Sajdah (prostration), which is a fundamental pillar of Islamic worship, is not only a source of spiritual comfort but also has profound effects on the human brain and emotional intelligence according to modern neuroscience. When a person performs sajdah and their forehead touches the ground, this action not only causes changes in the nervous system but also activates emotional intelligence centers. This paper provides an in-depth explanation of how the act of sajdah transforms the structure and function of the human brain through forehead contact with the earth, particularly improving aspects of emotional intelligence. We will examine the neurological, psychological, and biological aspects of this process and see how this ancient spiritual practice can elevate human intelligence to new heights in light of modern scientific research.

The human forehead contains the prefrontal cortex, considered the most developed part of the human brain. This is the area that comes into direct contact with the ground during sajdah. The prefrontal cortex is actually the center of human personality, decision-making, and emotional control. When the forehead touches the ground, blood circulation in this area accelerates and neural activity increases. Modern neuroimaging studies have revealed that continuous forehead contact with the ground increases gray matter density in the prefrontal cortex, which is directly related to better emotional regulation and social cognition. This process actually activates the part of the brain that controls the fundamental components of emotional intelligence. Increased activity in the prefrontal cortex not only helps humans better understand their own emotions but also provides the ability to understand others’ emotions and harmonize with them.

The forehead’s direct contact with the ground during sajdah gives rise to a unique biophysical process. The earth has natural electrical charge called “earth electrons.” When the forehead directly touches the ground, these electrons transfer into the human body and reduce oxidative stress. This process reduces inflammation markers and improves brain cell health. Research has proven that these earth electrons improve neural plasticity by reducing inflammation in the prefrontal cortex, which increases emotional learning ability. This process not only improves brain health but also increases emotional stability and mental clarity.

Important changes occur in human brain electrical waves (brain waves) during the state of sajdah. Electroencephalography (EEG) studies have shown that during sajdah, theta wave frequency significantly increases. Theta waves (4-8 Hz) are actually associated with deep relaxation, meditation, and improved creative abilities. These waves regulate the activity of the amygdala (the brain’s fear and anxiety center) and improve its connections with the prefrontal cortex, resulting in better emotional regulation. The emission of theta waves not only provides mental peace but also improves memory and learning processes.

Continuous sajdah practice reorganizes the brain’s neural pathways. Each sajdah strengthens connections between the prefrontal cortex and limbic system (the brain’s emotional center). This process occurs through neuroplasticity, where the brain adapts its structure and function according to experiences. The continuous practice of sajdah activates the mirror neuron system, which is extremely important for empathy and social understanding. This is the same system that provides humans the ability to understand others’ emotions and harmonize with them. This reorganization of neural connections plays an important role in improving human social abilities.

The practice of sajdah has positive effects on all four fundamental components of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. Increasing activity in the prefrontal cortex through forehead contact with the ground provides humans the ability to better understand their emotions (self-awareness) and regulate them (self-management). Simultaneously, this process activates the anterior cingulate cortex, which plays an important role in conflict resolution and decision-making. For improvement in social awareness, sajdah activates the temporoparietal junction, which helps understand others’ perspectives.

The practice of sajdah has profound effects on the endocrine system. In this state, cortisol (stress hormone) levels significantly decrease, while production of “happiness hormones” like serotonin and oxytocin increases. These hormonal changes not only improve mood but also promote abilities like social relationships and trust, which are important parts of emotional intelligence. Increased serotonin levels keep humans calm and content, while oxytocin strengthens social relationships.

The human brain produces a complex electromagnetic field. In the state of sajdah, harmony is created between the brain’s electrical field and the earth’s natural magnetic field through forehead contact with the ground. This process improves brainwave coherence, which is directly related to emotional stability and cognitive performance. This harmony not only provides mental peace but also improves decision-making ability.

The physical position of sajdah is not only a spiritual state but has deep psychological effects. This posture stimulates the vagus nerve, which is the means of parasympathetic nervous system activation. Vagus nerve stimulation improves heart rate variability, which is an important sign of emotional resilience. This process promotes feelings of humility and modesty in humans, which is an important aspect of emotional intelligence.

In recent years, several clinical studies have been conducted on the neurological effects of sajdah. fMRI scans have proven that regular practitioners of sajdah show significant improvement in functional connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex. Both these areas are extremely important for emotional intelligence. EEG studies have also revealed that during sajdah, alpha and theta waves increase, which enhances mental peace and creative abilities.

The neurological benefits of sajdah actually demonstrate amazing harmony between spiritual teachings and modern science. This practice provides humans the ability to establish better relationships not only with their Creator but also with themselves and others. This harmony indicates that spiritual practices are actually based on scientific principles and their positive effects can be scientifically proven.

These neuroscientific benefits of sajdah can be observed in daily life. Regular practitioners of sajdah show better emotional regulation, enhanced empathy, and improved social skills. These benefits are evident not only in personal life but also in professional life. Increased emotional intelligence improves human relationships and helps resolve conflicts.

If these neuroscientific benefits of sajdah are understood on a wide scale, they can become a source of better social harmony and emotional well-being. At the social level, better emotional intelligence can promote empathy, tolerance, and mutual understanding in society. These characteristics are extremely important in dealing with the complex social challenges of the current era.

There are several new directions for future research in this field. These include more detailed neuroimaging studies, examination of long-term effects, and comparative analysis of effects on different populations. Future research may also include molecular level explanation of sajdah’s effects and examination of effects on different age groups.

Considering the neuroscientific benefits of sajdah, special training programs can be developed that can prove helpful in emotional intelligence training. These programs can be beneficial not only for Muslims but for all people who want to improve their emotional intelligence. Such programs can highlight the correct methods of sajdah, its scientific benefits, and its application in daily life.

This topic actually provides the best opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration between neuroscience, psychology, and spiritual traditions. Experts from different fields can collaborate to research the effects of sajdah in more depth and introduce its benefits on a wider scale. This cooperation will not only promote academic research but also increase human well-being.

The act of forehead contact with the ground in sajdah is actually a natural mechanism for restructuring the human brain. It is not only a spiritual worship but functions as a scientific tool that can elevate human emotional intelligence to new heights. This harmony between modern neuroscience and ancient spiritual wisdom actually opens new pathways to understanding human potential. The emotional intelligence achieved through sajdah not only improves an individual’s personal life but also enhances the well-being of the entire society.