Means and Causes of Khushu‘ in Salah – In the Light of Authentic Ahadith
Excerpted from the book “How to Attain Khushu‘ in Salah” by Shaykh Muhammad Salih al-Munajjid, translated by Maulana Abu ‘Ammar ‘Umar Farooq Saeedi
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (رحمه الله) described these as:
“Two things assist in achieving khushu‘:
(a) Having the strength and ability that aids khushu‘, and
(b) Removing or weakening the distractions that take away from it.”
This means a person should strive to understand and reflect upon whatever he is reciting and doing during Salah. He should ponder over the verses, supplications, and adhkar, keeping in mind that he is whispering and conversing with Allah ﷻ, as if he sees Him.
In reality, the worshipper is in intimate discourse with his Lord during prayer.
The ihsan mentioned in the ahadith is:
"أن تعبد الله كأنك تراه فإن لم تكن تراه فإنه يراك"
“Worship Allah as if you see Him; and if you cannot achieve that, then know that He sees you.”
The more sweetness a person tastes in Salah, the stronger his attachment to it will be. This all depends on the strength of his iman, which has many means of increase.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"حبب إلي من دنياكم النساء والطيب، وجعلت قرة عيني في الصلاة"
“Women and perfume have been made beloved to me from your worldly matters, but the coolness of my eyes is in Salah.”
(Musnad Ahmad 3/128, 199, 285; Sunan al-Nasa’i, Kitab ‘Ashrat al-Nisa’, Hadith 3949; al-Mustadrak of al-Hakim 2/160; graded sahih by al-Albani, Sahih al-Jami‘ 3124)
This means Allah blessed him with complete manliness, dignity, and strength—not that he had disinterest due to weakness, as some claim. Despite having the strength of three men, the Prophet ﷺ found the ultimate comfort and joy in Salah, not in women, even though natural inclination towards one’s spouse and good fragrance is part of a healthy nature.
The Prophet ﷺ would say:
"أرحنا بالصلاة يا بلال"
“O Bilal, give us comfort through Salah.”
(Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Adab, Hadith 4985, 4986)
He never said, “Give us comfort from it (by leaving prayer).”
This means actively avoiding and removing things that are not the real purpose of prayer and instead acquiring means that help focus on the main goal.
The abundance of stray thoughts and whispers is mainly caused by an excess of doubts and desires. The heart becomes attached to things it loves or is pulled away by things it dislikes, making it hard to focus on Salah.
(Majmu‘ al-Fatawa 22/606–607)
Based on this division, the upcoming points in the work detail specific practical guidelines that can assist a believer in achieving khushu‘ in Salah.
Excerpted from the book “How to Attain Khushu‘ in Salah” by Shaykh Muhammad Salih al-Munajjid, translated by Maulana Abu ‘Ammar ‘Umar Farooq Saeedi
Two Main Aspects in the Discussion on Causes of Khushu‘
- Adopting those means that help attain and strengthen khushu‘.
- Removing those factors that weaken or eliminate khushu‘.
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (رحمه الله) described these as:
“Two things assist in achieving khushu‘:
(a) Having the strength and ability that aids khushu‘, and
(b) Removing or weakening the distractions that take away from it.”
① Strengthening the Causes that Produce Khushu‘
This means a person should strive to understand and reflect upon whatever he is reciting and doing during Salah. He should ponder over the verses, supplications, and adhkar, keeping in mind that he is whispering and conversing with Allah ﷻ, as if he sees Him.
In reality, the worshipper is in intimate discourse with his Lord during prayer.
Ihsan
The ihsan mentioned in the ahadith is:
"أن تعبد الله كأنك تراه فإن لم تكن تراه فإنه يراك"
“Worship Allah as if you see Him; and if you cannot achieve that, then know that He sees you.”
The more sweetness a person tastes in Salah, the stronger his attachment to it will be. This all depends on the strength of his iman, which has many means of increase.
The Prophet ﷺ and the Delight of Salah
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"حبب إلي من دنياكم النساء والطيب، وجعلت قرة عيني في الصلاة"
“Women and perfume have been made beloved to me from your worldly matters, but the coolness of my eyes is in Salah.”
(Musnad Ahmad 3/128, 199, 285; Sunan al-Nasa’i, Kitab ‘Ashrat al-Nisa’, Hadith 3949; al-Mustadrak of al-Hakim 2/160; graded sahih by al-Albani, Sahih al-Jami‘ 3124)
This means Allah blessed him with complete manliness, dignity, and strength—not that he had disinterest due to weakness, as some claim. Despite having the strength of three men, the Prophet ﷺ found the ultimate comfort and joy in Salah, not in women, even though natural inclination towards one’s spouse and good fragrance is part of a healthy nature.
Relief Through Salah
The Prophet ﷺ would say:
"أرحنا بالصلاة يا بلال"
“O Bilal, give us comfort through Salah.”
(Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Adab, Hadith 4985, 4986)
He never said, “Give us comfort from it (by leaving prayer).”
② Removing the Factors that Prevent Khushu‘
This means actively avoiding and removing things that are not the real purpose of prayer and instead acquiring means that help focus on the main goal.
The abundance of stray thoughts and whispers is mainly caused by an excess of doubts and desires. The heart becomes attached to things it loves or is pulled away by things it dislikes, making it hard to focus on Salah.
(Majmu‘ al-Fatawa 22/606–607)
Practical Application
Based on this division, the upcoming points in the work detail specific practical guidelines that can assist a believer in achieving khushu‘ in Salah.
