Pakcik Hamid has been coming to Masjid Wilayah for Jumaat prayers for over twenty years.
I know this because he told me – while sitting in my clinic, rubbing his knees, looking slightly embarrassed. He’d finally come to see a doctor because his wife refused to let him ignore the pain any longer. “Dah tak boleh tahan, doc,” he admitted. “Especially the sujud. Sometimes I have to use the chair now.”
He’s 67. Diabetic – though not well controlled, because he keeps “forgetting” to take his medication. His knees are worn out from decades of physical work and, yes, from the repeated motions of solat five times daily. He’d been having dizzy spells after Jumaat prayers but chalked it up to the heat and the crowds.
Turns out his blood sugar was all over the place. Blood pressure elevated. Dehydrated because he wasn’t drinking enough water – didn’t want to have to use the toilet during prayers, he said.
Pakcik Hamid is not unusual. I see jemaah from Masjid Wilayah and the surrounding area regularly. Retirees. Working professionals who pop by for Zohor. Families who come for weekend programs. And the health issues that come through my door follow certain patterns.
This article is for the Muslim community around Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan. Not to discourage ibadah – never that. But to help you take care of the body Allah has entrusted to you, so you can continue your worship in good health, insyaAllah.
The Reality of the Masjid Wilayah Jemaah
Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan is massive. One of the largest mosques in Southeast Asia. It can hold over 17,000 people. On a regular Jumaat, you’ll see thousands of worshippers streaming in from the government offices in Putrajaya corridor, from the surrounding residential areas like Segambut and Kepong, and from all over KL.
The congregation is diverse, but there are patterns:
A significant elderly population. Many retired folks make Masjid Wilayah their regular place of worship. They come for the community, the beautiful space, the religious programs. But older bodies have different needs – and different vulnerabilities.
Working professionals rushing between commitments. People who dash from the office to catch Jumaat, pray quickly, then rush back. Often skipping lunch. Often stressed. Often not taking care of themselves.
The physical demands of solat. Standing, bowing, prostrating, sitting, standing again – repeated multiple times. For a healthy young person, no problem. For someone with joint issues, back problems, or balance difficulties, it’s genuinely challenging.
Ramadan intensifies everything. Fasting all day, then tarawih at night – sometimes 20 rakaat or more. The physical and metabolic demands increase significantly. Every Ramadan, health issues spike in this community.
Heat and crowds. Despite the air conditioning, a mosque packed with thousands of people gets warm. Add in walking across the large compound in Malaysian heat, and dehydration becomes a real concern – especially for those who limit water intake before prayers.
Knee Pain, Back Pain, and Joint Problems - The Most Common Complaints
This is what I see most often from regular jemaah. By far.
Knee problems are epidemic among older worshippers. The movements of solat – particularly the transition from standing to sujud and back – put significant stress on the knee joints. If you already have osteoarthritis (and many older Malaysians do), these repeated movements can cause real pain. Some people push through it as a test of faith. I respect that. But I also want you to know that Islam permits accommodations – sitting on a chair, combining movements – when there’s genuine difficulty.
Lower back pain from prolonged standing and bending. Especially during long khutbah or tarawih prayers. If you have existing back issues – disc problems, muscle weakness, poor posture – these extended sessions can aggravate them significantly.
Hip stiffness and pain. The sitting position during solat requires hip flexibility that many older people have lost. Forcing the position can cause pain and injury.
Ankle and foot problems. From walking across the compound, standing on hard floors, and the various positions of solat. I see a lot of plantar fasciitis and ankle issues in regular worshippers.
When to get joint pain checked:
- Pain that’s getting progressively worse over time
- Swelling, redness, or warmth in any joint
- Stiffness that doesn’t improve with movement
- Pain that wakes you up at night
- Difficulty performing daily activities – including solat
- Any sudden, severe joint pain
And please – using a chair for solat when you genuinely need it is not something to be ashamed of. It’s permitted in Islam precisely because Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.
Diabetes, Blood Sugar Issues, and the Fasting Factor
Malaysia has one of the highest diabetes rates in Asia. And in the Muslim community, managing diabetes around religious practices – especially fasting – is a constant challenge.
I see so many diabetic patients from this area who struggle with:
Blood sugar swings during Ramadan. Fasting changes everything about diabetes management. The timing of medication, the risk of hypoglycemia during the day, the temptation to overeat at iftar and sahur – it’s complicated. Many people try to fast without adjusting their medication properly, and end up with dangerous highs or lows.
Hypoglycemia symptoms during or after prayers. That dizziness Pakcik Hamid was experiencing? Sometimes it’s dehydration. Sometimes it’s blood sugar dropping too low. If you’re diabetic and feeling shaky, sweaty, confused, or dizzy during prayers – that’s not normal. That’s a warning sign.
Poor diabetes control in general. “Forgetting” medication. Not monitoring blood sugar regularly. The attitude of “Alah, I feel fine what” – until complications develop. Diabetes is sneaky. You can feel fine while damage accumulates in your kidneys, eyes, nerves, and blood vessels.
Foot problems that become serious. Diabetics have reduced sensation in their feet. Walking around the mosque compound, washing feet for wudhu, wearing different footwear – all opportunities for small injuries that don’t heal properly and can become infected.
Important for diabetic worshippers:
- Consult your doctor BEFORE Ramadan to adjust medications
- Monitor blood sugar more frequently during fasting
- Know when to break fast early (Islam permits this for health reasons)
- Check your feet regularly for any cuts or wounds
- Don’t skip medication without medical guidance
Heart Issues, Blood Pressure, and the Dangers of Ignoring Symptoms
Let me share something that genuinely worries me.
Every few months, we hear about someone collapsing during Jumaat prayers. Sometimes at Masjid Wilayah, sometimes at other mosques. Often it’s a cardiac event – heart attack, arrhythmia, sudden cardiac arrest. Often it’s someone who had warning signs they’d been ignoring.
The combination of heat, physical exertion, stress, and – for some – uncontrolled blood pressure or heart disease creates genuine risk. Especially for older men who tend to dismiss symptoms as “nothing serious.”
Warning signs you should NEVER ignore:
- Chest pain, pressure, or tightness – especially with exertion
- Shortness of breath that’s new or getting worse
- Palpitations – feeling your heart racing or skipping
- Dizziness or feeling like you might faint
- Unusual fatigue that doesn’t match your activity level
- Pain that spreads to arm, jaw, neck, or back
If you experience chest pain or severe dizziness during or after prayers – don’t try to “push through.” Sit down. Tell someone. Get help. It might be nothing. It might be something that needs immediate attention.
And if you’re over 50 with risk factors – diabetes, high blood pressure, family history of heart disease, smoker – please get regular cardiac checkups. Your family needs you around for a long time yet.
Dehydration, Heat Exposure, and the "I Don't Want to Use the Toilet" Problem
This one drives me a bit crazy, if I’m honest.
So many people – especially older folks – deliberately limit their water intake before going to the mosque. Why? Because they don’t want to have to use the toilet during prayers. Or they find the facilities crowded and inconvenient. Or they worry about maintaining wudhu.
I understand the reasoning. But dehydration is serious. Especially in Malaysia’s climate. Especially for older people or those with health conditions.
Dehydration causes:
- Dizziness and fainting – dangerous during or after prayers
- Headaches
- Confusion and disorientation, especially in elderly
- Worsening of blood pressure issues
- Kidney stress – serious for those with existing kidney issues
- Increased risk of urinary tract infections (ironically)
- Heat exhaustion or heat stroke in severe cases
Please drink water. Yes, you might need to use the toilet. That’s okay. It’s better than collapsing in the mosque courtyard. Hydrate before you come. Bring a water bottle. Drink after prayers. Your body needs water to function, and Allah did not design our bodies to be denied basic needs.
Other Health Concerns We See From the Masjid Wilayah Community
Quick rundown of other issues that commonly come through:
Respiratory infections. Large congregations mean exposure to whatever bugs are going around. During flu season or when COVID variants circulate, mosques can become transmission points. If you’re unwell, please consider praying at home – it’s permitted, and it protects others.
Skin conditions. Fungal infections can spread in warm, damp environments like wudhu areas. Athlete’s foot is common. If you notice itching, redness, or peeling skin on your feet, get it treated.
Eye strain and headaches. From reading Quran in poor lighting, squinting at small text, or wearing incorrect prescription glasses. If you’re getting headaches after religious reading or study, get your eyes checked.
Digestive issues after community meals. Kenduri, iftar programs, religious functions – lots of food, often rich and heavy. Acid reflux, bloating, and stomach discomfort are common complaints, especially after Ramadan iftar gatherings.
Falls and injuries. Wet floors from wudhu areas, crowded spaces, steps and uneven surfaces – falls happen, especially among elderly jemaah. If you have balance issues, please be extra careful and don’t be too proud to ask for help or use handrails.
Practical Health Advice for Regular Worshippers
A few practical suggestions that can make a real difference:
Stay hydrated. I know I’ve said it already. I’m saying it again. Drink water. Before, after, between prayers. Especially during hot weather and Ramadan.
Use the accommodations available to you. Chairs for solat if you have joint problems. Sitting during khutbah if standing is difficult. Combining prayer positions if needed. These are legitimate options that Islam provides – there’s no shame in using them.
Manage chronic conditions properly. If you’re diabetic, take your medication. If you have high blood pressure, monitor it. Don’t let religious devotion become an excuse for neglecting the health practices that keep you alive and functional.
Don’t ignore warning signs. Chest pain is not normal. Severe dizziness is not normal. Persistent joint pain that’s getting worse is not normal. Get these checked.
Prepare for Ramadan. See your doctor before Ramadan if you have any health conditions. Adjust medications as needed. Have a plan for what you’ll do if you can’t safely continue fasting.
Stay home when you’re sick. I know the reward for congregational prayer is multiplied. But there’s also reward in protecting your Muslim brothers and sisters from illness. If you’re coughing, feverish, or clearly unwell – pray at home.
Get regular health screenings. Especially after 40. Blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol – know your numbers. Catch problems early, when they’re easier to manage.
Your Health Partner Near Masjid Wilayah - Dr Prevents
At Dr Prevents, we serve the community around Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan. Many of our patients are regular jemaah from this area. We understand the intersection of religious practice and health management.
What we offer:
- Health screening for older adults – comprehensive check-ups covering the issues most relevant to the jemaah community.
- Diabetes management – including Ramadan-specific medication adjustments and monitoring plans.
- Cardiovascular assessment – blood pressure, cholesterol, cardiac risk evaluation.
- Joint and mobility issues – proper evaluation with referral to specialists if needed.
- Pre-Ramadan health consultations – make sure you’re prepared for safe fasting.
- Chronic disease management – ongoing care that works with your lifestyle and commitments.
- Respectful, culturally aware care – we understand our community’s values and needs.
Your body is an amanah – a trust from Allah. Taking care of it is not contrary to religious devotion. It’s part of it.
Take Care of the Body Allah Has Given You. It’s How You’ll Keep Worshipping for Years to Come.
Final Thoughts: Ibadah and Health Go Together
Pakcik Hamid? He’s doing better now.
Got his diabetes under better control. Taking his medication properly. Staying hydrated. Using a chair for solat on days when his knees are bad – he was resistant at first, but his wife pointed out that praying seated is better than not praying at all, and the ustaz at the masjid confirmed it was perfectly permissible.
He still comes to Masjid Wilayah every Jumaat. Still sees his friends there. Still feels the peace that comes from congregational worship in that beautiful space. But now he does it while also looking after himself.
That’s the balance we’re looking for. Faith AND health. Ibadah AND self-care. They’re not opposites – they’re partners.
To the jemaah of Masjid Wilayah and the surrounding community: may Allah grant you health to continue your worship. May you take care of the body He has entrusted to you. And may you be around for many more Jumaats, many more Ramadans, many more moments of peace in His house.
Look after yourselves. Your families need you. Your community needs you. And your ibadah needs a healthy body to carry it out.