Salah (congregational prayers) being the second most significant pillar of Islam holds core implications by providing a way to invigorate the bond with Supreme deity. Salah strengthens the foundation of faith that is obligatory upon every sane Muslim and deemed of high comprehension to be forgivable under few conditions. Prayers involve invocation, supplication, and worshiping the sole deserving Lord as the Exalted Rab of Universe says in
Quran: “And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” [Quran 51: 56]
Salah after the testimony of faith encompasses vital place that helps to nurture soul and mind by preventing against immorality and safeguarding the supplicant against wrongdoings. Prayer is redemption from the tidings of worldly despondencies and despair as Allah Almighty has said in the Holy book of
Quran: “Recite, [O Muhammad], what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do.” [Quran 29:45]
Khushu in Salah
Without calmness, tranquility and Khushu in Salah is void and not acceptable in the sight of Allah Almighty. Linguistically Khushu connotes feeling of intense reverence, submission, and respect by imparting the sense of sheer fear, acknowledgement, and authority towards Rab ul Aalameen.
Quran cited it as: “Certainly will the believers have succeeded: They who are during their prayer humbly submissive.” [Quran 23: 1-2]
Khushu has strengthened its roots deep into religion Islam that the acceptance of Salah is entirely dependent on the level of tranquility whilst offering prayers. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to make following dua to seek Allah’s blessings pertaining to Khushu in his Ibada’h as stated:
“O Allah, I seek refuge with you from the non-beneficial knowledge, from a heart that does not possess khushu from the evil desire which is never satisfied and from supplications which are not accepted.” [Muslim]
Khushu in prayers or essence of tranquility breeds Khauf (fear) that restrains a Muslim from pernicious satanic whispers to refrain him from falling in to sins of transgressors. Calmness deeply correlates with Salah though not confined to it yet in the remembrance of Allah hearts beseech tranquility.
Practically attaining and implementing tranquility in Salah is not a daunting task but an achievable custom if immense one’s soul in to the true spirit of prayers with sublime concentration.
1. Do Not Haste in Salah
Salah acts as a bridge between Allah the glorious one and His subjugated creation that differentiates between the believers and heretics. While offering Salah perform the rituals in slow pace avoiding haste in Ruku and Sajda explicitly. Prophet Muhammad has said as narrated in Hadith that:
“The worst people are the thieves who steal part of the prayer. Prophet was asked how this was done, and he replied, “He does not complete his bowings and prostrations,” or he said, “He does not straighten his back during his bowings and prostrations.” [Ahmad, At Tabarani]
The rush in Salah makes a Muslim devoid of his attention during Sajud and Rukuh hence making his prayers void and null.