Source: Ahkam wa Masail in the Light of the Qur'an and Hadith, Volume 02
Guidance regarding where to focus one’s gaze during the various positions of Salah is derived from multiple Hadiths. These narrations help establish the appropriate direction of sight to maintain focus, humility, and concentration in prayer.
While standing in Salah, the gaze should be directed towards the place of prostration (sajdah). This is a Sunnah practice and helps develop khushu‘ (humility) and khudu‘ (submissiveness) in the prayer.
Hazrat A’ishah (رضي الله عنها) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
"Looking around in Salah is something by which Shaytan steals from a servant’s prayer."
(Bukhari and Muslim)
In ruku‘, the gaze should remain fixed on the place of prostration as well.
While in prostration, the gaze should be directed towards the tip of the nose, keeping the eyes focused at that point.
During the sitting posture for tashahhud, the gaze should be fixed on the finger that is raised while making the tashahhud gesture. This practice fosters attention and concentration.
Looking towards the sky during Salah is strictly prohibited. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned:
"People must stop looking towards the sky during prayer, or their eyesight may be taken away."
(Sahih Muslim)
➊ In Qiyam, the gaze should be on the place of prostration.
➋ In Ruku‘, the gaze remains on the same spot—the place of prostration.
➌ In Sujood, the gaze should be directed towards the nose.
➍ In Tashahhud, the eyes should focus on the raised finger during the testimony.
➎ Looking towards the sky during Salah is forbidden, as it contradicts the sanctity and discipline of prayer.
✿ Direction of Gaze During Salah
Guidance regarding where to focus one’s gaze during the various positions of Salah is derived from multiple Hadiths. These narrations help establish the appropriate direction of sight to maintain focus, humility, and concentration in prayer.
➊ During Qiyam (Standing Position)
While standing in Salah, the gaze should be directed towards the place of prostration (sajdah). This is a Sunnah practice and helps develop khushu‘ (humility) and khudu‘ (submissiveness) in the prayer.
Hazrat A’ishah (رضي الله عنها) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
"Looking around in Salah is something by which Shaytan steals from a servant’s prayer."
(Bukhari and Muslim)
➋ During Ruku‘ (Bowing Position)
In ruku‘, the gaze should remain fixed on the place of prostration as well.
➌ During Sujood (Prostration)
While in prostration, the gaze should be directed towards the tip of the nose, keeping the eyes focused at that point.
➍ During Tashahhud (Sitting Position for Testimony)
During the sitting posture for tashahhud, the gaze should be fixed on the finger that is raised while making the tashahhud gesture. This practice fosters attention and concentration.
➎ Prohibition of Looking Towards the Sky in Salah
Looking towards the sky during Salah is strictly prohibited. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned:
"People must stop looking towards the sky during prayer, or their eyesight may be taken away."
(Sahih Muslim)
❖ Summary
➊ In Qiyam, the gaze should be on the place of prostration.
➋ In Ruku‘, the gaze remains on the same spot—the place of prostration.
➌ In Sujood, the gaze should be directed towards the nose.
➍ In Tashahhud, the eyes should focus on the raised finger during the testimony.
➎ Looking towards the sky during Salah is forbidden, as it contradicts the sanctity and discipline of prayer.
