The Meaning of Khushu in Prayer: Mufti Taqi Usmani’s Guidance on Developing Focus in Salah (Malfoozat of Shaykh al-Islam Hazrat Maulana Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani)

It was advised that people often complain that they do not experience any pleasure while performing Salah (prayer) and they fulfill the obligation (Fardh) only as duty. This feeling of no-enjoyment in prayer and feeling disconnected can sometimes lead us to undervalue the act (Salah), thinking that if we do not feel pleasure or focus in prayer, it is somehow incomplete or ineffective. Such thoughts reflect a lack of understanding of the true nature of Salah.

If a person doesn’t feel like praying and doesn’t experience any delight while praying, but still prays with the understanding that it is an obligation from Allah, then they should know that they have earned a reward in Allah’s eyes—as long as the prayer was performed according to the Sunnah. Part of performing prayer according to Sunnah includes putting in an effort to cultivate Khushu (humility and attentiveness) during prayer.

Praying with Khushu means that one should strive to focus on the words they are reciting, making an effort to direct their attention to their meaning. If the mind wanders, one should try again to bring attention back to the words. Performing Salah in this way brings the reward of patience, even if one does not feel any enjoyment.

(Khutbat-e-Ramadan, Page 277)

This Malfooz is selected by Dr. Faisal Sahib.