Khushu' in Solat

Since I knew how to pray up till a year ago, I prayed because that is what all Muslims have to do.

When I was young I was told “Sembahyang, kalau tak Tuhan marah”.

Not many gave a substantial answer or perhaps it was also due to my ignorance.

I used to envy those that pray not just for the sake of praying but actually look forward to it.

However I was always curious about feeling khushu’ in my prayers.

I caught myself saying “How I wish I could talk to Him like she did” whenever I saw a Muslimah taking her time in her prayers.

That was up till last year,

I remembered my first time feeling khushu’.

All around me felt vacuumed. I did not notice the cling and clatter of my environment.

It was just me, Him and utterances of Quran verses.

I remember breaking down and cry after I ended my prayers. I finally get what I wished for and that feeling was amazing.

It was just plain tranquility; I was, for once, able to silence my thoughts.

All my worries subside.

My body, soul and mind were at its absolute calmness.

My heart was filled with gratitude.

If only I could paint it with words.

Tonight I read on “Khushu’ in Salah” from the book “Prayer according to Sunnah” compiled by Prof. Muhammad Zulfiqar.

I like how Hatim Al Asamm describe how he performed his solat

“When it is near time of Salah, I perform a perfect Wudu’, and proceed to where I am going to pray and sit down there until the Salah begins. I become fully attentive to what I am about to do. I then stand up and pray, imagining the Ka’abah is in front of my eyes, Paradise on my right, Hell fire to my left and the Angel of death behind me. I imagine that it is the last Salah I’m about to perform, stand up in hope (in Allah, His Paradise and rewards ) and fear (from Allah’s torment in the Hell-fire) and recite the takbir with concentration. I recite the Quran calmly, make Ruku’ humbly, go into Sujjud with Khushu’ and then sit on my left leg foot laid on the floor and the right foot raised up, all the while praying with sincerity. Afterwards, I do not know (nor feel certain) if that Salah was accepted from me”

I think the way he described it was perfect.

Till then have a good night and Salam :)