—add an extra breath or dhikr, and linger in contemplation after recitation.

Experience Serenity Now

Let’s practice a simple exercise that mimics the flow state:

1. Breathe In: Take a deep breath, counting to 5.

2. Hold: Let that breath sit within you for another 5 seconds.

3. Breathe Out: Exhale slowly, counting to 5.

4. Hold: Stay in this space for another 5 seconds.

Feel the coolness envelop you? That’s the power of deep breathing and mindfulness.

Now imagine bringing this calm, focused state into your salaah. With regular practice, these moments of serenity can become part of your everyday life, enhancing your prayer and overall well-being.