Tips for Gaining Khushuu' (Concentration) in Salah

What is Khushuu'?



Khushuu' during Salaat is misunderstood by some people as crying and
weeping. Rather, it is the presence of the heart during an act of
'ibadah. When a person's heart is fully occupied of what he says or
hears, he is in a true state of khushuu'. The concept of Khushuu' in
Salaat is very essential.

1- It is a vital factor in making a person successful in this life and
in later life.
"Indeed, the believers, who have khushuu' in their Salaat, are the
winners."
قد أفلح المؤمنون الذين هم في صلاتهم خاشعون
2-It is a contributing factor for the acceptance of Salaat.
3- It is a way to gain more rewards from the Almighty Allah; the more
the
khushuu' a person has, the more rewards he gets.
4- Without Khushuu' the heart cannot easily be purified.

Ways to Gain Khushuu'

A. 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 increases 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
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
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 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. Seize the opportunity to make sincere du'aaˆ. Invest these
moments in making sincere supplications.

C- Post-Salaat
e. When you make tasliim, make istighfaar to Allah as you might have
made during Salaat.
f. 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.
g. One perfection leads to another perfection. If some one perfects his
Salaat once, he would be self-motivated to continue on the same level.


May Allah fill our hearts with khushuu' - Aameen.


BE BRAVE
PREPARE FOR STRUGGLE
PERSEVERE
HAVE CERTAINTY THAT ISLAM WILL BE VICTORIOUS.

Fear Allah wherever you are in all times and in all places.
Stand up for Islam no matter who likes it or dislikes it.
Dedicate yourself in changing this world. Go against the grain.
The world needs you.You are the best Community raised up for mankind.


By Dr. Mamdouh N. Mohamed
Associate Professor at the American Open University

JAZAKALLAH KHAIR!