What are the things that help us to pray submissively and with humility?
ما هي الأمور التي تساعدنا أن نخشع في الصلاة؟
There are things that help us to be in a state of humility in Salat, some of which are the following:
بعض الأمور التي تساعد في الخشوع في الصلاة:
Ways to Attain Humility in Prayer | سبل تحقيق الخشوع في الصلاة
1. Comprehending the Recitation
Understanding the Ayaat you read in prayer. (Reflecting upon the profound meanings of the Quran transforms the prayer from a mechanical ritual into a heartfelt dialogue with the Creator. Allah says: "Then do they not reflect upon the Qur'an, or are there locks upon [their] hearts?" Muhammad 47:24)
1. فهم التلاوة
فهم الآيات التي تقرأها في الصلاة. (فالتأمل في المعاني العميقة للقرآن يحول الصلاة من طقس آلي إلى حوار قلبي مع الخالق. قال تعالى: "أَفَلَا يَتَدَبَّرُونَ الْقُرْآنَ أَمْ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبٍ أَقْفَالُهَا" محمد 47: 24)
2. Certainty in Divine Response
The one who performs prayers should believe that Allah answers him in his prayer. (This awareness brings comfort and focus, as the Prophet ﷺ narrated in a Hadith Qudsi that Allah says: "I have divided the prayer between Myself and My servant into two halves, and My servant shall have what he has asked for." Sahih Muslim 395)
2. اليقين بالإجابة الإلهية
أن يعلم المصلي أن الله يجيبه في صلاته. (هذا الوعي يجلب الراحة والتركيز، كما روى النبي ﷺ في الحديث القدسي أن الله تعالى قال: "قسمت الصلاة بيني وبين عبدي نصفين ولعبدي ما سأل" صحيح مسلم 395)
3. Using a Barrier (Sutrah)
Praying in a place where no one passes in front of him. (Using a Sutrah, such as a wall or an object, confines the worshipper's vision and prevents distractions. The Prophet ﷺ commanded: "When one of you prays, let him pray facing a Sutrah, and let him draw close to it." Sunan Abi Dawud 698)
3. اتخاذ السترة
الصلاةُ إلى سترة والدنو منها حتى لا يمر أي شخص أمامه. (استخدام السترة، كجدار أو شيء مرتفع، يحصر بصر المصلي ويمنع التشتت. أمر النبي ﷺ: "إذا صلى أحدكم فليصل إلى سترة وليدن منها" سنن أبي داود 698)
4. Combating the Devil's Whispers
Seeking refuge with Allah from the cursed Satan. (When the companion Uthman bin Abi Al-Aas complained about distractions in prayer, the Prophet ﷺ advised him to seek refuge in Allah from a devil named Khinzab, and to spit drily to his left three times. Sahih Muslim 2203)
4. محاربة وساوس الشيطان
الاستعاذة بالله من الشيطان الرجيم. (عندما اشتكى الصحابي عثمان بن أبي العاص من التشتت في الصلاة، أمره النبي ﷺ بالاستعاذة بالله من شيطان يُدعى خِنْزَب، وأن ينفث عن يساره ثلاثاً. صحيح مسلم 2203)
5. Minimizing Physical Distractions
Avoid praying in the presence of food. (Hunger diverts the mind from worship. The Prophet ﷺ instructed: "When the supper is brought and the prayer begins, one should first eat his food." Sahih Al-Bukhari 671)
5. تقليل المشتتات البدنية
عدم الصلاة بحضرة طعام. (الجوع يصرف العقل عن العبادة. وجه النبي ﷺ: "إذا وضع العشاء وأقيمت الصلاة، فابدءوا بالعشاء" صحيح البخاري 671)
6. Seeking a Quiet Environment
Avoid praying near people who are talking. (Choosing a quiet, secluded environment minimizes external interruptions and protects the sanctity of the private conversation between the servant and the Lord).
6. البحث عن بيئة هادئة
عدم الصلاة قرب أشخاص يتحدثون. (اختيار بيئة هادئة ومعزولة يقلل من الانقطاعات الخارجية ويحمي قدسية المناجاة بين العبد والرب).
7. Stillness and Serenity
Tranquility in prayer; in bowing and prostration. (This physical stillness allows the soul to catch up with the body. Rushing ruins the prayer, as the Prophet ﷺ told the man who prayed hastily: "Go back and pray, for you have not prayed." Sahih Al-Bukhari 793)
7. الطمأنينة والسكون
الطمأنينة في الصلاة في الركوع و السجود. (هذا السكون الجسدي يسمح للروح باللحاق بالجسد. الاستعجال يفسد الصلاة، كما قال النبي ﷺ للمسيء صلاته: "ارجع فصل فإنك لم تصل" صحيح البخاري 793)
8. Measured Recitation
Reading the Qur'an attentively. (Reciting at a measured pace allows the heart to absorb the promises and warnings of Allah. Allah commanded: "And recite the Qur'an with measured recitation." Al-Muzzammil 73:4)
8. القراءة المتأنية
قراءة القرآن بتروي. (القراءة بتمهل تسمح للقلب باستيعاب وعود الله ووعيده. أمر الله تعالى: "وَرَتِّلِ الْقُرْآنَ تَرْتِيلًا" المزمل 73: 4)
Scholarly Insight: In Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh), while the outward pillars and conditions validate the legal performance of the prayer, the scholars of spiritual purification (Tazkiyat an-Nafs) emphasize that humility (Khushu') is its living soul. Classical scholars have famously noted that a prayer without presence of heart is like a body without a soul. Taking proactive measures, such as eliminating physical distractions like food or noise and establishing a barrier (Sutrah), are not merely recommended acts (Mustahabbat), but are essential tools to safeguard the worshipper's focus. The ultimate objective (Maqasid) is to ensure that the physical submission of the limbs perfectly aligns with the spiritual submission of the heart.
Frequently Asked Questions | الأسئلة الشائعة
How does understanding the Quranic verses help with humility in prayer?
Understanding the verses allows the worshipper to reflect upon the profound meanings of the recitation, transforming the prayer from a mechanical physical routine into a heartfelt, conscious dialogue with the Creator.
Why should a Muslim avoid praying when food is served or people are talking?
A Muslim should avoid these situations because hunger and external noise divert the mind from worship. Choosing a quiet place and eating before praying, if one is hungry, minimizes distractions and protects the worshipper's focus.
What role does tranquility play in the physical postures of prayer?
Tranquility in bowing and prostration ensures that the physical limbs are completely still, which allows the soul to align with the body's worship. Rushing through these postures removes humility and can even invalidate the prayer entirely.