Has it always been difficult for you to focus on your prayer (Salat)? Do you often feel that you have made mistakes or become confuse? Do you wonder during prayers if it’s your first cycle (rakaat) or second? Yes? This means that Satan has successfully been distracting you. Khinab, which is a devoted set of satanic beings are deployed to distract Muslims during prayers. At times, it is our own mind which distracts us. It is immensely important to have concentration in prayer because there might be chance that your prayers get rejected solely because of the absence of your mind. The following steps might help you concentrate on your prayers in a better way:
Steps to be followed before the Prayer:
- Identify the elements that disturb you during the prayers and try to get rid of them. For instance, if the noise outside your house distracts you, instead of praying at home, go to a nearby mosque to say your prayers.
- Know the meaning of prayer. You should make efforts to find out what does each and every word that you recite means. Learn it by heart, so that whenever you recite them during the prayers you remind yourself of its meaning. This will keep you focused and help you concentrate better on your prayer. The verses you recite will actually start being meaningful to you and won’t be just a bundle of Arabic words.
- Try to pray together with fellow Muslims (pray in jama’ah). This will help you feel the sense of togetherness. Praying together adds Barakah in prayers. You can talk to other Muslims on deen and get better understanding of it. This will draw you closer to Islam.
- Try to pray in accordance to the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
- Disconnect yourself from the world for a few minutes. Calm yourself down and relax. Try to capture the calmness in your mind and then prepare it by thinking about your prayer (salat).
- Try to get rid of all the mental stress.
- Wear clean clothes.
- Decide what Surahs and Du’as you are going to recite during your prayers.
- Make the intention of praying for the sake of Almighty Allah and to please Him. Concentrate on the nature of the prayer you are going to make. You will be able to concentrate better and will become more attentive if the intention in your mind is clear.
Steps to be followed During the Prayer
- Be disciplined. Stand upright for prayer with a softened heart. Whenever you are about to start your prayer, thinking of it as your last prayer. Believe that Allah is watching you. Be as silent and still as practically possible. Do not keep your eyes closed and look down straight to where your head will be placed when you prostrate (sujood).
- Do not rush in praying. Perform every cycle of your prayer in a relaxed manner making sure that you do not miss out of anything and say it properly. It is said in one of the Hadith that: “Hastiness is from Satan.”
- Remind yourself that with the prayer you are meeting with Allah!
- Make sure that you don’t make any mistakes by paying attention to your recitation.
- Reciting the verses softly without disturbing others.
- Whenever you feel lost, bring your mind back by reciting Ta’uz (Refuge to Allah from Satan): A’udhubillahiminash Shaitaan Nirrajim.
Steps to be followed After the Prayer:
- After completing your prayer, take some time to evaluate, doing Dikhr and making Duas. Figure out if the prayer has softened your heart or not.
- Beseech Allah sincerely to accept your prayers by Reciting:
Allahumma a ‘inni ‘ala dhikrika wa shukrika wa husn ‘ibadatika
Translation: “O Allah, help me in remembering You, in thanking You and in worshipping You in the best way.”
- Do Dhikr as suggested by Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him)
“Allahumma antas salamu wa minkas salamu wa ilaika yarji’us salam. Haiyina Rabbana bis salami tabarakta ya dhal jalaali wal ikram”
Do Tasbeeh: Subhan Allah “Exalted is Allah” (33 times), Alhamdullilah “Praise to God” (33 times), Allahu Akbar “God is the Greatest” (34 times)
- Make it a regular practice to seek refuge from hell fire, particularly after Fajr and Maghrib prayers.
- Send Durood and Salam to Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
- Make Du’a (supplications)as you need.
