How To Develop Khushoo In Prayer

What is Khushoo?

Khushoo means It is state of mind that contains calmness, serenity, tranquility, dignity and humility during prayer Khushoo’ also means that the heart stands before Allah in humility and submission

Khushoo in Action

During Prayer, we Often Think About

When we should be thinking about Allah Allah’s Attributes Allah’s sustenance to us Our thankfulness to Him Words in Prayer

Why be careful About Khushoo? Prophet Muhammed (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The first thing to be lifted up (taken away) from this Ummah (Muslims Nation) will be khushoo’, until you will see no one who has khushoo’.” (Reported by Al-Tabaraani)

Benefits of Developing Khushoo

It makes praying easy “And seek help in patience and al-salaah (the prayer), and truly it is extremely heavy and hard except for those who have khushoo (al-khaashi’oon) (Quran 2:45)

Forgiveness and Mighty Reward Those who possess khushoo has Allah’s forgiveness and a mighty reward (Quran 33:35)

Allah’s Promise of Forgiveness Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Five prayers which Allah has made obligatory. Whoever does wudoo’ properly for them, prays them on time, does rukoo’ properly and has perfect khushoo’, it is a promise from Allah that he will be forgiven, but whoever does not do this, has no such promise – if Allah wishes, He will forgive him, and if He wishes, He will punish him.” (Reported by Abu Dawood, no. 425; Saheeh al-Jaami’, 3242).

Khushoo leads to Success Successful indeed are the believers Who are have khushoo in their prayers (Quran 23:1,2)

Tips on Developing Khushoo in Prayer

Preparing for Prayer Repeating the words of the adhaan (call for prayer) after the muezzin (one who does adhaan) By pronouncing the du’aa’ (supplication) to be recited after the adhaan Using miswaak (brushing) to cleanse the mouth

Preparing for Prayer Doing wudoo’ (ablution)properly, saying Bismillaah (in the Name of Allah) before it and making dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and saying the du’aa’ after it. Wear good and clean clothes before for prayer O Children of Adam! wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of prayer…(7:31) Choose a clean place to pray

Remembering death while praying Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) advised: “When you stand up to pray, pray a farewell prayer.” (Reported by Ahmed)

Ponder over Recitation Know the meaning of what you are reciting Ponder over the meaning of verses during prayer “(This is) a Book (the Qur’an) which We have sent down to you, full of blessings that they may ponder over its Verses, and that men of understanding may remember.” [Quran 38:29].

Pausing at the end of each Quranic Verse This is more helpful in understanding and thinking about the meaning of recitation. It is also a Sunnah (example) of the Prophet Muhammed(pbuh)

Recite Quran in slow rhythmic tones “… and recite the Qur’aan (aloud) in a slow, (pleasant tone and) style.” [Quran73:4] The recitation of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was clear, with each letter pronounced distinctly.” (Musnad Ahmad)

Beautify the Quran with your voice Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), as when he said, “Beautify the Qur’an with your voices, for a fine voice increases the Qur’an in beauty.” (Reported by al-Haakim)

Looking at the place of prostration Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to pray with his head tilted forward and his gaze lowered, looking at the ground.” (Reported by al-Haakim)

Removing Things That Distracts Attention Avoid praying in the Room where the TV is on. Avoid Praying in places where you can here other talking Avoid praying in places where there is lots of movement of others around you. Avoid praying in place where the smell of food can distract you. Avoid praying where the temperature is too hot or too cold

Removing Things That Distracts Attention Relieve yourself before Prayer The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “There is no prayer when there is food prepared (smell could distract you) or if one is suppressing the urge to expel waste matter.” (Saheeh Muslim)

Pray to Allah to Provide us Khushoo Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to say in his du’aa’: “Allaahumma innee a’oodhu bika min qalbin laa yakhsha’… (O Allaah, I seek refuge with You from a heart that has no khushoo’…).” (Reported by al-Tirmidhi)