04-07-2007, 04:37 AM
Gain Khushuu in Salat should help in any distractions of wordly affairs
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 with what he says or hears, he is in a true state of khushuu. The concept of Khushuu in Salaat is very essential for the following reasons:
<ol type="1">[*]It is a vital factor in making a person successful in this life and in the afterlife.
[*]It is a contributing factor for the acceptance of Salaat
[*]It is a way to gain more rewards from Almighty Allah; the more khushuu a person has the more rewards he gets
[*]Without Khushuu the heart cannot easily be purified
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Ways to Gain Khushuu
- Pre-Salaat
[*]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.
[*]Reciting the Quraan frequently and consistently softens the heart and prepares it for Khushuu. Hard hearts do not gain Khushuu.
[*]Minimize attachment to wordly matters. Gearing one's intentions towards the Afterlife helps against the temptations of life.
[*]Avoid excessive laughter and useless arguments as they harden the heart and lead to heedlessness.
[*]Stop working as soon as you hear the Athaan. When you listen attentively to the call of Salaat repeat after the mu^thin then offer the relevant supplication. This prepares you for a smooth transition from the business with wordly matters to the business with Salaat.
[*]Going to the masjid early for praying and continual mentioning of Allah drives Satan away and helps gain concentration.
[*]The waiting time for the congregational Salaat helps create a buffer zone between the state of mind before Salaat and the state during Salaat.
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- During Salaat
[*]When you stand facing the Qiblah remember the following: It might be the last Salaat in your life, there is no guarantee to live longer to catch the next salaat. You are standing between the hands of Allah, how can you be busy with something else? The angel of death is chasing you.
[*]Don't forget to make isti'athah. It wards off Satan's whispers.
[*]Keep your eyes focused on the place of sujuud.
[*]When reciting the Fatihah, try to recall the response of Allah to you after every ayah you say. (When you say: al hamdul lillahi rabi'il alamin, Allah responds: My servant praised me).
[*]Beautifying the recitation of the Quraan has a positive impact on the heart.
[*]Recite the Quraan slowly and reflect upon its meaning deeply.
[*]It is recommended to change the surahs that you recite from time to time to avoid the mechanic-like state of repetition.
[*]Undoubtedly, understanding Arabic helps you focus on the intended meaning.
[*]Interact with the recited ayahs as this will help you be more focused: if you hear an ayah about Allah, glorify him by saying Subhaana Allah, if you hear a command to make istighfaar, do it.
[*]When you prostrate, remember that this position brings you closer to Allah. Seize the opportunity to make sincere du'aa. Invest these moments in making sincere supplications.
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- Post Salaat
[*]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 you for the next Salaat, as you will always be eager to focus in prayer.
[*]One perfections leads to another perfection. If someone perfects his Salaat once, he would be self-motivated to continue on the same level.
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MAY ALLAH FILL OUR HEARTS WITH KHUSHUU--AAMEEN
I took the above information from a book which is pretty good for all, because not only does it tell you step by step how to pray it also shows u each step, it also answers some common questions. Salaat: The Islamic Prayer from A to Z by Dr. Mamdouh N. Mohamed.
Take care of urselves and deen
Salam