Both Hinduism and Islam emphasize meditation, although their interpretations naturally differ, the underlying meaning and intention remain the same. As an Arab poet says: "Our expressions are different, but the beauty is the same, and all words point to that beauty." Meditation holds a central place in both Hindu and Muslim traditions and is regarded as the most effective path to the ultimate goal of spiritual deliverance. Both Hinduism and Islam stress the importance of physical and spiritual purification, emphasizing bodily cleansing, particularly with water, before engaging in meditation. Hinduism strongly recommends cleanliness as śauca (शौच), meaning washing, while Islam emphasizes ṭahārah or purity. One purifying practice in Hinduism is called jala neti (जल नेति), literally meaning nasal cleansing with water, while wuḍūʾ is the Islamic procedure for washing parts of the body before prayer (ṣalāh). In both practices, water is taken up the nose and blown out as part of the purification process. The ultimate goal of both Hindu and Muslim meditation is the peace of mind and soul. In Hinduism, meditation is referred to as dhāraṇā (धारणा) and dhyāna (ध्यान), while in Islam, it is known as murāqibah and ḥuḍūr al-qalb, meaning presence of heart. The most evident examples of meditation in Hinduism and Islam are yoga and the ṣalāh (Namaz prayer). Yoga, one of the oldest Hindu traditions, is a method of self-purification and refinement through which the yogi attains moksha or liberation and salvation. Similarly, ṣalāh is the most important act of worship in Islam, described as the best deed (khayr al-ʿamal خیر العمل) and the pillar of the religion (al-ṣalāh ʿamūd al-dīn). It is through ṣalāh that a Muslim achieves prosperity and salvation. Both yoga and prayer serve as symbolic, practical methods of self-purification and cultivation. Despite their differences, there are significant similarities between yoga and ṣalāh at their highest levels, which will be further discussed. The central aim of meditation in both religions is to transcend the self, detach from worldly desires, and achieve inner peace and tranquility of the heart.