Back to As-Salaah

Ways to attain Khushoo’

1. Introduction

Allaah (swt) says in the Qur’aan:

حَافِظُوا عَلَى الصَّلَوَاتِ وَالصَّلاةِ الْوُسْطَى وَقُومُوا لِلَّهِ قَانِتِينَ

“Guard strictly (the five obligatory) as-­Salawaat (the prayers) especially the middle Salaah (i.e. salaat ul-‘Asr). And stand before Allaah with obedience.” (EMQ al-Baqarah, 2: 238)

Salaah is one of the pillars on which Islaam is built upon and in fact, it is one of the most important individual duty in the Sharee’ah. It is one of those duties which allow very little leeway to skip or manoeuvre, to a level where if you cannot pray standing, then you must pray whilst sitting, and if you cannot perform salaah sitting then you must perform it lying down and so on. Even the Mujaahid, who is exhausting utmost effort to eradicate the kufr and shirk from the face of the earth, whilst endangering the lives of his family and even himself has no permit to miss his salaah. He must either combine and shorten his prayers, or only pray 2 rik’ah (or even 1 rik’ah for some scholars), depending on the level of danger or fear (this is known as salaat ul-Khawf – the prayer of fear).

The prayers in Islaam should never be looked at as a burden or something which ‘we need to get out of the way’, which is how many Muslims today view the salaah. Unfortunately the Shaytaan has succeeded in distracting us by whispering to our hearts and hence making us be concerned with the dunyaa during our prayers. Nowadays many Muslims have forgotten that the salaah is one of the keys to paradise, and the only reward for it if performed properly is Jannah. In numerous verses in the Qur’aan Allaah (swt) describes the believers as those who perform their prayers properly, and those who slack in their salaah are described as hypocrites and are even cursed! Salaah is one of the obligations which are linked to success in this world and in the hereafter, as Allaah (swt) says:

قَدْ أَفْلَحَ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ

الَّذِينَ هُمْ فِي صَلاتِهِمْ خَاشِعُونَ

“Successful indeed are the believers.

Those who in their salaah (prayers) are Khaashi’oun.” (EMQ al-Mu’minoon, 23: 1-2)

Therefore, the successful are not those who have a luxurious lifestyle, a lot of wealth, cars, money, women, houses, fame, titles or excellent reputation, but rather it is those who are Khaashi’oun. Again, if we look at this verse closely we can see that Allaah does not say that the successful are those who perform their prayers, rather it is those who have Khushoo’ in their prayers, and this Khushoo’ is one of the most difficult duties except for those who are on guidance from their Lord.

So what is the meaning of al-Khushoo’? Khushoo’ means fear (as a Mujaahid can also have Khushoo’ in killing his enemies), calmness, serenity, tranquillity, concentration, dignity, humility and ritual focus. What fundamentally makes a person have Khushoo’ is fear of Allaah (swt), the sense that he is always watching us (al-ihsaan) and the emptying of the heart from any dunyaa concerns whilst remembering death, the torments of Hell and the punishments of Allaah (swt). Indeed the prayers were that which the Messenger Muhammad (saw) and his companions would find joy and comfort in, as the Messenger Muhammad (saw) said:

حبب إلي الطيب النساء وجعلت قرة عيني في الصلاة

‘Fragrance and women have been made dear to me, and salaah was made the joy of my eye.’ (Musnad al-Imaam Ahmad, 3: 199)

Therefore the only way in which we can make our salaah dear to us is by performing it the way the Messenger Muhammad (saw) and his companions would have performed it, understanding the virtues of salaah and the consequences of not performing it properly, and by studying the ways in which we can attain Khushoo’.

2. Some of the virtues of salaah

1. Prayers protect you from al-Fahshaa (sins, unlawful sexual relationships etc.) and al-Munkar (great sins, kufr, shirk etc.)

One of the benefits of as-Salaah is that it protects you from illegal sexual acts which have been made prohibited in Islaam, such as fornication, adultery, prostitution, paedophilia, homosexuality etc. Allaah (saw) says in the Qur’aan:

اتْلُ مَا أُوحِيَ إِلَيْكَ مِنَ الْكِتَابِ وَأَقِمِ الصَّلاةَ إِنَّ الصَّلاةَ تَنْهَى عَنِ الْفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنْكَرِ وَلَذِكْرُ اللَّهِ أَكْبَرُ وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ مَا تَصْنَعُونَ

“Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book (the Qur’aan), and perform as-Salaah. Verily, as-Salaah prevents from al-Fahshaa and al-Munkar, and the remembering of Allaah is greater indeed. And Allaah knows what you do.” (EMQ al-‘Ankaboot, 29: 45)

Therefore the one who indulges in any form of illegal sexual act is the one who does not perform his salawaat properly or even neglects them completely. Likewise, the one who votes for man-made law, arbitrates to other than Allaah, lives by kufr law, curses the Mujaahideen, worships the graves, joins the police force and military of the kuffaar etc. can have no Khushoo’ whatsoever, as salaah will prevent you from munkar, in other words kufr, shirk and any other great sin.

2. Salaah washes away your sins the way a bath washes away dirt

The Messenger Muhammad (saw) said:

أرأيتم لو أن نهرا بباب أحدكم يغتسل منه كل يوم خمس مرات. هل يبقى من درنه شيء؟ قالوا: لا يبقى من درنه شيء. قال فذلك مثل الصلوات الخمس. يمحو الله بهن الخطايا

‘Tell me, if there were a stream at the door of one of you in which he takes a bath five times a day, would any filth remain on his body? They replied: ‘No dirt would remain.’ He (saw) said: Similar is the case of the five prayers. Allaah obliterates all sins as a result of offering them.’ (Saheeh al-Bukhaari and Muslim, chapter 51 hadeeth #667)

3. It is a symbol of Eemaan

Allaah (swt) describes in one verse that the salaah is like the Eemaan. This is because al-Eemaan consists of niyyah (intention), sayings (recitation of the Qur’aan) and actions (moving of the limbs). It this is the same case as the salaah, which contains niyyah, aqwaal (sayings) and a’amaal (actions). Allaah (swt) says:

وَكَذَلِكَ جَعَلْنَاكُمْ أُمَّةً وَسَطًا لِتَكُونُوا شُهَدَاءَ عَلَى النَّاسِ وَيَكُونَ الرَّسُولُ عَلَيْكُمْ شَهِيدًا وَمَا جَعَلْنَا الْقِبْلَةَ الَّتِي كُنْتَ عَلَيْهَا إِلا لِنَعْلَمَ مَنْ يَتَّبِعُ الرَّسُولَ مِمَّنْ يَنْقَلِبُ عَلَى عَقِبَيْهِ وَإِنْ كَانَتْ لَكَبِيرَةً إِلا عَلَى الَّذِينَ هَدَى اللَّهُ وَمَا كَانَ اللَّهُ لِيُضِيعَ إِيمَانَكُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بِالنَّاسِ لَرَءُوفٌ رَحِيمٌ

“Thus we have made you the best nation, that you be witnesses over mankind (rule and judge by what Allaah has revealed) and the Messenger (Muhammad [saw]) be a witness over you. And we made the Qiblah (prayer direction towards Jerusalem) which you used to face, only to test those who followed the Messenger (saw) from those who would turn on their heels (i.e. disobey the Messenger). Indeed it was great (heavy) except for those whom Allaah guided. And Allaah would never make your Eemaan (prayers) to be lost (i.e. your prayers offered towards Jerusalem). Truly, Allaah is full of kindness, the Most Merciful towards mankind.” (EMQ al-Baqarah, 2: 143)

Imaam ul-Qurtubi said in his tafseer (explanation) of this verse: ‘Eemaan is salaah as it requires niyyah (intention), sayings and actions. People used to pray towards Jerusalem but then Allaah changed the Qiblah (direction of prayer – towards the ka’bah) and they thought that their salaah before was lost (invalid).’

Imaam Maalik also said: ‘the saying ‘Salaah is not Eemaan’ is the saying of the Murji-ah (those who separate Eemaan from actions i.e. they are misguided).’

4. Prayers are a cause of entering paradise

Allaah (swt) informs us in his book that he has prepared for the believers forgiveness and a great reward, however this is not without to explain the characteristics of the believer, as Allaah (swt) says:

إِنَّ الْمُسْلِمِينَ وَالْمُسْلِمَاتِ وَالْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ وَالْقَانِتِينَ وَالْقَانِتَاتِ وَالصَّادِقِينَ وَالصَّادِقَاتِ وَالصَّابِرِينَ وَالصَّابِرَاتِ وَالْخَاشِعِينَ وَالْخَاشِعَاتِ وَالْمُتَصَدِّقِينَ وَالْمُتَصَدِّقَاتِ وَالصَّائِمِينَ وَالصَّائِمَاتِ وَالْحَافِظِينَ فُرُوجَهُمْ وَالْحَافِظَاتِ وَالذَّاكِرِينَ اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا وَالذَّاكِرَاتِ أَعَدَّ اللَّهُ لَهُمْ مَغْفِرَةً وَأَجْرًا عَظِيمًا

“Verily, the Muslims (those who submit to Allaah) men and women, the believers men and women (who have Eemaan), the men and the women who are obedient (to Allaah and his messenger [saw]), the men and women who are truthful (in their speech and deeds), the men and the women who are firm (in performing all their duties), the men and the women who have Khushoo’ ( ritual fear, focus, humility etc.), the men and the women who give Sadaqaat (i.e. Zakaah, and alms, etc.), the men and the women who observe Sawm (fast), the men and the women who guard their chastity (from illegal sexual acts) and the men and the women who remember Allaah much with their hearts and tongues (while sitting, standing, lying, etc.). Allaah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e. Paradise).” (EMQ al-Ahzaab, 33: 35)

Therefore the Khushoo’ is one of the attributes of the believer, as well as fasting, paying charity, guarding ones chastity etc. And as the last part of the verse clearly states, these Khaashi’oun are promised forgiveness and a great reward (i.e. Jannah).

5. If your salaah is in tact, all your other deeds will be good

The salaah is an action which if done properly, all your others deeds will be good and accepted on the Day of Judgement as the Messenger Muhammad (saw) said:

أول ما يحاسب به العبد يوم القيامة الصلاة: فإن صلحت صلح سائر عمله، وإن فسدت فسد سائر عمله

‘The first thing of the slave to be reckoned on the Day of Judgement will be his salaah. If it is good the rest of his deeds will be good, and if it is bad the rest of his deeds will be bad.’ (al-Jaami’ as-Sagheer #2818)

3. Some consequences of leaving the salaah or not praying properly

The one who does not offer his prayers properly is like the one who does not pray; therefore they share the same consequences. Some of these consequences are:

1. Leaving salaah makes you kaafir

Salaah is the sign of a believer and is that which fundamentally differentiates us from the disbelievers after Eemaan and Tawheed. The one who deserts his prayers has deserted Allaah, his messenger and the deen of Islaam, as the Messenger Muhammad (saw) said:

العهد الذي بيننا وبينهم الصلاة. فمن تركها فقد كفر

‘The covenant (distinction) between us and them (the kuffaar) is as-Salaah (the prayer), whosoever abandons it becomes a kaafir.’ (Sunan ibn Maajah, chapter 77 hadeeth #1079)

إن بين الرجل وبين الشرك والكفر ترك الصلاة

‘Between a man and kufr and shirk (apostasy) is the abandonment of as-Salaah.’ (Saheeh Muslim, chapter 35 hadeeth #82)

2. Sever punishment in the hereafter

Many people will be gathered together on the Day of Judgement and thrown into Hell-fire because they never used to pray, or because they did not perform their salawaat properly. Allaah (swt) says in his Book:

مَا سَلَكَكُمْ فِي سَقَرَ

قَالُوا لَمْ نَكُ مِنَ الْمُصَلِّينَ

“What led you into Hell-fire?

They will say: ‘we were not of those who prayed.’” (EMQ al-Muddaththir, 74: 42-43)

3. Not performing it properly is a sign of a hypocrite

Deliberately delaying your salaah (or even missing it from time to time), not fulfilling the pillars and conditions properly, and no having Khushoo’ etc. are all signs of a munaafiq. Allaah (swt) says:

فَوَيْلٌ لِلْمُصَلِّينَ

الَّذِينَ هُمْ عَنْ صَلاتِهِمْ سَاهُونَ

“So woe unto those performers of Salaah (hypocrites),

Who delay their Salaah (prayer) from their stated fixed times.” (EMQ al-Maa’oon, 107: 4-7)

Ibn ‘Abbaas said (with regards to the above verse): ‘This means the hypocrites who pray in public but do not pray in private.’ Ibn Katheer also said with regards to this verse in his tafseer of the Qur’aan: ‘They are those people who pray and adhere to the prayer, yet they are mindless of it.’ Therefore the verse does not only apply to those who pray in public and not in private, but also to those who do pray, but are mindless of their prayers.

4. The Islaamic verdict on al-Khushoo’

According to the majority scholars of Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah, al-Khushoo’ is waajib (obligatory), therefore anybody who does not seek Khushoo’ is a sinner. Allaah (swt) says in the Qur’aan:

وَاسْتَعِينُوا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلاةِ وَإِنَّهَا لَكَبِيرَةٌ إِلا عَلَى الْخَاشِعِينَ

“And seek help in as-Sabr (remaining firm and patient) and as-Salaah, verily it is extremely difficult except for the Khaashi’een (those who have Khushoo’).” (EMQ al-Baqarah, 2: 45)

Sheikh ul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah said: ‘This implies condemnation of those who are not Khaashi’oun. Condemnation only applies when something obligatory is not done, or when something forbidden is done. If those who do not have Khushoo’ are to be condemned, this indicates that Khushoo’ is obligatory (waajib).’

Furthermore, the verse which has been mentioned earlier states that ‘successful indeed are the believers, those who in their prayers have Khushoo’, one of the principles in Usoul (the foundations of Islaamic jurisprudence) is the concept of opposite meaning, therefore the fact that the Khaashi’oun are those who are successful (will be granted paradise), those who are not Khaashi’oun are unsuccessful (will enter Hell-fire). There are many other evidences that can prove this point but this hukm (divine rule) is known to the majority of scholars.

Due to this fact, every Muslim must exhaust his utmost effort in seeking Khushoo’ in every single salaah. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that any salaah where you felt that you were incapable of attaining Khushoo’ (after trying your best) is invalid.

Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah) also said:

‘Two things help us to (develop Khushoo’): a strong desire to do what is obligatory, and weakness of distractions.

With regard to the first, the strong desire to do what is obligatory: (this means that) a person strives hard to focus on what he is saying and doing, pondering on the meanings of the Qur’aan recitation, dhikr and du’aa, and keeping in mind the fact that he is speaking to Allaah as if he is seeing him, for when he is standing in prayer, he is talking to his Lord.

Ihsaan means ‘that you worship Allaah as if you see him, and if you cannot see him, (then know that) he can see you.’ The more the slave tastes the sweetness of salaah, the more attracted he will be to it, and this has to do with the strength of his Eemaan.

With regards to the second, weakness of distractions: This means striving to push away all distractions that make you think of something other than the prayer itself, and warding off thoughts that keep your mind off the purpose of the prayer. This is something which differs from one person to another, because the extent of the waswaas (satanic whisperings) has to do with the extent of one’s doubts and desires, and the hearts’ focus and dependence on what it loves, and its efforts to avoid what it dislikes.” (Majmoo’ al-Fataawaa, 22/606-607)

5. The Khushoo’ of hypocrisy

Despite all of this, there is one other thing which we must never forget, Khushoo’ is primarily in the heart, and the companions of the Messenger Muhammad (saw) and the scholars of as-Salaf us-Saalih (the pious predecessor) have warned us countless times about ‘the Khushoo’ of hypocrisy’. Hudhayfah (may Allaah be pleased with him) used to say: ‘Beware of the Khushoo’ of hypocrisy.’ He was asked, ‘what is the Khushoo’ of hypocrisy?’ He said, ‘when the body shows Khushoo’ but there is no Khushoo’ in the heart.’

Ibn ul-Qayyim (ra) also said, explaining the difference between the Khushoo’ of true eemaan and the Khushoo’ of hypocrisy:

‘The Khushoo’ of true eemaan is when the heart feels aware and humble before the greatness and glory of Allaah, and is filled with awe, fear and shyness, so that the heart is utterly humbled before Allaah and broken, as it were, with fear, shyness, love and the recognition of the blessings of Allaah and its own sins. There is no doubt that the Khushoo’ of the heart is followed by the Khushoo’ of the body.

As for the Khushoo’ of hypocrisy, it is something that is put on with a great show, but there is no Khushoo’ in the heart. One of the Sahaabah used to say, ‘I seek refuge in Allaah from the Khushoo’ of hypocrisy.’ It was said to him, ‘what is the Khushoo’ of hypocrisy?’ He said, “when the body appears to have Khushoo’ but there is no Khushoo’ in the heart.’

The person who truly feels Khushoo’ before Allaah is a person who no longer feels the flames of physical desire; his heart is pure and is filled with the light of the greatness of Allaah. His selfish desires have died because of the fear and awe which have filled his heart. His heart has become dignified and feels secure in Allaah and tranquility descends upon him from his Lord. So he has become humble (mukhbit) before Allaah, and the one who is humble is the one who is assured. Land that is mukhbit is land that is low-lying, in which water settles, so the heart that is mukhbit is humble and content, like a low-lying spot of land into which water flows and settles. The sign of this is that a person prostrates to his Lord out of respect and humility, and never raises his head until he meets Him. The arrogant heart, on the other hand, is one that is content with its arrogance and raises itself up like an elevated portion of land in which water never settles. This is the Khushoo’ of true eemaan.’

6. The ways of attaining Khushoo’

1. Understanding the pillars and conditions of Tawheed (the ‘Aqeedah of Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah)

There is no doubt that the one who knows the Lord he worships (i.e. his names and attributes) is closer to Allaah (swt), therefore he will be the most eligible for the hidaayah and blessings from his Lord (swt). The Tawheed is a pre-requisite to salaah, hence the one who does not know his Lord, the conditions and pillars of being a Muslim and what takes you outside the fold of Islaam etc. will be in great danger of becoming a kaafir (if he isn’t one already!), and the salaah of the kaafir is not accepted by Allaah (swt).

Therefore, this most fundamental obligation in Islaam is the basis of all actions and responsibilities in the Deen, and if one grasps it, he will experience the fruits of Tawheed and be able to link himself to the verses which he recites in his salaah, thus attaining Khushoo’ and satisfaction from his Lord, Allaah (swt).

For example, the one who understands Tawheed correctly (in accordance with the understanding of the Messenger Muhammad [saw] and his companions) will no doubt comprehend chapters such as al-Faatihah, al-Kaafiroon and al-Ikhlaas etc. a great deal better than the one who doesn’t understand Tawheed. Firstly because he will only refer to the understanding of the best people who walked the face of this earth, and secondly he will understand the true meaning of, for example: ‘iyyaaka na’budu wa iyyaaka nasta’een (you alone we worship, obey, follow and submit to and you alone we ask for help and arbitrate to)…’ hence he will never ask the kuffaar for support or worship the law of the land.

Another factor which we must remember is that the one who has Tawheed in Allaah has a higher level of eemaan compared to the one who doesn’t know Tawheed; and those who have high eemaan have a greater chance of attaining Khushoo’ as they will fear Allaah more (have Taqwaa) when reciting chapters in the Qur’aan which speak about Allaah’s punishments and Hell-fire (therefore they will be able to contemplate more deeply about his punishments and the reality of Jahannam and the hereafter etc.).

2. Preparing oneself for the salaah properly

Preparing oneself properly for any duty will undoubtedly keep that person alert and eager to fulfill his responsibilities. In regards to as-Salaah, this preparation can be done in many ways; such as by repeating the words of the adhaan (call to prayer) after the mu’adhdhin (which has been ordered by the Messenger Muhammad [saw]), and by also pronouncing the du’aa (supplication) after the adhaan.

All of the words which are uttered by the mu’adh-dhin (المؤذن – the one who declares the adhaan) should be repeated to oneself except when he says ‘hayya ‘alas salaah (come to prayer)’ and ‘hayya ‘alal falaah (come to success)’, at which point one should say ‘laa hawla walaa quwwata illaa billaah (there is no might nor power except with Allaah)’ – al-Bukhaari, book of Adhaan, chapter 7, hadeeth #613.

In regards to the du’aa after the adhaan, one should read:

اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ هَذِهِ الدَّعْوَةِ التَّامَّةِ وَالصَّلاَةِ القَائِمَةِ آتِ مُحَمَّداً الوَسِيلَةَ وَالفَضِيلَةَ وَابْعَثْهُ مَقَاماً مَحْمُوداً الَّذِي وَعَدْتَهُ

Allaahumma rabba haadhi-hid da’watit taammati was-salaatil qaa-imah, aati muhammadan al-waseelata wal-fadeelata, wab’ath-hu maqaaman mahmoodan alladhee wa’adtah

‘O Allaah! Lord of this perfect call (of not ascribing partners to you) and of the regular salaat which is going to be established. Kindly give Muhammad (saw) al-Waseelah (the highest position in paradise) and al-Fadeelah (extra degree of honour) and raise him to Maqaam Mahmood (a station of praise and glory i.e. the honour of intersession), which you have promised him.’ (Saheeh al-Bukhaari, book of Adhaan, chapter 8, hadeeth #614)

Other factors which will help prepare oneself for the salaah are making wudou’ properly and wearing your best clothes. All good actions should start in the name of Allaah and wudoo’ is no exception. At the start of the wudoo’ one should say ‘bismillaah (in the name of Allaah)’ and not speak at all whilst he is making ablution (as it is Makrouh – disliked). Once you have finished making wudoo’ you should recite any of the du’aas which has been taught by the Messenger Muhammad (saw) such as:

أشْهَدُ أنْ لا إله إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لا شَرِيك لَهُ، وأشْهَدُ أنَّ مُحَمَّداً عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ

Ash-hadu an laa ilaaha illallah, wahdahu laa shareeka lah, wa ash-hadu anna muhammadan ‘abduhu warasooluh.

‘The Messenger Muhammad (saw) said: If anyone of you makes ablution carefully and then affirms: ‘I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship, submission and obedience but Allaah, with no partner or associate, and I bear witness that Muhammad (saw) is his slave and messenger.’ The eight gates of paradise are opened for him. He may enter by whichever of these gates he desires.’ (Muslim and Riyaad us-Saaliheen, book of virtues, chapter 185 hadeeth #1032. The Messenger Muhammad (saw) said that the eight gates of paradise will be opened for the one who recites this du’aa and he can enter through any gate he wishes!)

And:

اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْنِي مِن التَّوَّابِينَ واجْعَلْنِي مِنَ المُتَطَهِّرِين

Allaahummaj ‘alnee minat tawwaabeena, waj’alnie minal mutatahhireen

‘O Allaah! Make me of those who repent regularly, and make me of those who purify themselves.’ (Riyaad us-Saaliheen, book of virtues, chapter 185, hadeeth #1032)

One of the ways in which we can be encouraged to make wudoo’ properly is by remembering the virtues of performing it perfectly, the Messenger of Allaah (saw) said:

من توضأ فأحسن الوضوء خرجت خطاياه من جسده حتى تخرج من تحت أظفاره

‘The one who performs wudoo’ perfectly (in accordance with the Sunnah of the Messenger (saw) and his companions), his sins will come out from his body, even from under his nails.’ (Muslim and Riyaad us-Saaliheen, book of virtues, chapter 185, hadeeth #1026)

In regards to wearing your best clothes Allaah (swt) says:

يَا بَنِي آدَمَ خُذُوا زِينَتَكُمْ عِنْدَ كُلِّ مَسْجِدٍ وَكُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا وَلا تُسْرِفُوا إِنَّهُ لا يُحِبُّ الْمُسْرِفِينَ

“O Children of Aadam! Take your adornment (by wearing clean clothes), while praying and going round the Ka’bah (at-Tawaaf), and eat and drink but waste not by extravagance, certainly he (Allaah) likes not al-Musrifoon (those who waste by extravagance).” (EMQ al-A’araaf, 7: 31)

We must always remember that whenever we perform salaah we are having a meeting and interview with our Lord. Therefore we should do our utmost best to wear the cleanest and best clothes we have. It is disliked for one to pray in his pyjamas or any other clothes which you sleep in. Try to wear clothes which give you comfort and feel good to wear as this will also help one relax in his prayers. Clothes which display pictures of living beings are not allowed to wear whilst praying, let alone any kufr symbols or slogans, such as a football shirt with the flag of Saint George or any swear words etc.

Other methods of preparing yourself for the salaah are:

* Covering your (hard and soft) ‘awrah (private parts) properly
* Purifying your place of prayer
* Making the rows straight and solid (in congregation) as the Shayaateen enter between the rows
* Getting ready early for the prayer

3. Moving at a measured and steady pace

The Messenger Muhammad (saw) used to move at a steady and measured pace during his salaah, allowing every bone to return to its place. He (saw) said:

أسوأ الناس سرقة الذي يسرق من صلاته قالوا: يا رسول الله وكيف يسرق من صلاته قال: لا يتم ركوعها ولا سجودها أو قال: لا يقيم صلبه في الركوع والسجود

‘The worst type of thief is the one who steals from his prayer. They said: O messenger of Allaah! How can a person steal from his prayer? He (saw) said: By not performing the rukou’ (bowing) and the sujood (prostration) properly.’ (Musnad al-Imaam Ahmad, Musnad al-Ansaar, hadeeth Abu Qataadah al-Ansaari)

Therefore we should never rush our prayers and take it as a form of gymnastics. This has been dispraised many times by the Messenger (saw) and his companions. He (saw) also said:

مثل الذي لا يتم ركوعه وينقر في سجوده مثل الجائع يأكل التمرة والتمرتان لا يغنيان عنه شيئا

‘The one who does not do rukou’ properly, and pecks in sujood, is like a starving man who eats only one or two dates; it does not do him any good at all.’ (Mu’jam at-Tabaraani al-Kabeer 4/116)

Therefore, the one who does not move at a measured pace in his prayer cannot have Khushoo’ because haste is a barrier to Khushoo’ and pecking like a crow is a barrier to reward.

4. Thinking about the aayaat and adhkaar during the prayer and interacting with them

Allaah (swt) did not send us the Qur’aan in order to decorate or homes and the Masaajid, rather he sent his book in order for us to govern the affairs of mankind by it and for us to take heed. One should never recite the Qur’aan like as though it is music or just a nice tune. We should always ponder and reflect upon the meanings of each and every verse, as Allaah (swt) says:

أَفَلا يَتَدَبَّرُونَ الْقُرْآنَ أَمْ عَلَى قُلُوبٍ أَقْفَالُهَا

“Do they not then think deeply in the Qur’aan, or are their hearts locked up (from understanding it)?” (EMQ Muhammad, 47: 24)

Therefore we should try our best to understand what we are reciting whilst praying, as Allaah (swt) clearly dispraises those who read the book of Allaah but have no tadabbur (understanding). Whenever the Prophet (saw) and his companions (ra) would recite the Qur’aan they would be moved to tears by it. Furthermore, Allaah (swt) says:

إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ الَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِرَ اللَّهُ وَجِلَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَإِذَا تُلِيَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتُهُ زَادَتْهُمْ إِيمَانًا وَعَلَى رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ

“The believers are only those who, when Allaah is mentioned, feel a fear in their hearts and when His Verses (this Qur’aan) are recited unto them, they (i.e. the Verses) increase their Eemaan; and they put their trust in their Lord (alone).” (EMQ al-Anfaal, 8: 2)

Hence, it is vital for us to study tafseer ul-Qur’aan (the commentary and explanation of the Qur’aan) in accordance with the understanding of the Sahaabah and Rasool-Ullaah (saw). This will give us a broader understanding of the verses in the book of Allaah and enable us to contemplate and ponder of the verses of Allaah.

Another method which will help attain at-Tadabbur is by repeating the verses in the salaah, this is because it will help one think deeply and look again at the meaning, and this is what the Messenger Muhammad (saw) used to do himself. It is also from the Sunnah to interact with the aayaat which you are reciting. The evidence for this is the following hadeeth in Saheeh Muslim narrated by Hudhayfah (ra):

صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم ذات ليلة فافتتح البقرة، فقلت يركع عند المائة، ثم مضى، فقلت يصلي بها في ركعة، فمضى، فقلت يركع بها، ثم افتتح النساء فقرأها، ثم افتتح آل عمران فقرأها، يقرأ مترسلا: إذا مر بآية فيها تسبيح سبح، وإذا مر بسؤال سأل، وإذا مر بتعوذ تعوذ، ثم ركع فجعل يقول: <سبحان ربي العظيم> فكان ركوعه نحوا من قيامه، ثم قال <سمع اللَّه لمن حمده ربنا لك الحمد> ثم قام قياما طويلا قريبا مما ركع، ثم سجد فقال: <سبحان ربي الأعلى> فكان سجوده قريبا من قيامه

‘I prayed with the Messenger of Allaah (saw) one night… he was reciting at length. Whenever he recited an aayah that mentioned tasbeeh (praising Allaah), he would say Subhaan-Allaah; if it mentioned a question, he would ask a question; if it mentioned seeking refuge with Allaah, he would seek refuge with Allaah.’ (Muslim, chapter 27, hadeeth #772)

The level of Khushoo’ in the Messenger Muhammad (saw) can again be seen in the following hadeeth narrated by ‘Ataa in the Tafseer Ibn Katheer of Aali ‘Imraan verse 190:

انطلقت أنا وابن عمر وعبيد بن عمير إلى عائشة رضي اللّه عنها، فدخلنا عليها وبيننا وبينها حجاب، فقالت: يا عبيد ما يمنعك من زيارتنا، قال: قول الشاعر (زر غباً تزدد حباً)، فقال ابن عمر: ذرينا أخبرينا بأعجب ما رأيتيه من رسول اللّه صلى اللّه عليه وسلم !؟ فبكت وقالت: كل أمره كان عجباً، أتاني في ليلتي حتى مس جلده جلدي ثم قال “ذريني أتعبد لربي عزّ وجلّ"، قالت، فقلت: واللّه إني لأحب قربك، وإني أحب أن تعبد ربك، فقام إلى القربة فتوضأ ولم يكثر صب الماء، ثم قام يصلي فبكى حتى بلّ لحيته، ثم سجد فبكى حتى بلّ الأرض، ثم اضطجع على جنبه فبكى حتى إذا أتى بلال يؤذنه بصلاة الصبح، قالت، فقال: يارسول اللّه ما يبكيك وقد غفر اللّه لك ما تقدم من ذنبك وما تأخر؟ فقال: “ويحك يا بلال وما يمنعني أن أبكي وقد أنزل اللّه عليّ في هذه الليلة: {إن في خلق السموات والأرض واختلاف اليل والنهار لآيات لأولي الألباب}"، ثم قال: “ويل لمن قرأها ولم يتفكر فيها”

‘I, ibn ‘Umar and ‘Ubayd ibn ‘Umayr went ‘Aa-ishah (ra) are there was a screen between us and her…Ibn ‘Umar said to her, ‘tell us of the most amazing thing you saw on the part of the Messenger of Allaah (saw).’ She wept and said: ‘…he got up one night and said, ‘O ‘Aa-ishah, leave me to worship my Lord.’ I said, ‘By Allaah, I love to be close to you, and I also love that you worship your Lord.’ So he got up and purified himself, then he stood and prayed. He kept weeping until his lap got wet, then he wept and kept weeping until the floor got wet...Bilaal came to tell him that it was time to pray, and when he saw him weeping, he said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, you are weeping when Allaah has forgiven you all your past and future sins?’ He said, ‘O Bilaal! What prevents me from crying when this night Allaah revealed to me: “Verily in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alteration of night and day, there are indeed signs for men of understanding” (EMQ Aali ‘Imraan, 3: 190), woe to he who recites it but does not contemplate it.’

Another way of interacting with the aayaat is to say, for example, ‘Aameen’ after reciting al-Faatihah. The Messenger Muhammad (saw) said:

إذا أمن الإمام فأمنوا، فأنه من وافق تأمينه تأمين الملائكة، غفر له ما تقدم من ذنبه

‘Say Aameen when the Imaam says it and if the Aameen of anyone of you coincides with that of the Angels then all his past sins will be forgiven.’ (Al-Bukhaari, chapter 111, hadeeth #790)

5. Pausing at the end of each aayah (verse)

Pausing after the recitation of a verse is from the Sunnah of Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah. This pausing will allow one to deeply contemplate upon the meaning of every single verse rather than just rushing its recitation in order for it to sound nice. It is narrated in numerous authentic sources that the Messenger of Allaah (saw) used to pause after reciting a verse, for example, when he used to say: ‘al-Hamdulillaahi rabbil ‘Aalameen’, he would then continue after pausing for a short while: ‘ar-Rahmaan ar-Raheem’ until the end. This can be found in Abou Daawud, hadeeth number #4001.

6. Reciting in a slow and rhythmic tone (with tarteel), beautifying one’s voice

Allaah (swt) says in the Qur’aan:

أَوْ زِدْ عَلَيْهِ وَرَتِّلِ الْقُرْآنَ تَرْتِيلا

“…and recite the Qur’aan with tarteel (slow and pleasant tone).” (EMQ al-Muzzammil, 73: 4)

The recitation of the Prophet (saw) used to be clear whilst giving each letter its haq (right). He ‘would recite a soorah in such slow rhythmic tones that it would be longer than would seem possible’ (Muslim, book 6, chapter 16, hadeeth #733).

In regards to beautifying ones voice, this does not mean to show-off to others with your recitation. Rather it should be done out of fear from Allaah (swt), in order to beautify the Qur’aan and as an order of the messenger of Allaah (saw):

ليس منا من لم يتغن بالقرآن

‘He is not one of us who does not recite the Qur’aan nicely.’ (Fath ul-Baari 13: 510)

7. Remembering death whilst praying

The Prophet (saw) used to advise Abu Ayyoob (ra): ‘When you stand up to pray, pray a farewell prayer’ (Ahmad 5/412), in other words you should pray your last prayer. Furthermore, the Messenger Muhammad (saw) also said: ‘Remember death in your prayer, for the man who remembers death during his prayer is bound to pray properly, and pray the prayer of a man who does not think that he will pray any other prayer.’ (Reported by as-Suyootee)

Therefore it is advisable to remember death as much as possible during your salaah, its agonies, tests and difficulties. Think about the punishment of the grave, its questioning and the great fear on the Day of Judgement.

8. Being aware that Allaah (swt) responds to prayers

The Prophet (saw) said:

‘Allaah, the Blessed and Exalted has said: ‘I have divided the prayer between myself and my slave, into two halves, and my slave shall have what he has asked for.’ When the slave says: ‘al-Hamdulillaahi rabbil ‘Aalameen,’ Allaah says: ‘my slave has praised me.’ When the slave says: ‘ar-Rahmaan ar-Raheem,’ Allaah says: ‘my slave has extolled me.’ When the slave says: ‘Maaliki yawmid deen,’ Allaah says: ‘my slave has glorified me.’ When the slave says: ‘iyyaaka na’budu wa iyyaaka nasta’een,’ Allaah says: ‘this is between me and my slave, and my slave shall have what he asked for.’ When the slave says: ‘Guide us to the Straight Path, the path of those whom you have favoured, not the path of those who receive your anger, nor of those who go astray,’ Allaah says: ‘All these are for my slave, and my slave shall have what he asked for.’’ (Muslim, book of Salaah, chapter 11, hadeeth #395)

If everyone kept this hadeeth in mind when he prays, he would attain immense Khushoo’ and al-Faatihah would have a great impact on him. How could it be otherwise, when he feels that his Lord is addressing him and giving him what he is asking for?

9. Praying with a sutrah (a barrier or post) in front of you

Praying with a sutrah in front of you will give you Khushoo’ as it will protect you from Shaytaan and prevent people from walking past you, which will usually disturb one’s concentration. The Messenger Muhammad (saw) said:

‘When any one of you prays facing a sutrah, let him get close to it so that the Shaytaan cannot interrupt his prayer.’ (Sunan Abu Daawud #695)

This sutrah should be close to you as indicated in the hadeeth, and can be of any halaal object, such as your bag, a box, spear, chair etc. It should be away from you by a distance which would allow a sheep to pass by you, as reported by Saheeh ahaadeeth.

Imaam an-Nawawi said: ‘The wisdom in using a sutrah is to lower your gaze and not to look beyond it, and to prevent anyone from passing in front of you… and to prevent the Shaytaan from passing in front of you and trying to corrupt your prayer.’ (Sharh Saheeh Muslim 4/216)

10. Placing the right hand over the left hand on the chest

It has been narrated in numerous authentic ahaadeeth that the messenger (saw) used to place his right hand over his left hand and raise them to his chest, such as the hadeeth narrated by Waa-il ibn Hujr:

فوضع يده اليمنى على يده اليسرى على صدره

‘I prayed with the prophet (saw) and he placed his right hand over his left hand (and then placed them) on his chest.’ (Reported by Ibn Khuzaymah)

Imaam ibn Hajar al-’Asqalaani said in regards to this: ‘The ‘Ulamaa said: the meaning of this posture is that it is the attitude of the humble person, it is more likely to prevent fidgeting, and it is more conducive to Khushoo’.’ (Fath al-Baari, 2/224)

Putting your hands on your hips has also been condemned by Allaah’s Messenger (saw) and this is something which must be prevented. Abu Hurayrah (ra) said: ‘Allaah’s messenger (saw) prohibited us from placing the hand on the side during salaah.’ (Al-Bukhaari and Riyaad us-Saaliheen, book 17, chapter 388 hadeeth #1752)

11. Looking at the place of prostration

The Messenger of Allaah (saw) used to focus his gaze on the place of sujood and strongly condemned those who look around, here and there in their prayers:

ما بال أقوام يرفعون أبصارهم إلى السماء في صلاتهم

‘What is the matter with those people who look towards the sky during the salaah...They should stop that otherwise their eyes would be snatched away.’ (Al-Bukhaari and Riyaad us-Saaliheen, book 17, chapter 340 hadeeth #1754)

It is also narrated that ‘Aa-ishah (ra) once asked the Messenger of Allaah (saw) about random looks in salaah, and he replied:

هو اختلاس يختلسه الشيطان من صلاة العبد

‘It is something which Shaytaan snatches away from the slave’s salaah.’ (Al-Bukhaari and Riyaad us-Saaliheen, book 17, chapter 341 hadeeth #1755)

Even during the tashahhud you should focus your gaze on the place of sujood. In fact your gaze should never leave this position in you prayer except when you are looking towards your finger (whilst testifying the shahaadah in the tashahhud).

Some people may enjoy, or even pretend to have more Khushoo’ by closing their eyes in their prayers. This is not from the Sunnah of the Messenger (saw) and neither is it the sunnah of his companions or the rightly guided. The Messenger (saw) ordered us to prevent anyone who tries to walk past us whilst we are praying. If we were to close our eyes how would this be possible? The scholars of the Salaf say that this is makrouh (disliked i.e. not recommended) and Imaam Ahmad went further by saying: ‘this is the action of the Jews’.

12. Moving your index finger (in tashahhud)

The Prophet (saw) and his companions (ra) used to point their finger towards the Qiblah (direction of prayer) and move their index finger (in a hitting motion) whilst in tashahhud. The Messenger of Allaah (saw) described this as being, ‘more powerful against the Shaytaan than iron’ (as reported by Imaam Ahmad, 2/119). Therefore this is definitely one of the ways of combating the cursed Shaytaan in our prayers, whilst he is trying his best to waste our salaah.

Your finger should be raised at three intervals during the tashahhud, when you say: ‘…wa rahmatullaahi wabarakaatuh (after you have given salaam to the prophet [saw])’, and when you say: ‘ash-hadu an laa ilaaha illallaah (at this point you ‘hit’ again with your finger)’, and then again when you say: ‘wa ash-hadu anna Muhammad ‘abduhu warasooluh’.

From thesavedsect.com