Secrets of Prayer to Hold Back Bowel Movements and Beware of Health Risks That Lurk!

Kapanlagi.com - In everyday life, we often face emergency situations that force us to hold back bowel movements (BM). Although this habit is not good for health, sometimes conditions do require us to do so. One solution that can help in critical situations is to recite the prayer for holding back BM that has been taught in Islamic tradition.

The prayer for holding back BM is a practice that can be performed when someone is caught in an emergency, such as during long journeys or when a suitable toilet is not available. Although this prayer can serve as a temporary solution, it is important to remember that this method should only be done in urgent situations. Under normal conditions, holding back BM can actually lead to various serious health problems.

Experts, both in the fields of health and religion, agree that the habit of holding back BM should be avoided. However, in urgent situations, the prayer for holding back BM can be a beneficial alternative. Therefore, Kapanlagi.com has summarized accurate and balanced information on Monday (10/3) to provide a better understanding and counter the spread of incorrect information regarding the prayer for holding back BM.

1. Understanding the Prayer to Hold Back Bowel Movements and Its Context

In Islamic teachings, there is a special prayer that can be recited when someone is forced to hold back bowel movements in an emergency. This prayer is not meant to make it a habit to delay one's needs, but

rather as a temporary solution until a proper place is found. The prayer reads: "A'iidzuhu bilwa hidish shamadi min syarri kulli dzii hasadin walaa quwwata illabillahil'alil'adziim," which means, "I seek protection with Allah the One from the evil of everything that is envious."

This prayer should be recited in urgent situations, and remember, this is only a temporary measure, not a habit.

In addition to praying, there are physical techniques that can help, such as squeezing the anal muscles to hold back feces, and body position also plays an important role—avoid squatting or sitting for too long; it’s better to stand or lie down to relieve the urge.

With a combination of prayer and these techniques, you can face emergency situations more calmly.

2. Health Risks from Holding in Bowel Movements

Holding in bowel movements may seem like a quick solution in an emergency, but this habit can lead to serious health problems.

When we continually postpone bowel movements, the lower intestines absorb too much water from the stool, making it hard and difficult to pass, which can potentially cause painful constipation.

Worse yet, this habit can lead to fecal impaction, a condition where stool gets stuck in the large intestine, which can trigger dangerous complications such as gastrointestinal perforation.

Additionally, holding in bowel movements for a long time can disrupt rectal function, increase the risk of fecal incontinence, and even contribute to inflammation of the colon that can raise the chances of developing colorectal cancer.

Not only that, the relationship between this habit and disorders such as appendicitis and hemorrhoids has also been revealed in various studies.

So, it’s better not to make delaying bowel movements a habit for the sake of our health!

3. Islamic View on Restraining Bowel Movements

In Islamic teachings, although there is leeway to pray when one is forced to hold in their bodily functions, the act of holding in bowel movements and urination is actually discouraged, especially when about to perform prayer.

The majority of scholars, including Imam Nawawi, believe that holding in bodily functions can disrupt concentration and focus in worship.

Based on a hadith narrated by 'Aisyah radhiyallahu 'anha, the Prophet Muhammad shallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam emphasized that prayer is not valid if someone is holding in their bodily functions.

Therefore, Islam greatly emphasizes the importance of fulfilling these needs promptly before worship, showing significant concern for physical health that impacts the perfection of worship.

Thus, although the prayer for holding in bowel movements is permitted in urgent situations, making it a habit clearly contradicts health principles that prioritize the importance of regular bowel movements to maintain digestive health.

(kpl/rao)