Kafayat Oyewo-Oyelere
Introduction
Salah (prayer) is the cornerstone of a Muslim’s life, the first deed we will be questioned about on the Day of Judgment, and the direct link between a servant and their Creator. Yet, for many of us, salah has become a routine. Our lips move, but our hearts wander. The sweetness of standing before Allah has been replaced by distractions, rushed movements, and fleeting thoughts.
But Allah commands: “Certainly will the believers have succeeded: They who are during their prayer humbly submissive (with khushu’).”
Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:1-2)
So, what is khushu’, and how can we bring it back into our prayers?
What is Khushu’?
Khushu’ refers to a state of inner tranquility, humility, and deep concentration while standing before Allah in prayer. It is not just about physical stillness, but the heart’s attentiveness and submission.
The scholars describe khushu’ as:
Presence of the heart
Understanding the words of salah
Fear, hope, and love for Allah
Avoiding all distractions
Why Khushu’ Matters
It is a sign of true belief: Allah begins Surah Al-Mu’minun by highlighting khushu’ as the first quality of successful believers.
It gives value to your salah: The Prophet ﷺ said: “A person may finish their prayer, and nothing is recorded for them except one-tenth of it, or one-ninth, or one-eighth…”
[Abu Dawood, Hasan]
It brings peace: A mindful prayer calms the heart and helps manage stress and anxiety.
Practical Steps to Develop Khushu’ in Salah
1. Prepare Before You Pray
Make proper wudu with reflection, remember it washes away sins.
Wear clean, presentable clothes as if meeting a king because you’re meeting The King.
Pray on time. Delaying prayer often leads to rushing and carelessness.
2. Understand What You Say
Learn the meanings of Surah Al-Fatiha, Tashahhud, and common duas.
Internalize the phrases like “Allahu Akbar”, “Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem”, and “Sami’Allahu liman hamidah”.
Even if Arabic isn’t your first language, understanding the translation creates emotional connection.
3. Eliminate Distractions
Find a quiet, clean space to pray.
Turn off notifications and remove visible clutter.
If you’re at the masjid, arrive early to calm your mind.
4. Slow Down Your Movements
Don’t rush. The Prophet ﷺ warned against the “pecking of a bird” type of prayer.
Pause after each movement. Reflect before moving to the next position.
The moments of sujood and ruku are times of intimate connection, don’t waste them.
5. Remind Yourself Who You’re Standing Before
Before saying Allahu Akbar, remind yourself: “I’m about to speak to Allah.”
Imagine standing on the Day of Judgment. How would your prayer look then?
Reflect on Allah’s greatness and your need for Him.
6. Make Du’a During Sujood
The Prophet ﷺ said: “The closest a servant comes to his Lord is when he is prostrating…”
[Sahih Muslim]
Use this time to pour your heart out. Personal du’a increases emotional investment in your salah.
7. Renew Your Intention Often
Even during the prayer, if you feel your mind wandering, bring it back by renewing your niyyah: “I’m here for Allah. He sees me. He hears me.”
Common Khushu’ Killers and How to Avoid Them
Distraction Solution
Phone notifications Put your phone on silent or airplane mode before salah
Cluttered mind , Take a minute before salah to make dhikr and clear your thoughts
Rushing due to schedule Plan your day around salah, not the other way around
Habitual recitation Switch up the surahs you recite or learn new ones.
What If You Get Distracted?
Don’t panic or lose hope. Even the most righteous get distracted. Ibn al-Qayyim said that the struggle for khushu’ is a lifelong battle. Each time your mind wanders, gently bring it back.
That act itself is part of the reward.
The Prophet ﷺ taught that Shaytan tries to steal our focus during salah. If distracted, say: “A’udhu billahi min al-shaytan ir-rajim”
(I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed devil)
and continue.
Conclusion
True khushu’ is not built overnight. It requires conscious effort, regular reflection, and love for Allah. But even small steps toward focused prayer can transform your relationship with Allah.
Remember: Allah doesn’t expect perfection, He looks at effort, sincerity, and humility. “Successful indeed are the believers, those who humble themselves in their prayer.”
Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:1-2)
May Allah grant us hearts full of khushu’, and make our prayers a source of light, peace, and closeness to Him. Ameen.
