Causes That Develop Khushu‘ (Devotion) in Salah

This article is adapted from the book “Namaz-e-Mustafa ﷺ” authored by respected Abu Hamza Abdul Khaliq Siddiqi.

✦ Understanding Khushu‘ and Khudu‘​

Khushu‘ and Khudu‘ refer to a state of physical and spiritual humility—lowering the body, voice, and gaze in a manner that reflects complete submission and reverence. Salah is the believer’s ultimate expression of helplessness and humility before Allah. When one prays without this inner devotion, the prayer becomes like a body without a soul—lacking its essence.

Allah ﷻ says:قَدْ أَفْلَحَ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ ﴿١﴾ الَّذِينَ هُمْ فِي صَلَاتِهِمْ خَاشِعُونَ ﴿٢﴾
"Successful indeed are the believers who humble themselves in their prayer." (Al-Mu’minun: 1-2)

✦ Without Khushu‘, Prayer Feels Heavy​

If one lacks Khushu‘, prayer becomes burdensome. But for those who are humble, it brings peace.
Allah ﷻ says:وَإِنَّهَا لَكَبِيرَةٌ إِلَّا عَلَى الْخَاشِعِينَ ﴿٤٥﴾
"Indeed, it is burdensome except for the humble." (Al-Baqarah: 45)

✦ Emotional Impact of Khushu‘​

A person with Khushu‘ may be overcome with tears and awe. Such believers fall in prostration when they hear the Qur'an, weep, and increase in humility.
Allah ﷻ says:وَيَخِرُّونَ لِلْأَذْقَانِ سُجَّدًا ... وَيَزِيدُهُمْ خُشُوعًا
"They fall on their faces in prostration and it increases their humility." (Al-Isra’: 107–109)

✦ Characteristics of the Humble​

Allah gives glad tidings to His sincere slaves—those whose hearts tremble at His remembrance, who are patient in trials, establish Salah, and spend from what He provides. (Surah Al-Hajj: 35)

The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Whoever performs Wudu well, prays on time, perfects the Ruku‘ and Khushu‘, has a promise from Allah for forgiveness."

✦ The Essence of Khushu‘: Worshipping with Awareness​

The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Worship Allah as if you see Him; and if you do not see Him, know that He sees you."

✦ Warning Against Lack of Khushu‘​

Those who lack Khushu‘ are distracted in Salah, merely performing physical movements without focus. The Prophet ﷺ saw someone praying carelessly and said:
"If he dies in this state, he dies outside the faith of Muhammad."

Also:
"He who does not complete his Ruku‘ and merely pecks in his Sujud is like a starving person who eats one or two dates that don’t satisfy him."

✦ Supplication for Khushu‘​

The Prophet ﷺ used to pray:
"O Allah! I seek refuge in You from a heart that does not humble itself."

✦ Causes That Develop Khushu‘ in Salah​

Here are key factors that help instill Khushu‘:

① Ikhlas (Sincerity)​

Perform Salah only for Allah. Without sincerity, the prayer becomes mere show (Riya’), which is a form of hidden Shirk (polytheism). The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Whoever performs prayer to show others has committed Shirk."

Another Hadith explains:
"Hidden Shirk is when a person beautifies his Salah because he is being observed."

Conclusion: Intend every Salah purely for Allah’s pleasure.

② Tadarru‘ (Humility and Brokenness)​

True humility in prayer softens the heart. Allah ﷻ commands:
"Call upon your Lord with humility and privately." (Al-A‘raf: 55)

③ Tabattul (Single-Minded Devotion)​

Focus solely on Allah, free of worldly distractions. Allah ﷻ says:
"Remember the name of your Lord and devote yourself to Him completely." (Al-Muzzammil: 8)

④ Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)​

Salah is meant to be a means of remembering Allah:
"Establish prayer for My remembrance." (Taha: 14)

Salah without conscious remembrance fails its purpose.

⑤ Understanding What Is Recited​

If one does not understand the words of Salah, their heart may remain unaware. This is why praying while intoxicated was prohibited in early Islam:
"Do not approach prayer while intoxicated until you know what you are saying." (An-Nisa’: 43)

Understanding the meaning creates heartfelt connection.

⑥ Ease and Capacity​

Islam is built on ease. Allah ﷻ says:
"Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity." (Al-Baqarah: 286)

The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Make things easy, not difficult."

Thus, Imams are instructed to keep Salah moderate so as not to strain the congregation.

⑦ Observing Proper Posture and Calmness​

The Prophet ﷺ emphasized correct performance:
"Pray again, for you have not prayed."

Proper Ruku‘, Sujud, and stillness are essential. Rushing through Salah makes one a "thief of prayer."

✦ Final Reflection​

Most Muslims today pray without Khushu‘, viewing Salah as ritual movements rather than intimate conversation with Allah. The Prophet ﷺ warned that Khushu‘ will be the first quality to vanish from this Ummah.