This article is an attempt to remind us of the importance of Khushu in our salah, what improves it, why we should constantly strive to guard our salah, and some productive tips to excel in our khushu. ‘Khushu’ is an Arabic word used to refer to humility or humbleness while offering our daily salah (prayers). The meaning and actualization of khushu lies in the ‘presence of our hearts’ while we are reporting for our daily duty towards Allah (glorified and exalted be He).
Below mentioned are some tips which can make you improve your Salaah In sha Allah:
- Pre-Salaat
1- 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 Subhanahu wa Ta’alaincreases His love in our hearts. Consequently, faith also increases.
2- Avoiding major and minor sins is very helpful in gaining Khushuu’, as the heart becomes more receptive to the words of Allah during and after Salaat.
3- Reciting the Qur’an frequently and consistently softens the hearts and prepares it for Khushuu’. Hard hearts do not gain Khushuu’.
4- Minimize attachment to worldly matters. Gearing one’s intentions towards the Afterlife helps against the temptations of life.
5- Avoid excessive laughter and useless arguments as they harden the heart and lead to heedlessness.
6- Stop working as soon as you hear the Azaan. When you listen attentively to the call of Salaat repeat after the muˆz-zin then offer the relevant supplication. This prepares you for a smooth transition from the business with worldly matters to the business with Salaat.
7- Performing wuduuˆ immediately after hearing the Azaan prepares you for the pending Salsat. Wuduuˆ also works as a buffer zone before engaging in Salaat.
8- Going to the mosque early for praying and continuing mention of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala drives Satan away and help gain concentration.
9- The waiting time for the congregational Salaat helps create a buffer zone between the state of mind before Salaat and the state of during Salaat.
B. During Salaat
1- The Iqaamah itself is a final signal to the mind to be well prepared for performing the actual Salaat. Remember what the messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said to Bilal (ra) “Let us enjoy the comfort of the Salaat.”
2- When you stand facing the Qiblah remember the following:
a. It might be the last Salaat in your life. There is no guarantee to live longer to catch the next Salaat.
b. You are standing between the hands of Allah, the Lord of the worlds. How can you be busy with something else?
c. The angel of death is chasing you.
3- Do not forget to make isti’azah. It wards off Satan’s whispers.
4- Keep your eyes focused on the place of sujuud. This helps you gain more concentration.
5- When reciting the Fatiha, try to recall the response of Allah to you after every ayah you say. (When you say: ”al-hamdu lillahi rab-bil ‘alamin) Allah responds: “My servant praised me.” etc. This feeling of speaking to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala puts you in the right mood of khushuu’.
6- Beautifying the recitation of the Qur’an has a positive impact on the heart.
7- Recite the Qur’an slowly and reflect upon its meaning deeply.
8- It is recommended to change the suras that your recite from time to time to avoid the mechanic-like state of repetition.
9- Alternate between the various authentic sunan such as proclaiming a different opening supplication in every Salaat.
10- Undoubtedly, understanding Arabic helps you focus on the intended meaning.
11- Interact with the recited aayahs;
a. if you hear an ayah about Allah, glorify Him by saying “Subhaana Allah”;
b. If you hear an ayah about Hellfire, say “a’uuthu billaahi mina-n-naar”.
c. If you hear a command to make istighfaar, do it.
d. If you hear an ayah that requests tasbiih, make tasbiih.
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 Subhanahu wa Ta’ala. Seize the opportunity to make sincere du’aaˆ. Invest these moments in making sincere supplications.
C- Post-Salaat
1. When you make tasliim, make istighfaar to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala as you might have made during Salaat.
2. When you praise Allah, thank Him from the bottom of your heart that you have experienced the beauty of Salaat in your heart. Getting used to this habit prepares your for the next Salaat, as you will always be eager to focus in your prayer.
3. One perfection leads to another perfection. If someone perfects his Salaat once, he would be self-motivated to continue on the same level.
Let's make Salah as perfect and as complete as possible. In sha Allah this will become one of the many GOOD habits that we develop
With Best Wishes
