By Maryam Spahic
Khusyu’Â is usually referred to the sincerity and concentration of an individual during his/her prayer. It takes place when a person focuses on nothing else but his conversation with his Almighty Creator. In other words, when you obtain Khusyu’Â in solat (prayer), you cannot hear or think anything that surrounds you at that particular moment as you stand and speak to Allah the Almighty.
A prayer is the key to our success here in this world and the hereafter. Therefore, it is very crucial to perform our prayers as perfect as possible in order for it to be accepted by the Almighty. Unfortunately, many of us do not understand the significance of khusyu’ during prayer. Due to laziness, hectic schedules and many other factors, we tend to rush our prayers just to get it over with, not realising the fact that the Creator may simply reject our insincere act of worship.
Many of us take our prayers for granted as we are blinded by worldly pursuits and success not knowing that it has long been stated in the Holy Quran that prayer and success are interrelated.
It is mentioned in the Quran œTriumphant indeed are the believers, who are submissive to God in their prayers (Surah 23, verses 1-2). It is evident that prayers are important to every Muslim; hence we have to work on making the best out of each one.
Undoubtedly, shaytaans attempt at disturbing those who are praying is never-ending. His whispers will emerge as soon as we start to pray and he will stick around throughout the entire prayer, doing whatever he can to divert our concentration. Therefore, we must never let him win and we must ignore his whispers from within.
It is important to keep shaytaan far away from ourselves when we are not praying in order to easily push him away while we pray. This includes staying away from anything that is Haram, keeping ourselves busy with beneficial acts and strengthening our faith by doing things that keep Allah and the angels close.
We may also obtain khusyu’ by perfecting our relationship with the One we speak to during our prayers. Allah says in surah Taha verse 14 œ¦and establish prayer for My remembrance. We may understand from this verse that Allah the Almighty is asking us to pray in order to remember Him.
Maintaining a good relationship with Allah is crucial and once His mercy and love fill our hearts, we will yearn for the moment we speak to Him during prayers, hence making it easier for us to concentrate. It is therefore important for us to keep Allah in our heart and mind at all times in order to maintain a good relationship with Him.
Finally, remembering death while praying will help obtain khusyu’ as mentioned by the Prophet (s.a.w): œRemember death in your prayer, for the man who remembers death during his prayer is bound to pray properly, and pray the prayer of a man who does not think that he will pray any other prayer. (Reported by al-Suyooti). When a man has a mind-set that any prayer could be his final act of worship before departing from the earth, he will definitely perform it the best he could.
Khusyu’ , just like imaan (faith), undoubtedly fluctuates. One day we are successful, one day we are not. Therefore, we should be vigilant in ensuring that we are able to grasp full concentration as we perform each prayer.
It may be difficult, but it certainly is not impossible. May Allahs mercy and blessings be upon us always.***
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