Prayer is the foundation of faith and the most important pillar of Islam after the declaration of faith. Allah has commanded us to maintain prayer in all circumstances.
Khushu’ in prayer is one of the most important aspects for Muslims to focus on, as it reflects reverence for worship and our deep connection with Allah Almighty. It is essential for building a strong relationship with Allah and achieving spiritual purification. Therefore, in this article, we will discuss the importance of and how to attain khushu’ in prayer.
The Importance of Khushu’ in Prayer
Before discussing the importance of khushu’ in prayer, it is crucial to first understand the importance of prayer itself. Allah says in the Qur’an: “Guard strictly your (habit of) prayers, especially the Middle Prayer; and stand before Allah in a devout (frame of mind).” The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also said: “The covenant that differentiates us from them is prayer; whoever abandons it has committed disbelief.” He also said: “Between a person and disbelief or polytheism is abandoning prayer.”
Prayer is the first thing we will be held accountable for in the grave and on the Day of Judgment. Whoever preserves their prayer will have a covenant with Allah that He will admit them to Paradise. It is essential to pray on time without delay, focusing on khushu’ during prayer, and seeking help from Allah, seeking refuge from weakness and laziness. Those who have khushu’ in prayer are indeed successful, as Allah says: “Indeed the believers have succeeded, those who are humble in their prayers.”
The importance of khushu’ in prayer lies in the fact that it brings inner peace, enhances morals and humility, strengthens the relationship between a person and their Lord, deepens faith and piety, and helps in calming the soul, relieving stress, and feeling inner peace and tranquility. Additionally, it serves as a means of purifying the heart from heedlessness and sins, increasing the feeling of repentance and seeking forgiveness, while also reminding us of the necessity of submission to Allah’s commands and guidance.
Tips for attaining Khushu’ in Prayer
Pray from your heart
Always try to focus and be present with both your mind and heart during prayer. Being present in heart is one of the key factors that will help you attain khushu’ in prayer and avoid distractions and wandering thoughts. One must stand before their Lord with both body and heart, realizing their need for their Creator.
Pray in a quiet place away from distractions
Ensure you have a comfortable routine and perform prayer in a quiet, comfortable place, avoiding noise and surrounding distractions.
Pray on time
Make sure to pray at the appointed time, as this will assist you in attaining khushu’ in prayer. When a servant rushes to meet Allah and connect with Him in prayer, they earn great rewards, from the reward of praying on time to the reward of khushu’ in prayer.
Pray with calmness and tranquility
Take your time and perform prayer calmly, as tranquility in prayer is a condition for its acceptance. It is also a primary cause of khushu’. Avoid rushing through prayer, which leads to the loss of khushu’ and invalidate the prayer.
Avoid excessive movement and turning around
If you wish to attain khushu’ in prayer, reduce unnecessary movements that are not part of the prayer, and focus on maintaining physical stillness to feel khushu’, as excessive movement in prayer can invalidate it.
Understand the meanings of verses and reflect on them
Before prayer, try to understand the meanings of the verses and supplications you will recite in prayer. During prayer, listen attentively to the recitation of the Quran and reflect on the meanings of the verses, as if you are speaking to Allah. Contemplating the Qur’an in prayer brings khushu’ and instills profound values and noble principles in your heart. Allah says: “Do they not reflect upon the Quran? If it had been from [any] other than Allah, they would have found within it much contradiction.”
Reflect on Allah’s blessings to attain khushu’ in prayer
Allah has blessed us with countless blessings. Before prayer, remember Allah’s blessings upon you, acknowledge His power and greatness, and humble yourself before Him.
Increase the recitation of the Qur’an, remembrance of Allah, and duaa
Increase your recitation of the Quran, remembrance of Allah, seeking forgiveness, sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and making duaa for Allah to open your heart to prayer. Duaa is one of the most essential aspects often neglected by many, though it holds great importance in achieving both worldly and religious goals. Make sincere supplications to Allah, asking Him to help you achieve khushu’ in prayer and to protect you from distractions.
Think about the reward you will gain from performing prayer
Always think about the great reward you will earn by performing prayer with khushu’. This will motivate you to approach prayer with a present heart, desiring to attain Allah’s pleasure and the reward of Paradise.
Constantly remember death and the Hereafter to attain khushu’ in prayer
Continuously remind yourself of death and the Hereafter, avoiding everything that Allah has forbidden, maintaining regular repentance, and increasing good deeds. All of this will instill fear of the Hereafter in your heart and make you pray with khushu’ as if it is your last prayer, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) advised his companions to perform every prayer as if it were their final one.
In conclusion, with consistent practice and attention to the tips we’ve mentioned, you will be able to maintain khushu’ in prayer, thereby deepening your connection with Allah and achieving inner peace.
Written by: Esraa Shehta