Narrated by ʿĀ’ishah (RA), she said: "I asked about looking around during prayer, and the Prophet ﷺ replied: 'It is a snatching away, which Satan steals from a servant's prayer.'"
Reference: Bukhārī: 3291, 751
➋ In extreme necessity, one may look around without turning the body or neck. For example, if a snake is approaching the worshipper, one may glance towards it. Likewise, the Imām may observe the followers behind him for necessary reasons.
➌ During obligatory prayers, one must strive to avoid turning the gaze elsewhere as much as possible.
➍ Looking around during prayer is contrary to the spirit of khushūʿ and the tranquility required in Salah.
This content is taken from Shaykh Taqī al-Dīn Abī al-Fatḥ’s book “Ḍiyā’ al-Islām fī Sharḥ al-Ilmām bi-Aḥādīth al-Aḥkām” translated by Mawlānā Maḥmūd Aḥmad Ghaḍanfar.
Reference: Bukhārī: 3291, 751
✿ Key Points and Benefits
➊ Satan is the enemy of man, always striving to deprive the believer of complete reward. By causing one to glance here and there during prayer, he diminishes khushūʿ (devotional humility), thereby launching a subtle attack on one’s righteous acts. Hence, avoiding distraction during prayer is of utmost importance.➋ In extreme necessity, one may look around without turning the body or neck. For example, if a snake is approaching the worshipper, one may glance towards it. Likewise, the Imām may observe the followers behind him for necessary reasons.
➌ During obligatory prayers, one must strive to avoid turning the gaze elsewhere as much as possible.
➍ Looking around during prayer is contrary to the spirit of khushūʿ and the tranquility required in Salah.
This content is taken from Shaykh Taqī al-Dīn Abī al-Fatḥ’s book “Ḍiyā’ al-Islām fī Sharḥ al-Ilmām bi-Aḥādīth al-Aḥkām” translated by Mawlānā Maḥmūd Aḥmad Ghaḍanfar.