FINDING SPIRITUAL HARMONY

THE CONFLUENCE OF FAITH AND FLOW

Yoga and Islam, seemingly disparate, share profound commonalities. The chakras in yoga, representing energy centres within the body, find their reflection in the concept of nafs in Islam. Both systems emphasise a journey towards inner peace and spiritual enlightenment. The nafs, or the soul, in its journey towards purification and connection with the Divine, resonates deeply with the practice of balancing the chakras.

The Prophet Mohammed (saws) encouraged physical fitness and mindfulness. This historical context underlines the compatibility of Islamic teachings with the physical and mental benefits of yoga. The practice of yoga, with its emphasis on breath control and meditation, mirrors the Islamic practice of dhikr (remembrance of God), fostering a state of mindfulness and spiritual connection

But beyond the physical aspects of yoga, there lies a deeper, more profound connection to spirituality – one that transcends the boundaries of religion and culture. In the graceful flow of my practice, I find moments of stillness and serenity, allowing me to connect with the divine presence within myself and in the world around me.

In the teachings of Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam, I recently discovered fascinating parallels to the principles of yoga, particularly concerning the energy centres known as the lata’if (also known as the seven chakras in the yoga practice).

These lata’if represent different aspects of the human soul’s journey towards God, aligning closely with the philosophy of inner transformation found in yoga. Just as the chakras are associated with specific energy points in the body, the lata’if are believed to reside within, waiting to be awakened and harmonised.

For instance, the heart corresponds to the Anahata chakra, symbolising love and compassion, while the spirit aligns with the Sahasrara chakra, representing spiritual enlightenment.

Embracing this perspective, I endeavour, much like the Sufi masters, to awaken and balance these latent energies within myself – the heart, the spirit, the secret, the hidden, and the most hidden – as I embark on my spiritual journey during Ramadan.

Through practices of meditation, prayer, and introspection, I strive to unlock the full potential of these energy centres, fostering a deeper connection with the divine and nurturing the growth of love, compassion, and humility within my soul.

EMBRACING YOGA AS EMPOWERED MUSLIM WOMEN

For Muslim women, yoga is more than a physical exercise; it is a powerful statement of resilience and empowerment. It challenges stereotypes and redefines narratives. The sight of a Muslim woman in hijab, confidently holding a yoga pose, disrupts conventional perceptions and showcases a blend of strength, grace, and spirituality.

Through yoga, I have come to understand that true strength lies not in the physical form but in the resilience of the spirit, the depth of the heart, and the clarity of the mind. As I move through each pose, each breath, I am reminded of the boundless grace and mercy of Allah, guiding me on my path of self-discovery and spiritual growth.

In my everyday life, where faith and yoga intertwine like threads of vibrant colours, each pose, each breath, weaves a story of resilience, enlightenment, and divine connection. Yoga and Ramadan are weaving together the fabric of my faith and my identity as a Muslim woman. Through the discipline of both practices, I have discovered a profound sense of peace, purpose, and belonging – a testament to the transformative power of both faith and flow in my life.

Embracing yoga as a Muslim woman has been a journey of breaking stereotypes and changing narratives. In a world where misconceptions often overshadow understanding, I’ve found empowerment in challenging the notion that yoga is incompatible with Islam. Instead, I’ve embraced the opportunity to reclaim this ancient practice as a tool for spiritual growth, self-discovery, and inner peace.

By sharing my journey openly and authentically, I hope to inspire others to explore the intersection of faith and yoga, and to recognise that true liberation comes from embracing the fullness of who we are, both spiritually and physically. In a world brimming with diversity and offering a plethora of perspectives, it’s crucial to discern what aligns with our beliefs and inner truths, and to relinquish what doesn’t.

SUFISM AND THE SPIRITUAL DIMENSIONS OF YOGA

Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam, emphasises the purification of the nafs and the soul’s union with the Divine. This spiritual journey shares a profound synergy with the chakra system in yoga. Both traditions seek to transcend the physical and connect with the higher self. The meditative practices in Sufism, such as dhikr, align with the meditative states achieved in yoga, creating a beautiful confluence of spiritual practices.

CHANGING NARRATIVES: FROM STEREOTYPES TO STRENGTH

Muslim women have often been subjected to limiting stereotypes, but through yoga, we are breaking these barriers. Yoga provides a platform to showcase our strength, resilience, and inner peace. It sends a powerful message: modesty and physical fitness are not mutually exclusive. This visual representation is crucial in changing global narratives about Muslim women, highlighting our active participation in diverse fields, including sports and wellness.

EMBRACING DIVERSITY AND BREAKING BARRIERS

Yoga offers a unique opportunity to embrace diversity and inclusivity across the globe. By actively participating in the global yoga community, Muslim women can break barriers and challenge misconceptions. This practice encourages an environment where all women, regardless of their cultural or religious background, can come together, share their experiences, and support one another in their journey towards wellness and empowerment. By fostering a diverse and inclusive yoga community, we can create a space where everyone feels valued and respected, ultimately enriching the practice for all.

WELLNESS AND THE MUSLIM WOMAN

The concept of wellness in Islam encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual health. Yoga contributes significantly to this holistic well-being, promoting flexibility, reducing stress, and enhancing mental focus. For Muslim women, this practice is about reclaiming health and wellness in a way that aligns with our values and lifestyle

EXHIBITING HARMONY IN HERITAGE

My upcoming photo exhibition, “Harmony in Heritage: Yoga Across Ancient Wonders,” captures this journey of balance and cultural pride. Set against the awe-inspiring backdrops of Petra, the Pyramids, and the White Desert, the exhibition showcases the serene intersection of modern wellness practices and ancient civilisations.

EXHIBITING HARMONY IN HERITAGE

Embark on a visual journey with Essraa Nawar as she blends the tranquillity of yoga with the timeless beauty of the Middle East’s most iconic ancient sites. In “Harmony in Heritage: Yoga Across Ancient Wonders,” Essraa, a Muslim woman proudly wearing her hijab, defies stereotypes and embraces the universal language of peace and mindfulness.

Essraa’s yoga journey began four years ago, transforming her life in profound ways. She discovered threads of similarity between yoga and her Islamic faith, particularly in the Sufi tradition, which she eloquently described in her piece “Ramadan Reflections: My Journey of Faith and Flow – Uniting Yoga with Ramadan as a Muslim Woman.” This insightful article, published in OM Magazine, shares her reflections on integrating yoga with her spiritual practices during Ramadan.

The hijab, often misunderstood, is a powerful symbol of feminism and empowerment for Essraa. She has never felt constrained by it and embraces it as a source of strength, allowing her to express her identity with pride and confidence.

Through yoga, Essraa has found balance and productivity, becoming a stronger, more mindful individual. Her exhibition, set against the aweinspiring backdrops of Petra, the Pyramids, the White Desert, and the Temple of Hatshepsut, captures the essence of inner balance and cultural pride. The Temple of Hatshepsut, her favourite site, holds special significance as it honours Egypt’s most powerful female pharaoh, whom Essraa greatly admires. This exhibition invites viewers to visit these remarkable places, some of Essraa’s most beloved sites, and experience their timeless beauty first-hand.

This is Essraa’s sixth photography exhibition, and it invites viewers to witness the serene intersection of modern wellness practices and the enduring spirit of ancient civilisations, celebrating both the resilience of women and the rich heritage of the Middle East. Follow Essraa’s #changethenarrative campaign on social media, where she works to change how people perceive Muslim and Arabic women and bridge the gap between the East and West. Essraa’s journey with yoga is not just personal; it’s a mission to encourage others to embrace health, wellness, anti-ageing, and self-care.

Join her in “Harmony in Heritage: Yoga Across Ancient Wonders” and be inspired by the transformative power of yoga and the timeless beauty of the Middle East.

EMBRACING DIVERSITY AND BREAKING BARRIERS IN YOGA

Yoga offers a unique opportunity to embrace diversity and inclusivity across the globe. As a DEI advocate, I believe it’s essential to break barriers and challenge misconceptions not just for Muslim women, but for all individuals regardless of their cultural, religious, or ethnic backgrounds. This practice encourages an environment where everyone can come together, share their experiences, and support one another in their journey towards wellness and empowerment.

By fostering a diverse and inclusive yoga community, we can create a space where everyone feels valued and respected, ultimately enriching the practice for all. This inclusivity not only enhances our understanding of different cultures but also promotes a global sense of unity and acceptance, making yoga a powerful tool for social change and personal growth. Yoga thus becomes a platform for celebrating our shared humanity, fostering social change, and encouraging personal development. Through embracing diversity in yoga, we can build a more inclusive and compassionate world.