Source: Fatāwā Arkān-e-Islām
How can one develop khushu‘ (humility and focus) while reciting the Qur’an?
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh.
Khushu‘ during prayer and Qur’an recitation is a highly important and desirable act because:
When a person feels his heart is wandering or occupied with thoughts that take him away from khushu‘, he should immediately recite:
﴿أَعُوذُ بِاللّٰهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ﴾
“I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shayṭān.”
This is exactly what the Prophet ﷺ instructed to do.
Conclusion:
By remembering the presence of Allah, and seeking refuge from Shayṭān whenever distractions arise, a believer can maintain a deep sense of khushu‘ in prayer and Qur’an recitation.
ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
The Question
How can one develop khushu‘ (humility and focus) while reciting the Qur’an?
Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh.
Khushu‘ during prayer and Qur’an recitation is a highly important and desirable act because:
- Khushu‘ is the core and essence of ṣalāh.
- It means the heart is fully turned towards Allah and away from all distractions.
If One Loses Focus
When a person feels his heart is wandering or occupied with thoughts that take him away from khushu‘, he should immediately recite:
﴿أَعُوذُ بِاللّٰهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ﴾
“I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shayṭān.”
This is exactly what the Prophet ﷺ instructed to do.
Shayṭān’s Interference in Prayer
- Shayṭān makes every effort to corrupt a person’s worship—especially ṣalāh.
- After the two testimonies of faith (shahādatayn), prayer is the most virtuous act, so Shayṭān attacks it more than anything else.
- He whispers to the worshipper:
- “Remember this…”
- “Think about that…”
- These thoughts are useless:
- They neither benefit a person
- Nor do they remain in mind after prayer
The Solution
- Always strive to turn your heart back to Allah.
- Whenever a distracting thought comes—whether in:
- rukūʿ,
- tashahhud,
- qaʿdah,
- or any part of prayer—immediately recite the taʿawwudh.
The Most Effective Way to Attain Khushu‘
- Constantly remember that you are standing before Allah.
- Realize that you are conversing privately with your Lord.
Conclusion:
By remembering the presence of Allah, and seeking refuge from Shayṭān whenever distractions arise, a believer can maintain a deep sense of khushu‘ in prayer and Qur’an recitation.
ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
