My New 7 World Natural Wonders

After considering polls and votes from 77 sites (voting for 250 candidates to be posted as natural wonders of the world), the organisers have narrowed the list to 27 only.  Winners of the 3-years contest is expected to be announced in 2011.

Here's my view on the 7 Natural Wonders of the World:

7.  The Amazon rainforest

 The Amazon rainforest spans the borders of eight countries. The Amazon River, the main artery of the rainforest, has more than 1,000 known tributaries, and 17 of those are at least 1,000 miles long.

6.  The Grand Canyon, US

The 277-mile-long Grand Canyon is more than a mile deep. One of the top tourist attractions in the U.S., this canyon has been carved by the Colorado River over the last 6 million years. Years of erosion have shaped the canyon’s steep walls, exposing its red-hued rocks.

5.  Angel Falls, Venezuela

The world’s tallest waterfall, Angel Falls in Venezuela, plunges 3,212 feet. This waterfall on the Rio Gauja is located deep within a dense jungle, so the best views are usually from the air.

4.  Uluru, Australia

The large sandstone formation of Uluru (commonly known as Ayers Rock) rises 1,142 feet from the desert. This iconic monolith of Australia is one of the largest in the world, with a circumference of six miles.

3.  Mud Volcano, Azerbaijan

Three hundred of the world’s 700 estimated Mud Volcanoes are located in Azerbaijan. These gurgling pots of bubbling mud are the result of underground gases and secreted liquids.

2.  The Dead Sea, Israel and Jordan

The Dead Sea, located between Israel and Jordan, is one of the lowest points on Earth, almost 1,400 feet below sea level. This saltwater lake is 10 times saltier than the world’s oceans and is known for its therapeutic properties.

1.  Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Queensland, Australia, is the world’s largest coral reef system, spanning a total area of about 14,300 square miles. This pristine haven is home to more than 1,500 species of fish, 200 species of birds and numerous species of whales, dolphins and sea turtles.

Benefits of Sajda (Prostration)

Sajda (Prostration) is the action performed by every muslim (one who submits to the will and command of the One and Only Allah, God) in his daily prayers (swalaat). Prostration, in which the forehead touches the ground, is a unique form of prayer which Allah loves most for a muslim is nearest to Allah while in this position.

Besides the spiritual aspects, we'll look at the physical and psychological ones:

1. This brings most of the body muscles if not all in active motion and serves to give them some exercise. The hands are then specifically stretched out and thence the forearm as well as arm muscles are supposed to bear the weight in the Sajda (Prostration) position. It gives good exercise to the muscles of the upper limb.
2. Sajda (Prostration) is a unique position as this is the only position in which brain (or head) becomes lower than the heart and hence for the first time the blood gushes towards the brain with full force whereas in all other positions (even when lying) brain is above the heart when it has to work against gravity to send blood to the brain. In the position of Sajda (Prostration) due to the increased blood supply the brain receive more nourishment and it has good effect upon memory, vision, hearing, concentration, psyche and all other cognitive abilities.
3. While in Sajda (Prostration) the neck muscles get best exercise. They have to bear the load when the forehead lies at the ground hence the neck muscles become stronger. One can note the tense pressure at the neck muscles in the position of Sajda (Prostration) specially the active motion of the neck and the facial muscles when the head is being lifted. (e.g. one inch above the ground) and it will be noticed that they are in a very active motion.
4. This is a great psychological advantage and it gives relief to the person concerned as life is full of worries and in this position he gets at least a transient refuge from the agonizing problems.
5. People who offer their prayers regularly have more will power and can cope with the difficulties of life in a much better manner. They have less incidence of headaches, psychological problems and other defects of cognitive function.

Even though prayer is not meant as being an exercise, one cannot ignore the medical advantages associated with it. But the best blessing is the peace of mind acquired by a person who fulfills his obligations towards Allah and obeys to His commands to the best of his capability.