Khushu during Prayer
Prayer is the presence of the heart during an act of Ibadah. When a person’s
heart is fully occupied of what he or she says or hears, he or she is in a true
state of Khushu’. The concept of Khushu’ in Prayer is very essential.
1. It is a vital factor in making a person
successful in this life and in hereafter
“Truly success in
this life and in hereafter does come to the believers, Who turn to Allah in all
humility in their prayer.” (Quran Al Mu’minun, 23:1-2)
2. It is a contributing factor for the acceptance
of prayer
3. It is a way to gain more rewards from Allah,
the more the Khushu a person has, the more rewards he or she gets
4. Without Khushu, the heart cannot easily be
purified
Ways to Gain
Khushu
a. Prayer
A Muslim should
know his Lord very well. Knowing whom one worships makes a person a better
worshipper. Having clear and authentic knowledge about Allah increases His love
in our hearts. Consequently, faith also increases.
Avoiding major
and minor sins is very helpful in gaining Khushu, as the heart becomes more
receptive to the words of Allah during and after Salah.
Reciting the
Quran frequently and consistently softens the hearts and prepares it for Khushu.
Hard hearts do not gain Khushu.
Minimize attachment
to worldly matters. Gearing one’s intentions towards the Hereafter helps
against the temptations of life.
Avoid excessive
laughter and useless arguments as they harden the heart and lead to
heedlessness.
Stop working as
soon as you hear the Azan. When you listen attentively to the call of prayer
repeat after the muezzin then offer the relevant supplication. This prepares
you for a smooth transition from the business with worldly matters to the
business with Salah.
Performing Wudu
immediately after hearing the Azan prepares you for Prayer.
Going to the
mosque early for praying and continuing mention of Allah drives Satan away and
help gain concentration.
b.
During Salah
1. Remember what the messenger of Allah said to
Bilal “Let us enjoy the comfort of the Prayer.”
2. When you stand facing the Qiblah remember the
following:
a. It might be
the last prayer in your life. There is no guarantee to live longer to catch the
next prayer.
b. You are
standing between the hands of Allah. How can you be busy with something else?
c. The angel of
death is chasing you.
3. Do not forget to make Isti’adthah (Seeking
Refuge with Allah from the cursed Satan). It wards off Satan’s whispers.
4. Keep your eyes focused on the place of Sujud.
This helps you gain more concentration.
5. When reciting the Al Fatihah, try to recall
the response of Allah to you after every Ayat you say. (When you say: “Al-Hamdu
Lillahi Rabbil ‘Alamin) Allah responds: “My servant praised me”. This feeling
of speaking to Allah puts you in the right mood of Khushu.
6. Beautifying the recitation of the Quran has a
positive impact on the heart.
7. Recite the Quran slowly and reflect upon its
meaning deeply.
8. It is recommended to change the Surah that
your recite from time to time to avoid the mechanic-like state of repetition.
9. Proclaiming a different opening supplication
in every Salah.
10. Undoubtedly, understanding Arabic helps you focus on the intended
meaning.
11.
Interact with the recited Ayat;
a. if you hear an
Ayat about Allah, glorify Him by saying “Subhanallah”;
b. If you hear an
Ayah about Hellfire, say “A’udthu Billahi Minan-Nar”.
c. If you hear a
command to make Istighfar (Seek Allah's forgiveness), do it.
d. If you hear an
Ayat that requests Tasbih, make Tasbih.
12.
These forms of interactions are very helpful in keeping you focused.
13.
When you prostrate, remember that this
position brings you closer to Allah. Seize the opportunity to make sincere Dua.
Invest these moments in making sincere supplications.
c. Taslim during
Prayer
1. When you make
Taslim (Salutation), make Istighfar to Allah as you might have made during
Prayer.
2. When you
praise Allah, thank Him from the bottom of your heart that you have experienced
the beauty of prayer in your heart. Getting used to this habit prepares for the
next prayer, as you will always be eager to focus in your prayer.
3. One perfection
leads to another perfection. If he or she perfects his Salah once, he would be
self-motivated to continue on the same level.