Khushoo’ In Salaah

Khushoo’ in Salaah .

Importance of Khushoo’ • Allaah says: “Successful indeed are the believers, those who offer their salaah (prayers) with Khushoo’.” [Qur’an 23:1-2] • The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The first thing to be lifted up (taken away) from this ummah will be khushoo’, until you will see no one who has khushoo’.” • Narrated Hudhayfah (rad): “The first thing of your religion that you will lose is khushoo’, and the last thing that you will lose of your religion is salaah. There may be a person praying who has no goodness in him, and soon you will enter the mosque and not find anyone who has khushoo’.” (alMadaarij, 1/521)

What is Khushoo’ • Khushoo’ means all of the following: – calmness, serenity, tranquility, dignity, humility and submission

• Source of Khushoo: – Fear of Allaah and the awareness that He is always watching.

Fruits of Khushoo’ • Allaah (swt) mentions the al-khaashi’eena wa’lkhaashi’aat (men and women who possess Khushoo’) as being among those who are chosen and who will receive forgiveness and a great reward [Quran 33:35] • Khushoo’ makes prayer easier – Allaah (swt) says: “And seek help in patience and al-salaah, and truly it is extremely heavy and hard except for al-khaashi’oon [Qur’an 2:45]. The meaning is that the burden of prayer is heavy indeed, except for those who have khushoo’. (Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 1/125)

• The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘… and my joy has been made in salaah.’ Only through Khushoo’ can a person find comfort and joy in salaah.

Improving Khushoo’ – Prior to Salaah • • • • • • • • •

Plan your daily activities around the salawaat Satisfy your physical needs prior to salaah Make a thorough wudu Dress in a manner befitting the One you are going to worship Arrive before the Fard salaah to perform at least 2 rak’ah, to ensure your mind is fully focused on ‘Ibaadah Pray your salawaat behind a sutrah Do not talk much with people before the salaah – contemplate the greatness of the Rabb you are going to worship Remember the salaf and the manner in which they performed their salaah Consider the fact that this could very well be your last salaah – how would you like your last salaah to be performed ?

Improving Khushoo’ – During Salaah • Realize the meaning of the phrase ‘Allaahu Akbar’ – Allaah is indeed greater than all other matters that occupy our mind and thoughts • Strive to attain the status of Ihsaan in worship – to pray as if you see Allaah, and if you cannot then know that He is seeing you. • Fold your hands (right hand over the left) and look at the position of sujood – this posture of humility reminds us of our lowly status in front of our Creator • Be tranquil during salaah and complete each position with perfection • SLOW DOWN your recitation of both the Qur’an and the various adhkaar during salaah • Remember that Allaah answers you as you recite Surah Fatihah

Improving Khushoo’ – During Salaah (…contd.) • •

• • •

Memorize and read various surah’s from the Qur’an (there is more to the Qur’an than Surah Ikhlaas and Surah al-Kawthar ) Learn multiple adhkaar from the Sunnah, for each position in the salaah – alternating between them will help prevent a mechanical recitation Never look up or around during salaah Avoid praying on excessively decorated prayer rugs Make du’aa during the sujood – remember however, that all du’aas must be in Arabic during the Fard salawaat

Improving Khushoo’ – After Salaah • • • • • •

Do not move from your position immediately after salaah – the angels pray for you until you move away or lose your wudu Recite your tasbeeh and other adhkaar Make du’aa for all your needs (and always pray for your parents) Pray the sunan and nafl salawaat (at the very least, pray the sunan mu’akkadah) Evaluate your salaah Look forward to the next salaah