KHUSHU' IN SALAH

Bismillah ir-rahman ir-rahim

Assalam alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatu

Khushu is the state of mind attained while standing in front of Allah. The humility, the humbleness, while offering prayers and what lies in the ‘presence of the heart’ while reporting for our daily duty to answer Allah’s call. The state when the heart feels aware and humble before the greatness and glory of Allah, and is filled with awe, fear and hayaa.

In Sha Allah this ten ways will be of great help. We aren’t saying this are the only ones, several are like having Love for Allah just as much as when you love a human being, your husband or children and you don’t ever want to disappoint them and end up doing what is required to keep them happy. 

Secondly having the fear not to associate anything with Allah, this comes after having the true, sincere, love for Allah and never compare or associate Him with His creation. 

Third there is the urge of when will be the next time I meet my Almighty, pour out to him your problems, thanking Him and supplicating to Him then maintaining the Trust that Allah will work out your life in accordance if what you need not what you want or it can be both. Allahu Ya’alam.

Now from our list firstly we have Remembrance of Allah. This is an assignment from Allah to measure our obedience towards Him and our level of Imaan. It is a date with our Divine Allah Subhanahu wa’taala, our King, it should be at perfection with total obedience, fear and willingly being submissive from within our hearts. 

Secondly we have Empty Out, what are we emptying out? Our worries, our thoughts, our worldly affairs which deprives us from having that perfect connection with our Creator. Whatever you’re worried about for example we should always remember it’s in Allah’s Hands, He’ll handle it. 

Seek refuge in Allah, this is as important to keep Shaytan and his whispers away from our mind and hearts. “Audhubillah Minashatyani Rajim” (I seek refuge in Allah from Shaytan) that’s it. 

Number four, Eliminate Distractions, it’s almost the same as emptying out. But what causes our distractions are mostly the thought we have. The truth is as soon as we are in the state of prayers, so many thoughts race through our minds (Satanic whispers) which robs us from forming a bond with Allah. Prevent us from having calmness in our hearts. 

Then there is Learn the Meanings. Try and by trying is actually doing it, to understand the meaning of the Surahs that you read in Salah. For starts Al-Fatiha, understand each ayah, pause and reflect. Take some time alone in a quiet place or room and read through some translations and commentaries too by known scholars.  

Shift your Focus. It’s easier said than done but it can be done right after emptying out and eliminating distraction now we shift our focus to the task at hand which is Salah a very important Ibaadah. 

Remember Death. We who assured you that this couldn’t be your last prayer? Be mindful of it and make it to perfection. If Allah Wills and it be the last then it’s excellent on your part, how many have we seen dying in their Sujood or after Tashahud? It could be your last make it flawless. 

Then Take your Time. Primarily you have to be on time then take your time. Plan your life around Salah times and prioritize pleasing Allah than people. Don’t have the, ‘I am busy’ or ‘Have a lot to do today’ excuses. Salah is not a new thing, it has been here and will always be there before any of that came about. There is no excuse for Salah. Again don’t take a short break or rush it or shorten the prayer in hoping to make your day easier. In reality this is a recipe for disaster and we’ll be cooking major problems when we turn our backs on Allah and mot make Salah at it respectful time. Next, Use Different Surahs. When we try different Surahs, we also remember to figure out its meaning. Then when reciting it, visualize the Arabic words and the message from Allah. Don’t close your eyes but focus on the place of Sujud. 

Lastly Be Prepared. Not only from the clean clothes or body but mentally. Clear out the clutter in the mind. Start by performing wudhu, make some duas, then pray the Sunnah or Tahiyatul Masjid it helps get on the right track. And to stay a bit after Salah doing Adhkaar and reflect what you have accomplished.

The Prophet of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "Verily a man will leave from Salah and only a tenth of his Salah is written for him, a ninth, an eighth, a seventh, a sixth, a fifth, a quarter, a third or a half." (Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi).

In Sha Allah this will help in attaining Khushu’ in Salah and May Allah keep Shaytan away from us and help us be at our best when in Salah.