Method of achieving humility and concentration in prayer
Question: I do not have humility, concentration, and presence of heart in my prayer. What method should I adopt to develop humility in prayer?
Answer: It is obvious that to become a successful believer, humility, submissiveness, and concentration in prayer are necessary, as Allah Almighty has said:
“Certainly, success has attained those who are believers and who humble themselves in their prayers.”
There are several ways to develop humility and submissiveness in prayer; some of them are as follows:
➊ A person should learn the meaning and significance of prayer so that he understands what he is saying and doing. He should ponder over the words and meanings of recitation, supplication, and remembrance, and keep in mind that while performing this worship, he is seeing Allah and is engaged in conversation with his Lord. As explained in the Hadith of Jibril (peace be upon him) regarding the meaning of Ihsan, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you do not achieve this state, then surely He sees you.”
By this method, a person will feel the sweetness of prayer, and thus prayer becomes the coolness of the eyes, as the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
“The coolness of my eyes is in prayer.”
Therefore, a person should be aware of the meaning and significance of prayer.
➋ Try to remove thoughts that interfere with prayer, repel satanic whispers so that the heart moves away from carnal desires and becomes attached to the love of Allah.
➌ Perform prayer calmly, do not rush; prayer is not properly performed until there is tranquility and satisfaction in it. As mentioned in a hadith, one who does not perform bowing and prostration correctly is considered a thief of prayer.
In a hadith, one who knocks during bowing and prostration is likened to a hungry man who eats one or two dates which do not benefit him.
➍ Remember death during prayer; when death is remembered, prayer will be performed properly, believing that perhaps the next prayer opportunity may not come. This is mentioned in Musnad Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Al-Mu’jam by Ibn Al-A’rabi, and Sheikh Albani graded it as Hasan.
➎ Memorize as many supplications and remembrances of prayer as possible and recite different supplications and remembrances in various prayers as narrated in the ahadith. Because a short supplication that is memorized becomes a habit and routine; then its recitation continues on the tongue but the heart is empty of reflection, meaning our prayer becomes a habit, not worship. When different remembrances of prayer are memorized and recited alternately, attention and focus remain in prayer, and humility and submissiveness are achieved. For the remembrances of prayer, study the author’s book “Salat al-Muslim” or “Hisn al-Muslim,” etc.
➏ If whispers come during prayer, spit to your left side and say «اعوذ بالله».
In this way, the devil who causes one to forget prayer will be removed. (InshaAllah)
➐ The place where prayer is performed should not have decorations, pictures, etc.
Because these things distract attention from prayer.
➑ Keep the company of good people so that there is an inclination towards righteousness and avoid the company of bad people.
➒ If there is an urgent need, fulfill it first and then pray, because it is not correct to hold urine or stool and then pray.
➓ If sleepiness overcomes, first complete sleep and then pray.
⓫ Do not pray standing behind a person who is talking.
⓬ Do not look around during prayer.
⓭ Likewise, sometimes perform night prayer and if possible, make it a habit; this also brings about fear of Allah. If attention is paid to the above matters, by the grace and mercy of Allah, humility in prayer is attained. May Allah make us such worshippers who can serve Him in the correct manner and protect us from satanic whispers and means that remove humility and submissiveness. «(آمين !)»
