Motivation For Salaah.

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#1 [Permalink] Posted on 1st January 2016 17:31

Bismillah.

This is something many of us struggle with from time to time especially those of us living in the west...Where salaah seems like a burden and a chore.
Many find it difficult to maintain any kind of Steadfastness and keep starting and stopping, pray for a few days or a few weeks and then give up... After sometime pray for a few days or weeks then give up, this becomes a never ending cycle.

Some only start praying when they are going through difficulties and then soon as Allah removes the difficulty ,stop praying again.

Others pray regularly but once they are hit with difficulties they fall into despair and stop praying.

Will try and post articles and Audios on developing Motivation for Salaah.

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#2 [Permalink] Posted on 1st January 2016 17:34

How to Obtain Tranqulity in Prayer.

(Part 1): How to Attain Ultimate Submission

We are quick to say we’ve submitted to the will of Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He), but does our heart completely back our words? Have we submitted ourselves, or found “khushoo” in our prayer, our actions and our daily lives?

“Successful indeed are the believers, those who offer their salaah (prayers) with all solemnity and full submissiveness (Khushoo).” [Surah Al-Muminoon 23:1-2]

Definition of Khushoo

The reasons why we obey someone can be broadly traced under the following categories.

• Fear
• Recognition of superiority or authority
• Acknowledging the orders as just
• Love

If we comply with the commands of human beings based on the cited reasons, how do you think we should carry out our duties towards Allah – the only One we should fear, far superior to anything we could imagine, the One who is full of kindness in rewarding the righteous though being in no need of them.

Allah reveals in the Qur’an: “Had We sent down this Qur’an to a mountain, you would surely have seen it humbling itself and rending asunder by the fear of Allah. Such are the parables which We put forward to mankind that they may reflect.” [Surah Hashr 59:21]

Linguistically, khushoo connotes a feeling of intense reverence, awe, submission and respect. In Islam it also comprehends that aspect of fear that stems out of deep knowledge of the power of Allah. Imam Ahmed once heard a man mocking another Muslim by mentioning the little amount of Islamic knowledge he had. Ibn Hanbal defended the Muslim by replying that he had the fruit of knowledge: khushoo.

The Prophet ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) used to recite the following supplication:
“O Allah, I seek refuge with you from the non-beneficial knowledge, from a heart that does not possess khushoo’ from the evil desire which is never satisfied and from supplications which are not accepted.”

Khushoo and knowledge are deeply related. “It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allah.” [Surah Fatir 35:28]. The interesting point to notice is that usually fear is associated to the unknown and superstition feeds on ignorance, while in Islam, khushoo is a consequence of knowledge.

Thus khushoo goes beyond fear; the latter would be best rendered in Arabic by the word khawf. The purpose of khawf is to prevent us from falling into sins, to restrain our whims by keeping in mind the punishment for the transgressors. Khushoo, instead, is the means by which our hearts are brought to life, finding tranquility in the remembrance of Allah, seeking His pleasure with every action of ours. Khushoo is often associated with salat, but it shouldn’t be confined to it.

With the Shahadah we declare we have recognized who our Creator is, but its implication is deeper. By definition, a Muslim is the one that not only acknowledges His presence but that is wholeheartedly willing to submit to His will.

Salat is to be the manifestation of this submission of the hearts and limbs and, deprived of Khushoo, it becomes a mechanical act. If your heart is not in it, the very objective of Salat (linking you to Allah) has been missed.

The Messenger ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) said:“The first matter that the slave will be brought to account for on the Day of Judgment is the prayer. If it is sound, then the rest of his deeds will be sound. And if it is bad, then the rest of his deeds will be bad”.

And how can a prayer be accepted if we take it lightly and our attention is continuously diverted while we are in the midst of it?

The Qur’an says: “So woe to those who pray. But who are heedless of their payer.” [Surah Al-Ma’oun 107:4-5]

What Khushoo is Not

Khushoo is not a synonym for weeping or lowering one’s gaze. Umar raḍyAllāhu 'anhu (may Allāh be pleased with him) saw a young man lowering his head, so he said to him: “What is this? Raise your head, for indeed this (kind of) khushoo does not increase what is in the heart. Whosoever displays a khushoo that does not stem from the heart, then it is hypocrisy added to hypocrisy.“

Muhammad bin Sirin was once consulted about a man who dropped unconscious when the Qur’an was recited to him and it was attributed to his fear of Allah. Bin Sirin asked that an appointment should be arranged with the man, explaining: “We will sit on a wall, and the Qur’an – from beginning to end – will be recited unto him. If he falls off the wall, he is as he claims.”

When Aishah raḍyAllāhu 'anha (may Allāh be pleased with her) was informed that there were people who fainted on hearing the Qur`an, she replied: “The Qur’an is nobler than to have people lose their minds from it. Rather, it is as Allah the Mighty and Sublime said: “Those who fear their Lord tremble with fear by it, then their skins and hearts settle to the remembrance of Allah.” [Surah Al-Zumar 39:23]

We can derive from the above narrations that the heart is the center of khushoo. The Prophet ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) was also reported as saying: “There is an organ in the body, if it is good, the whole body will be good, and if it is bad the whole body will become bad, verily it is the heart.”

Stay tuned; up next in this series: Obstacles to Attaining the State of Khushoo.

About the Author

Sister Jihan Anwar is an MIS student sharing her musings with the team at MuslimYouthMusings and working as a journalist at the National Yemen Newspaper.

Source. Productive Muslim. productivemuslim.com/

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#3 [Permalink] Posted on 1st January 2016 17:37

How to Gain Tranquility in Prayer (Part 2)

Obstacles to Attaining the State of Khushoo

Before suggesting ways to acquire khushoo we should ask ourselves why we haven’t achieved it yet or why we lost it. Hence let’s examine the factors that hinder us from experiencing khushoo.

External
These are the outward elements that capture our attention whilst we pray. They are usually related to the environment in which we are praying or our physical posture and motion.

Noisy places
Attractive or colorful decorations
Physical needs like hunger or thirst
Restlessness of limbs
Unless we are in a congregational prayer the presence of other people might divert our attention too

Internal
Internal causes are those associated with our mind-set, beliefs and character.

Ignorance
When we descend to our graves we will be asked: “Who is your lord? Who is the man that was sent to you? What is your religion?”. If this basic knowledge is not engraved in our minds while we are alive, if we are not reminiscent about this and live upon it, what are the chances we will do anything but stutter when questioned.
Do you know whom you have submitted to? Are you aware of the sacrifices that our Prophet ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) made to convey this religion? Can you discern the absolute beauty and perfection of this way of life – the freedom and elevation gained from stopping to fear the creation to submit and revere no one but the Creator?
Increase your awareness of these facts so as to humble yourself in your ibadah (acts of worship).
Pride/arrogance
Too great to offer a sujood for the sake of Allah, too accomplished to supplicate to Him to grant you al-Firdous, too self sufficient to realize how weak and feeble we are as human beings, never mind our status or achievements in this dunya? We are all in need of Allah’s subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) mercy though we don’t deserve it.
Pride can even stem from one’s own worship. Admiring one’s own recitation and supplications, feeling content of the charity we give, being self-satisfied with our knowledge. Hasan al Basri said regarding the Sahaba that they used to perform every obligatory and voluntary act with the outmost care and sincerity and yet they were afraid lest it wouldn’t be accepted.S
hun pride and arrogance so as to taste the sweetness of khushoo!
Sins
Sometimes sins can become a barrier to developing a sincere connection to Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) or, even worse, they may lead us to abandoning it. Don’t let this be your case. Sins shouldn’t be a reason to cut our relationship with God, or a reason to lose khushoo. Instead we can make it become the factor that prompts us to seek forgiveness and guidance from Allah with earnestness.
As humans we all commit mistakes, but we should not lose hope of being forgiven.
“And those who disbelieve in the ayah of Allah and the Meeting with Him, it is they who have no hope of My Mercy, and it is they who will (have) a painful torment.” [Surah Al-Ankabut 29:23]
Riya’a
One may be doing all the outward deeds perfectly and have the basis of his creed messed up.
Consider an extremely skilled archer at a competition. He inevitably catches every bird he sees, the only problem is that the targets were blue balloons. No matter how talented he is at hunting birds, he’ll never win the competition. So who is the target of your actions? Who do you want to please and think well of you? People may be deceived but would we escape from the scrutiny of the One who knows what’s in our chests, the All Hearer and All Seeing? Ultimately we would be just deceiving ourselves.
“Verily, the hypocrites seek to deceive Allah, but it is He who deceives them; When they stand up for Salah, they stand with laziness, only to be seen by men; and they do not remember Allah but a little.” [Surah Al-Nisaa 4:142]
Dua for purity of heart and action: Allahumma tahhir qalbiy minan-nifaaqi wa ‘amali minar-riyaa’i wa lisaany minal-kadhibi wa ‘ainy minal-khiyaanati fainnaka ta’lamu khaa’inatal-a’yuni wa ma tukhfil-sudur. (Oh Allah, purify my heart from hypocrisy and my actions from dissimulation and my tongue from lies and my eyes from stealthy looks, indeed You know stealthy looks of eyes and that which the breasts conceal.)
Attachment to this world
How many times did it occur that your mind was filled with everything except the remembrance of Allah? We shouldn’t be so busy with this life that we forget to prepare our provision for the hereafter. Do you keep delaying your salat in order to finish whatever you’re working on? Pay attention and observe every step with due care, instead of rushing through it in order to catch an appointment.
Time to Review our Priorities?

Abu Qutaadah raḍyAllāhu 'anhu (may Allāh be pleased with him) said: “The Prophet ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him): “The worst type of thief is the one who steals from his prayer.” He said, “O Messenger of Allah, how can a person steal from his prayer?’ He said, ‘By not doing rukoo’ and sujood properly.”

One of the Tabieen, Amr Ibn Abd Al Qais, remarked: “I would prefer to be stabbed by spears in my body than think about the dunya during Salah.”

What do you think about before falling asleep? A scholar warned that if all we could think about was attached to this perishing world, it was a sign we needed to improve our connection with God. Your worries may outlive you as there’s no guarantee you will see a new day but certainly you will meet your Lord.

In the next post, we will look at ideas on how to practically obtain khushoo in our prayer and outside. In the mean time, try to answer the questions asked in this article and Part 1. Take the time to ponder them over without dismissing any. How sincere can you be to yourself? (Oops another question)

About the Author

Sister Jihan Anwar is an MIS student sharing her musings with the team at MuslimYouthMusings and working as a journalist at the National Yemen Newspaper.

Click to read more: productivemuslim.com/how-to-gain-tranquility-in-prayer-pa...
Follow us: @AbuProductive on Twitter | ProductiveMuslim on Facebook

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#4 [Permalink] Posted on 1st January 2016 17:40

How to Gain Tranquility in Prayer (Part 3)

Practical Steps to Gain Khushoo

Khushoo is a means and a consequence.

Khushoo is a consequence of true faith and yaqeen (certainity) upon the words of Allah [SWT] and on the accountability of our actions. It is a means to gain tranquility in this racing, tempting world and to make us worthy of entering Jannah.

Practical Steps to Gain Khushoo Outside Salah

• Constant Dua and Remembrance of Allah

Khushoo is, in its essential point, constant remembrance of Allah [SWT] and His Greatness. It’s not a garment you hop into for salah. It should exist 24/7. What is your first thought when you wake up? When you close your eyes can you be sure you’ll ever reopen them? Ask Allah [SWT] to bless you with khushoo.

Keep an adhkaar book with you wherever you go. Even before reading the Qur’an, you will need something to soften your heart. That is what adhkaar are for.

• Learn Arabic

Make effort to learn Arabic and, if you already know it, aim for a detailed understanding of the Qur’an and hadith. To illustrate the importance of making an effort to comprehend what you read allow me to draw a parallel.

Let’s say you have a wonderful painting; the colors are rendered with a mastery close to genius, the prospective is breath taking and the skillfulness used to depict the subject is revolutionary under every aspect. A critic offers to evaluate it. With closed eyes, he runs his fingers over the drawing, mentally calculates the weight and size of the painting, going so far as to smell the acrylic chromes you have used. He declares your piece to be quite interesting but refuses to open his eyes. Your talent is wasted on him: though it is in his ability to appreciate the art, he refuses to do so.

Now, how many times have you heard people enlisting the miracle the Qur’an? How many times have you been fascinated by the recitation of a Qari? And yet you cannot fully value its beauty until you commit to study the language it was written in.

• Read about the Companions

If you seek motivation from inspirational people, the Sahaba are the ones you will need to know about.

Bilal (may Allah [SWT] be pleased with him) was steadfast while enduring extreme torture. He was asked several years later why did kept repeating “Ahd, Ahd”. He replied that he would see that the Quraish would become furious when hearing him testify once more the oneness of God, punishing him even more severely. The harsher he was persecuted the more he would become conscious of the underlying fear of his master for the power of his beliefs which in turn motivated the slave to declared them ever vigorously. Suhayb Al Rumi gave up all of his health to the Mushrikeen in Mecca in exchange to being allowed to reach the Prophet [SAW] in Medina.

How could they bear these experiences? Weren’t they human? Weren’t they made of flesh and bones, subject to weaknesses and desires? Indeed, but their hearts were alive; khashioon to the Lord of the Worlds instead of human beings.

They found the truth and they would give up everything and sacrifice their own lives for it. And it’s this same sacrifice that granted them victory. In fact when Suhayb approached the outskirts of Medina, the Prophet ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) greeted him by announcing: “Your transaction has been fruitful, O Abu Yahya. Your transaction has been fruitful”.

In addition, surround yourself with people that have a beneficial impact on you and remind you of Allah and encourage you to do good deeds

• Study and ponder the world around you

We often forget that our existence is a miracle, taking everything for granted and not seeing and reflecting. Think about children, for example. They have the most powerful capacity to marvel upon things. They explore, observe and listen. They are totally fascinated by what they are exposed to.

Growing up, most of us just grow dull. We miss out on what happens around us. If by looking at a full moon, a sunset, the variety of colors in the flowers or the order in the animal kingdom, we are not filled with awe, if we are unable to humble ourselves and whisper a sincere SubhanAllah, then we have forgotten that they are but signs of the mercy from Allah [SAW] reminding us of His supremacy.

There was a quote in my math book by Albert Einstein:
“God does not care about our mathematical difficulties, he integrates empirically”.

For quite some time I’ve thought about it with diffidence. Eventually though, I derived an interpretation, which might be completely biased, yet it allows me to appreciate the implications of the sentence. Look at the history of human kind: physiologist, mathematicians, astrologists, biologists, chemists – everyone busy in conjecturing, speculating and researching for centuries about the mechanism by which this universe is sustained. The more in depth you study a science, the easier it is for you to realize the ordered complex perfection that rules it, thus increasing your reverence towards the Creator. Had the sun been slightly closer or further from the Earth, life would have been impossible on it either because of extremely low or high temperature. The amount of rain that falls upon a soil makes a difference between a fertile terrain or a barren one. The percentage of nitrogen in the air, the ratio of hemoglobin to water in the blood – everything has a prearranged equilibrium.

“Glorify the name of thy lord, the Most High, Who creates, then makes complete, and Who measures (in due proportion), then guides” [Surah Al-A’ala, 87:1-3]

Reflect about the meanings and implication of the 99 attributes and names of Allah Azz wa Jall.

• Set yourself a regular routine to read or memorize the Qur’an.

“We have not sent down to you the Qur’an to cause you distress but only as a reminder for those who fear (have kashya of Allah)” [Surah Taha 20:2-3]

• Regular fasting

Consider it as a preparation for Ramadan, or more practically as a cleansing of the soul that will facilitate us to be more receptive to the commandment of Allah.

Do you have a few tips for us on how to improve Khusoo, or achieve greater submission? Share with us in the comments below and let us help each other rise above absentminded submission.

About the Author

Sister Jihan Anwar is an MIS student sharing her musings with the team at MuslimYouthMusings and working as a journalist at the National Yemen Newspaper.

Click to read more: productivemuslim.com/how-to-gain-tranquility-in-prayer-pa...
Follow us: @AbuProductive on Twitter | ProductiveMuslim on Facebook

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#5 [Permalink] Posted on 1st January 2016 17:42

How to Gain Tranquility in Prayer (Part 4)

Practical Steps to Gain Khushoo

A Practical Guide to Gaining Khushoo Within Salah

Repeat the words of the Adhan
This is a subtle method to signal to your body and mind to draw away from any worldly affair you were engaged in. It’s an invitation to stop feeding your thoughts on the daily anxieties and temporary highs. This is the first step by which you acknowledge the call to prayer, where you are about to meet your Lord.

Salah your opportunity
You have been granted another opportunity to pray and give thanks. But have you ever realized the different functions Salah can be used for? How can you make it your joy? It is a way to overcome distress, sadness, fear and weakness. Furthermore, numerous are the hadith that portray the prayer as a mean for effacing sins and even avoiding them.

It’s your chance to seek forgiveness, to ask Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) to grant you health, knowledge, Baraka or increase your Iman. You can use it as Istikara, in which you directly ask Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) to guide you to choose the best option in a specific situation.

The Messenger ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) even suggested we pray two raka’at in order to remember what we forgot or find an item we lost. Every salah might be the last one you’ll be able to perform; take advantage of it. Next time you approach Salah, have a specific reason. This should aid you right away in preserving khushoo throughout salah.

Stay still for a moment
Simply stand a few moments before praying, be conscious of everything that is running in your head. You will find out that there is nothing, absolutely nothing more important than this very Salah. Take a deep breath and exhale, expelling all worries and distracting thoughts as you exhale. Leave the dunya behind. You are about to step in the presence of Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) and have a dialogue with Him.

Keep your gaze fixed
Focus your eyes on the spot in which you will perform sajda. Don’t worry if you find it difficult at first. Calmly reset your eyes on the point every time you notice that it is deviating.

As a side note, the movement of the eyes has been found to be directly related to one’s thoughts. This implies that it is not only your eyes that are wandering, your mind is too. When you notice this happening, simply re-direct your attention to the words you are saying. Be deliberately slow in performing every action.

Start the prayer by reciting a supplication
There are various dua (Dua’a Al Istiftah – Opening Supplications) the Prophet ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) used before reciting surat Al Fatiha. An example is: “Subhaanak-Allaahumma, wa biham-dika, wa tabaarakasmuka, wa ta’aalaa jadduka, wa laa ilaaha ghayruka”

(I declare You free and far removed from all imperfections, O Allaah, and all praise is for You. Blessed is Your Name. Great and Exalted is Your Kingdom. None has the right to be worshiped besides You).

Remember to include it in yours so as to increase attentiveness. Try learning new supplications so that it doesn’t become a mechanical thing leading you to stop paying attention to what you are saying. Stand in prayer as if the Prophet ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) is leading you.

The power of visualization
One technique that instantly helps me focusing on the salah is a simple one based on a hadith about the siraat. The siraat is a narrow bridge suspended over Hell which everyone has to traverse to be admitted in Paradise.

Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri reported: “We, the companions of the Prophet said, “O Allah’s Apostle! What is the bridge?’ He said, “It is a slippery (bridge) on which there are clamps and (hooks like) a thorny seed that is wide at one side and narrow at the other and has thorns with bent ends. Such a thorny seed is found in Najd and is called As-Sa’dan. Some of the believers will cross the bridge as quickly as the wink of an eye, some others as quick as lightning, a strong wind, a fast horse or she-camel. Some will be safe without any harm; some will be safe after receiving some scratches, and some will fall down into Hell. The last person will cross by being dragged over the bridge.” (Sahih Bukhari- Volume 9, Book 93, Number 532).

Now imagine yourself on this bridge. You still don’t know which your final abode will be. In front of you there is Paradise, you can smell its scent and are yearning to reach it. Let the carpet you are standing on to perform salah represent the fine, thorny bridge that you need to cross. Below you, you can see a sea of blazing lava, you hear the cries of those who have fallen and your knees tremble at the only thought of being touched by it: the swiftest of movements could make you fall at any time.

The firmness of the person on the bridge will depend on their deeds and compliance to the deen in the dunya.
Some scholars argue that khushoo is a required element in salah, missing it would equal to having not satisfied the pre-requisites for sound worship.

Consider every salah as your attempt to cross the bridge, khushoo is your safety measure to reach the end of it.

A dialogue with Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)
Have you ever asked yourself why Surat Al Fatiha is recited in every single raka’a?

The Prophet ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him), said in a Hadith Al Qudsi:

"Allah, the Exalted, said, `I have divided the prayer into two halves between Myself and My servant, and My Servant shall have what he asks for.' If he says, `Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds' Allah says, `My servant has praised Me.' When the servant says, `Most Gracious, Most Merciful'. Allah says, `My servant has glorified Me.' When he says, `Master of the Day of Judgment.' Allah says, `My servant has related all matters to Me.' When he says, `You do we worship, and your aid we seek.' Allah says, `This is between Me and My servant, and My servant shall acquire what he sought.' When he says, `Show us the straight path. The path of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace, those whose (portion) is not wrath, and who go not astray.' Allah says, `This is for My servant, and My servant shall acquire what he asked for.'" (Muslim 1:296, and An-Nasai in Al-Kubra 5:11, 12).

Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) is not only listening to your prayer, but replying and rewarding you for every verse you utter.

Memorize ayats or suras and be eager to recite them during your salat
If you read a passage in the Qur’an which particularly clicked with you or brought you to tears, do your best to learn it and recite it after Al Fatiha. Frequently change the suras you recite. Make it a point to know their meaning, check the commentaries, the lexicon used, be critical about what you read, make it a dynamic activity by reflecting on what you recite as every verse is supposed to be stimulating your mind and heart.

Make at least one different dua’a in each sujood
Earlier we mentioned the need to reflect about the names and qualities that Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) attributed to Himself and revealed to us. Now it’s the time to use these names: when you make dua use the appropriate name depending on what you are asking for.

For example: when you are seeking for relief you may call upon Him by Al-Bâri’- The Maker of Perfect Harmony or Al-Salâm- The Flawless and the giver of peace. While appealing to His power to allow things to happen remember that He is Al-Mu’min- The Giver of Faith or Al-Haadi -The Guide. Ask Him to grant you and your family protection by calling Him Al-Muhaymin – The Guardian, Al-Raqîb- The Vigilant.

Get acquainted with the biography of the Prophet ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him)
Read the seera of the Prophet ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) in detail, so that when you send blessing upon him you do it with sincerity.

Cultivate a feeling of gratitude and veneration
When you complete the prayer and say “Alhamdulillah, AllahuAkbar, Subhanallah” actually think about instances that would make you utter these words. For example if you have escaped an accident think about that when you say Alhamdullilah, when you say Allahu Akbar remember that us and all what this universe comprehends are compared to the throne of Allah as a ring in the desert.

The effect of Khushoo on productivity
Acquiring khushoo positively affects your productivity.

1. Quicker decision making

Having khushoo will make you see everything in a different prospective, what you do or don’t do is based on a specific evaluation: will Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) be pleased if I do this? Does this take me closer to Jannah or to Hellfire? You then save the time worrying or dragging yourself in doubtful activities

2. You’ll have a forward-looking attitude

No regrets, fear nor desperation will take hold of you since you have certainty that everything happening is exactly as it should be. You trust in the mercy and justice of Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He), as long as you follow His commandments nothing can harm you.

3. You’ ll stay away and be afraid of even coming close to commit a sin, hastening instead to perform good purposeful deeds.

4. Greater awareness in your day-to-day dealings.
By being constantly mindful of Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He), you become more careful of how you treat people or use your resources, including time.

I hope these points may serve as a reminder to both you and me, and help us in attaining or increasing Khushoo.

About the Author

Sister Jihan Anwar is an MIS student sharing her musings with the team at MuslimYouthMusings and working as a journalist at the National Yemen Newspaper.

Click to read more: productivemuslim.com/how-to-gain-tranquility-in-prayer-pa...
Follow us: @AbuProductive on Twitter | ProductiveMuslim on Facebook

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#6 [Permalink] Posted on 5th January 2016 15:01

The Noor Of Salaah.

The Prophet is reported to have said: “When the believer starts the prayer and his heart enters into the presence of His Lord (mighty and glorified is He), tents of light get erected around him, angels stand around him, righteousness descends on him from heaven, and the True One (mighty and glorified is He) becomes proud of him.” Among the praying people is one whose heart is snatched and taken to the True One (mighty and glorified is He) like the bird is snatched from the cage and like the child is snatched from the arms of his mother. He is taken from what is familiar to him, from what is known to him, and from his abode and is made to become unaware of himself to the extent that if he were to be torn apart and pierced throughout, he would not be aware of that. It has been reported that a righteous man from the honorable people of Allah, who was one of the followers of the companions of the Messenger (Allah’s prayer and peace be on him), namely ‘Aurwa bin Az‑Zubayr bin Al‑‘Aawwām, a nephew of ‘Āisha (may Allah be satisfied with her), had a gangrenous leg and was told that his leg must be amputated or he would die. He said to the physician: “Amputate it after I have started praying.” The physician cut it off while he was in prostration so he did not feel the pain of the operation.

You are in illusion in comparison with those who lived before you. You are words with no action, an appearance with no essence, a scene with no substance. Woe to you! Do not be misled by what people say about you. You know very well what you are involved in and what you are up to. Allah (high is He) has said: “No, the human being will be a proof against himself” (75.14). How good you are in the eyes of the common people and how ugly you are in the sight of the elite! A shaikh said to the seekers who follow him: “If you are wronged, do not do wrong. If you are praised, do not be happy. If you are dispraised do not be saddened. If you are accused of telling lies, do not get angry. If you are entrusted with something, do not show betrayal. If you are saddened, do not be sad.” How good these words are! He ordered them to slay their lower selves and passions. This derives from the Prophet’s (Allah’s prayer and peace be on him) following saying: “Gabriel (peace be on him) once came to me and said: ‘The True One (mighty and glorified is He) says to you: “Pardon the person who wrongs you, maintain a connection with the person who cuts you off, and give to the person who deprives you”’”. Reflect on the signs of Allah (mighty and glorified is He), His acts, and His management of His creatures.

Shaykh Sayyid Abdul Qadir Al Jilani رحمة الله عليه (source Jila al Khatir)

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#7 [Permalink] Posted on 5th January 2016 15:07

Salah: Life’s Forgotten Purpose
By Yasmin Mogahed

Man has taken many journeys throughout time. But there is one journey that nobody has ever taken.
Nobody—except one.

On a vehicle no man has ever ridden, through a path no soul has ever seen. To a place no creation has ever before set foot. It was the journey of one man to meet the Divine. It was the journey of Muhammad ﷺ, prophet of God, to the highest heaven.
It was al Israa wal Miraaj (the magnificent journey).

On that journey Allah took his beloved prophet ﷺ to the seventh heaven—a place not even angel Gibreel could enter. In the Prophet’s mission on earth, every instruction, every commandment was sent down through angel Gibreel. But, there was one commandment that was not. There was one commandment so important, that rather than sending angel Gibreel down with it, Allah brought the Prophet ﷺ up to Himself.

That commandment was salah (prayer). When the Prophet ﷺ was first given the command to pray, it was to be fifty times in a day. After asking Allah to make it easier, the commandment was eventually reduced to five times a day, with the reward of the fifty.

Reflecting upon this incident scholars have explained that the process of going from fifty to five was a deliberate one, intended to teach us the true place salah should hold in our lives. Imagine for a moment actually praying fifty times a day. Would we be able to do anything else but pray? No. And that’s the point. What greater way than that to illustrate our life’s true purpose? As if to say, salah is our real life; all the rest that we fill our day with…just motions.

And yet, we live as if it’s exactly the opposite. Salah is something we squeeze into our day, when we find time—if that. Our ‘lives’ don’t revolve around salah. Salah revolves around our ‘lives.’ If we’re in class, salah is an afterthought. If we’re at the mall, the Macy’s sale is more urgent. Something is seriously wrong when we put aside the very purpose of our existence in order to watch a basketball game.

And that is for those who even pray at all. There are those who have not only put aside their life’s purpose, they have abandoned it completely. What we often don’t realize about the abandonment of salah is this: No scholar has ever held the opinion that committing zina (fornication) makes you a disbeliever. No scholar has ever held the opinion that stealing, drinking or taking drugs makes you a disbeliever. No scholar has even claimed that murder makes you a non-Muslim. But, about salah, some scholars have said he who abandons it, is no longer Muslim. This is said based on ahadith such as this one: “The covenant between us and them is prayer, so if anyone abandons it, he has become a disbeliever.” [Ahmad]

Imagine an act so egregious that the Prophet ﷺ would speak about it is such a way. Consider for a moment what satan did wrong. He didn’t refuse to believe in Allah. He refused to make one sajdah. Just one. Imagine all the sajdahs we refuse to make.
Consider the seriousness of such a refusal. And yet, think how lightly we take the matter of salah. Salah is the first thing we will be asked about on the Day of Judgment, and yet it is the last thing that is on our mind. The Prophet ﷺ said: “The first thing which will be judged among a man’s deeds on the Day of Resurrection is the Prayer. If this is in good order then he will succeed and prosper but if it is defective then he will fail and will be a loser.” [Tirmidhi]

On that Day, the people of paradise will ask those who have entered Hell-fire, why they have entered it. And the Qur’an tells us exactly what their first response will be: ”What led you into Hell Fire? They will say: ‘We were not of those who prayed.’” (Qur’an, 74:42-43)

How many of us will be among those who say “we were not of those who prayed, or we were not of those who prayed on time, or we were not of those who made prayer any priority in our lives?” Why is it that if we’re in class or at work or fast asleep at the time of fajr and we need to use the restroom, we make time for that? In fact, the question almost sounds absurd. We don’t even consider it an option not to. And even if we were taking the most important exam of our lives, when we need to go, we will go. Why? Because the potentially mortifying consequences of not going, makes it a non-option.

There are many people who say they don’t have time to pray at work or school, or while they’re out. But how many have ever said they don’t have time to go to the bathroom, so while out, at work or school have opted instead to just wear Depends? How many of us just don’t feel like waking up at Fajr time if we need to use the bathroom, and choose instead to wet our bed? The truth is we’ll get out of bed, or leave class, or stop work, to use the bathroom, but not to pray.

It sounds comical, but the truth is we put the needs of our body above the needs of our soul. We feed our bodies, because if we didn’t, we’d die. But so many of us starve our souls, forgetting that if we are not praying our soul is dead. And ironically, the body that we tend to is only temporary, while the soul that we neglect is eternal.

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#8 [Permalink] Posted on 5th January 2016 15:17

The Salaf and their Salaah. (Part 1)

For forty years, the Adhan was never called but Sa`id bin al-Musayyab radhiallahu `anhu was in the mosque before it was called. [Tabaqat al Hanabilah 1/141, Hilyat al Awliya 2/163, Sifat as Safwah 2/80]

After ar-Rabi` bin Khaytham became partially paralyzed, he used to go to the mosque helped by two men. He was told: “O AbuYazid! You have been given permission to pray at home.” He said, “You have said the truth, but I heard the caller hearld, ‘Hayya `ala al-Falah (Come to success)’, and I thought that whoever heras this call should answer it even by crawling.” [Hilyat al Awliya 2/113]

Adi bin Hatim, radhiallahu `anhu, said: “Every time the prayer time falls, it falls while I am eager for it and ready to perform it (i.e. having wudu).” [Az Zuhd by Imam Ahmad, p. 249]

Abu Bakr bin Abdullah al Muzani said: “Who is like you, O son of Adam? Whenever you wish, you use water to make Ablution, go to the place fo worship and thus enter the presence of your Lord (i.e. start praying) without a translator or a barrier between you and Him!” [Al Bidayah wa an Nihayah 9/256]

Abu Rajaa al `Ataridi, “Nothing that I leave behind grieves me, except that I used to bow down on my face five times a day before my Lord, the Exalted and Most Honored.” [Hilyat al Awliya 2/306]

Yazid bin Abdullah was asked, “Should we make a roof for our mosque?” He said, “Purify your hearts and your mosque will be sufficient for you.” [Hilyat al Awliya 2/312]

Adi bin Hatim, radhiallahu `anhu said, “Ever since I became Muslim, I always made sure to have Wudu when the Adhan is called.” [As Siyar 3/160]

Ubayd bin Ja`far said, “I never saw my uncle Bishr bin Masnur miss the first takbir, and whenever any person stood up in our mosque to ask people for help, my uncle gave him something.” [Sifat as Safwah 3/376]

Ibn Sama`ah said, “For forty years, I only missed Takbir Tahrimah when my mother died.” [As Siyar 10/646]

“If you know of a man’s disinterest in Takbir Tahrimah, then wash your hands of him.” [As Siyar 5/65, Sifat as Safwah 3/88]

Sufyan bin `Uyaynah, “Honoring the prayer includes coming before the Iqamah is recited.” [Sifat as Safwah 2/235]

Maymun bin Mahran came to the mosque late and when he was told that the peple had already finished the prayer, he said, “We all belong to Allah and to Him shall be our return! I prefer the congregational prayer to being the governor of Iraq.” [Mukashafat al Qulub p 364]

Yunus bin Abdullah said, “What is the matter with me? When I lose a chicken I feel concerned, but when I miss the prayer in congregation, it does not grieve me.” [Hilyat al Awliya, 3/19]

Hammad bin Salamah said, “I have never stood up for prayer without imagining that Jahannam is before my eyes.” [Tadhkirat al Huffadh 1/219]

Mu`adh bin Jabal advised his son, “My son! Pray the prayer of he who is just about to leave and imagine that you might not be able to pray ever again. Know that the believer dies between two good deeds, one that he performed and one that he intended to perform later on.” [Sifat as Safwah 1/496]

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#9 [Permalink] Posted on 5th January 2016 15:21

Salaf and Their Salaah (Part 2)

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Bakr al Muzani said, “If you want your prayer to be of benefit to you, say to yourself, ‘I might not have a chance to perform another prayer.'” [Jami` al `Ulum wal Hikam, p 466.]

Shubrumah said, “We accompanied Karz al Harithi on a journey. Whenever he wanted to set camp in an area, he used to scan it with his eyes and when he found a good piece of land that he liked, he would go to it and pray there until it was time to leave.” [Sifat as Safwah 3/120]

Al Qasim bin Muhammad said, “Whenever I went out in the morning, I used to visit `Aishah radhiallahu `anha (his aunt and the wife of the Prophet, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) and greet her. One day I found her performing Ad Duha prayer, reciting this Ayah repeatedly, crying and invoking Allah: ‘So Allah has been gracious to us, and has saved us from the torment of the Fire.’ (52:27) I stood there until I felt bored, so Ileft and went to the market to do something and said to myself that when I finish what I have to do, I will go back (to `Aishah radhiallahu `anha). When I finished and went back to her, I found her still standing in prayer, reciting the same Ayah, crying and invoking Allah.'” [Al Ihya 4/436]

Maymun bin Hayyan said, “I never saw Muslim bin Yasar turning his head while praying, whether the prayer was short or long. Once, a part of the mosque came down and the noise caused fear to the people who were in the market, while he was in the mosque, did not fear nor even turn his head and kept praying.” [Az Zuhd by Imam Ahmad p 359]

“I accompanied `Ata bin Rabah for eighteen years. When he became old and weak, he used to stand in prayer and read close to two hundred Ayat from Surat al Baqarah while standing in such firmness that no part of him would move.” [As Siyar 5/87, Sifat as Safwah 2/213]

Abu Bakr bin Aiyash said, “If you saw Habib bin Abu Thabit while in Sujud, you would think that he had died because of his long prostration.” [As Siyar 5/291]

Ali bin Al Fudayl said, “I saw ath-Thawri went into Sujud while praying, and I performed Tawaf around the House seven times before he raised his head from Sujud.” [As Siyar 7/277]

Uthman bin Abi Dahrash said, “I never performed a prayer without invoking Allah afterwards to forgive me for falling into shortcomings in the way I performed it.“ [Tarikhu Baghdad 13/207]

Mu`awiyah bin Murrah, “I lived during the time of seventy of the Companions of Muhammad, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, and had they lived among you today, they would not recognize any of your acts except the Adhan!” [Hilyat al Awliya 2/299]

When Hatim al Asamm was asked about his prayer, he said, “When it is near the time of prayer, I perform a perfect Wudu and go to where I am going to pray and sit down there until I become fully attentive to what I am about to do. I then stand up and pray, imagining that the Ka`bah is in front of my eyes, Paradise to my right, Hellfire to my left and the Angel of Death behind me. I imagine that it is the last prayer I am about to perform, stand up in hope (in Allah, His Paradise and rewards) and fear (from Allah’s torment in Hellfire) and recite the Takbir while having full attention. I recite the Qur’an calmly, make Ruku` humbly, go into Sujud with Khushu1 and then sit on my left leg, with the left food laid on the floor and the right food raised up, all the while praying with sincerity. Afterwards, I do not know (nor feel certain) if that prayer was accepted from me!“ [Al Ihya 1/179]

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#10 [Permalink] Posted on 1st November 2016 20:50

The Healing Power of Prayer

The Healing Power of Prayer - Productive Muslim

In times of hardship, pain and loss, many of us attempt to find solutions in the very dunya that caused that calamity to befall us in the first place. We search for temporary comforts in people and worldly objects, all of which have the potential to break us again. Some of us find relief in medication and counselling, some surround themselves with sympathetic ears and some simply lose hope and derail from the path of Islam. However, Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) has provided us with the best tool of all: Prayer.

“And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah]“ [Qur’an: Chapter 2, Verse 45].

Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) is the Almighty, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. So who better to call upon than Him? Who better to seek ease from pain and hardship than Him?

Does Prayer Heal?
It sure does! As many verses of the Qur’an reiterate, Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) tells us to enjoin in prayer and it is not without wisdom that Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) says:

“… Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured,“ [Qur’an: Chapter 13, Verse 28].

Dr Andrew Newsberg of the University of Pennsylvania attempts to enlighten us with this hidden wisdom. He studied brain wave activity during prayer and found a direct impact on several brain locations. The benefits of prayer are incredible! Regular daily prayers halt the frontal lobe from shrinking with age, which is the part of the brain that regulates our speaking, reading and memory; therefore, this helps prevent memory loss in old age.

High activity was found in the anterior cingulate, the location that regulates our connectivity to others. A high activity in this part of the brain means a healthier and happier person. Our self-awareness is found in the parietal lobe, the overuse of which causes feelings of isolation and loneliness, and the limbic system is where negative emotions are stimulated. Prayer deactivates both of these areas of the brain, removing the negative emotions and allowing us to benefit from the frontal lobe and anterior cingulate. The result is a healthier, happier and longer life, In sha Allah. [1]

We need not look further to see that prayer is beneficial for us, making us healthier and happier. It is a healer in and of itself, activating regions of the brain that make us happier and ridding negativity. It is not just a form of worshipping Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He), but also a form of meditation: A self-help tool to bring us to a state of tranquility. The more regular the prayer and the deeper our connection with Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He), the more beneficial it is for us.

A Perfect Example In Our Prophet ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him)
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) relied on prayer as a source of comfort. As we all know, the Prophet ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) was tested with many trials and tribulations in his time, and it is with prayer that he found mental calmness.

The prayer of the Prophet ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) was always with great humbleness, full concentration and sincere submission to the Almighty subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He). This is what is known as the state of khushu’, a state of full awareness of the Almighty subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) as we direct our minds and heart to our Lord alone.

“There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern…” [Qur’an: Chapter 33, Verse 21].

“Certainly will the believers have succeeded: They who are during their prayer humbly submissive…” (Qur’an: Chapter 23, Verses 1-2).

This is the state that we should aim to achieve in our prayers. It is in this state that we will find the biggest stimulations in the brain so we may reap the true benefits of prayer, In sha Allah.

The Prophet ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) did not only pray at times of need, but would pray in all situations and occasions. He ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) would pray to thank Allah, seek His forgiveness, and ask for His protection and guidance. He ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) would offer prayer for rain, decision-making, before undertaking a journey and even during battles; the list is endless. And, there was not a prayer that he ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) would offer except that, through the mercy of Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He), it brought about some sort of blessing, guidance or ease!

How Can We Attain Maximum Benefit From Prayer?

As Dr Newberg revealed, prayer performed regularly and with a deep spiritual connection, makes a happier and healthier person. Our Prophet ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) is a perfect example of how and when prayer should be offered. We take from his example four practical steps by which we can gain maximum benefit from prayer: Engage, Connect, Submit and Make Dua.

1. Engage

Incorporate prayer into your daily life. We should always focus on improving our relationship with Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) and the best way to do this is to engage in regular prayer. So make prayer your habit. Converse with Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) through your duas and try to connect with Him subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) every day. Remember Him subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) and He subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) will remember you.

First and foremost, make sure you pray on time — no matter how busy you are — and do not miss any fardh prayers, especially Fajr. A busy life may make prayer harder, but prayer makes a busy life easier! The five fardh prayers should be our first step if we have not yet already established them daily.

Abu Huraira raḍyAllāhu 'anhu (may Allāh be pleased with him) narrated that Allah’s Messenger ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) said:

The first thing about which the people will be called to account out of their actions on the Day of Judgment is prayer. Our Lord, the Exalted, will say to the angels – though He knows better: Look into the prayer of My servant and see whether he has offered it perfectly or imperfectly. If it is perfect, that will be recorded perfect. If it is defective, He will say: See there are some optional prayers offered by My servant. If there are optional prayer to his credit, He will say: Compensate the obligatory prayer by the optional prayer for My servant. Then all the actions will be considered similarly. [Sunan Abi Dawud]

Once we have established the fardh prayers, we can move on to incorporating more optional prayers into our daily lives. The more we pray, the better our connection with Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) and the more we can seek the blessings and benefits of prayer. Take time to look into the many prayers that the Prophet ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) taught us to perform and their benefits, and try to incorporate as many as you can in your daily lives. Whether it is in times of need to seek council, or in times of ease to thank Him subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He), you can never call upon Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) too many times.

2. Connect

Make prayer deeper and more meaningful. We must try to concentrate and allow ourselves to enjoy a personal and proximate relationship with our Lord subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He). The best way to do that is to pray as the Prophet Muhammad ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) did — with khushu. Here are some simple tips we can incorporate in our prayers to build a stronger connection and attain maximum benefit, In sha Allah:

When you stand to pray, remember who you are standing before and humble yourself in His subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) presence. Pray as if it is your last prayer. Imagine Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) standing before you and the angel of death behind you.
Know that you are in control of your mind and body. Remain still, focus on the place of sujood and avoid thinking of worldly matters; the time of prayer should be dedicated solely to focusing on your relationship with Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He). So let go of your worries and let yourself indulge in His subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) love and greatness.
Reflect and ponder on every ayah that you recite. This will help you concentrate on finding a personal meaning and help prevent your mind from drifting. The more you reflect, the more sincere your prayer will become.
Try to set aside time specifically for your prayers. Go to a quiet area, with least distractions possible and truly focus on the prayer alone. If you are praying in congregation, then let the spiritual atmosphere inspire you, not distract you.
Do not rush off from the prayer mat when you have finished your prayer. Take some time to reflect, recite the post-prayer duas, embrace the moment of closeness to Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) and know that He subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) is present and listening.

3. Submit

Remember that sujood is the position in which you are the closest to Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He). Take your time and let yourself embrace that closeness, and be warmed and comforted by it. It is best to make dua while in this position, as per the Prophet’s ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) recommendation:

“A slave becomes nearest to his Rabb when he is in prostration. So increase supplications while prostrating.” [Sahih Muslim]

Ibnul Qayyim described sujood as the secret of prayer, the greatest pillar and the seal of the rukoo’. In this position, we can truly submit ourselves to the Almighty subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He).

In fact, further to Dr Newberg’s research, Dr. Ahmad Sakr found that the position of sujood is one method scientifically proven to bring peace, tranquility and happiness to the one in prostration [2]. He explains that we are all exposed to electrostatic charges from the atmosphere and ridding ourselves of these extra charges is beneficial to one’s health. The best way to rid these extra electrostatic charges according to Dr Ahmad Sakr, is to prostrate with one’s forehead to the ground. This brings about a calming feeling and dissipates electromagnetic energy.

Once again, science enlightens us on the wisdoms behind sujood. Not only do we find ourselves the closest to Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) in this position, but it also physically brings us peace and tranquility. So whenever you are in need of mental calmness, follow the footsteps of the Prophet ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) and prostrate to the Almighty subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He). It is also the best time for us to make dua, as here, we are the closest to Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He).

4. Make Dua

I need not say more. Make dua, and trust in Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He), for He knows what is best for you. Remember that Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) alone is sufficient for us and through worshipping the Almighty with sincere submission, our hearts will find peace In sha Allah. Trust in Him subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) and have faith that He subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) will always answer your prayers.

“And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me — indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided” [Qur’an: Chapter 2, Verse 186].

“For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease.” [Qur’an: Chapter 94, Verse 5].

Whether you take it from science or take it from our beautiful religion, call upon Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) with full sincerity and submission, and you will find bliss, In sha Allah.

Has this article been beneficial to you? I would love to hear about your experiences; how has prayer helped you through your hardships? What helps you gain khushu’ in your prayers? Please share your thoughts below!

[1] Newberg, Andrew B.; Waldman, Mark Robert (2009). How God Changes Your Brain.

[2] Sakr, Ahmad H. (1997). Sujood (Prostration).

About the Author:

Saadia recently graduated with a BSc in Psychology and has a healthy background working in this field. As a student of Islam, she aims to utilise her degree to its true depth by focusing on interlinking Islam with psychology. Her passion in writing is inspired by the beautiful harmonisation between the two.

Click to read more: productivemuslim.com/the-healing-power-of-prayer/#ixzz4On...
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