The question of achieving khushu’ or being in a state of true, humble submission to our Beloved Mighty Creator in prayer is something that we all crave and are concerned about.
After all, we read in the Quran what Allah Glorified and Exalted be He says:
{Most certainly those Believers have attained true success: They who are during their prayer humbly submissive} (Quran 23:1)
So what are some tips to achieve khushu’ or humble submission in prayer?
It is important to realize that the state of khushu’ is a state of true presence in the prayer.
Khushu’ helps one connect deeply with Allah Almighty, the Lord of the worlds.
Sometimes we go through the prayer mindlessly just to get a task over with. But we are meant to enjoy the prayer and enjoy being in the Presence of Allah Almighty; speaking to Him directly is an honor that deserves our focus and attention.
Here are some tips to help us achieve khushu’:
1. Pay attention to what you’re reading from the Quran and internalize the words you’re uttering in prayer
Being mindful of this honor will bring us to a state of humility and focus.
We need to be mindful of the words we’re reciting of the Quran, internalize their meanings, and appreciate being able to recite words revealed from above seven heavens.
2. Make sure you are reciting Surat Al Fatihah correctly
If we recite and ponder on the Glorious Surat Al Fatiha properly, it will transform the prayer experience for us completely.
We need to be conscious, present, sincere, and serious when we recite:
{It is You alone we worship and You alone we ask for help. Guide us to the straight path.} (Quran 1:5-6)
It is important to remember that we’re always making choices and decisions in life every day. Who is best to help us know our way than the Knower of the seen and the unseen, The All Wise Allah Almighty!
So asking Him desperately, sincerely, and seriously to guide us every day is something that deepens our bond with Him and our reliance on Him.
3. Always make dua (supplication) in sujud (prostration) or after your prayer
The prayer is a dialogue between you and Allah SWT (glorified and exalted be He). Needing Allah (SWT) and asking Him for what we need truly helps with achieving khushu’.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) gave Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) perfect words of advice to benefit us all. He said:
Be mindful of Allah and you shall find Him with you. When you ask (for anything), ask it from Allah (SWT), and if you seek help, seek help from Allah. (At-Tirmidhi)
Remembering to ask and seek Allah would help us realize the magnitude of being in prayer; we are basically in the presence of The One in whose Hands lie all the answers to our needs.
4. Diversify the surahs (chapters) you recite in prayer
He speaks to us through those words. We need to know them by heart, to allow Him and His presence to enter into our hearts and manifest in our prayers.
The more we know from the Quran, the more we allow Allah (SWT) to speak to us.
5. Confide in Allah (SWT) like you confide in your best friend
Rush to prayer like you rush to tell a friend about your day and about your problems.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to say about prayer:
O Bilal, call iqamah for prayer: give us comfort by it. (Sunan Abi Dawud)
We get comfort when we pour our hearts out and tell everything to a close friend.
It is like a great conversation that you don’t want to end.
That’s what we need to do with Allah (SWT).
{Allah is the ally of those who believe. He brings them out from darkness into the light.} (Quran 2:257)
So let us enter into the prayer so that Allah (SWT) would bring us out of the darkness of our lives and our problems into His Light, because Allah (SWT) is The Light.
With those few tips insha’Allah we can experience khushu’, submission, comfort, and meaning through our prayers.
(From Ask About Islam archives)
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