Five Ways to Worship More Consciously in Salah

By Tasnim Nazeer

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem

We all would like to perfect our Salah as this is one of the most important aspects of our religion for which we will be held accountable on the Day of Judgement. Every Muslim strives to not only perform Salah but to go that extra mile in perfecting it to the best of his or her abilities. One of the key ways of doing this is to be conscious of our actions and etiquette while performing our daily prayers.

Here are some tips to help us worship more consciously and enable us to enhance our ibadah (acts of worship) Insha’Allah.

1. Avoid getting distracted

Some Muslims tend to get distracted while praying salah, and lose focus and concentration. They may turn and look here and there or start fidgeting. A cry from the kids or even the phone ringing may be enough for them to feel uneasy and distracted in prayer. We need to be aware that anything that could possibly distract us is part of Satan’s plan to make us forget our purpose of Salah, and we should try as much as we can to pray in a place which is quiet and away from distractions. The Messenger of Allah (sa) said: “Beware of looking around in Salah (prayer), because random looks in Salah are a cause of destruction. If there should be no help from it, it is permissible in the voluntary and not in obligatory Salah.” (at-Tirmidhi; authentic) It may be helpful to clear your mind from all thoughts and really try to focus solely on your Salah.

2. Know what you are reciting

If you do not understand what you are reciting, it may not have as significant an impact on your spiritual side as a person who understands the meaning of the Qur’an. You may want to learn the translation of some short chapters of the Qur’an and Soorat al-Fatihah and reflect on their meaning whilst you are praying. This can really help to deepen your connection with Almighty Allah (swt) and understand the meaning of what you are saying. This also helps to avoid being robotic or reciting too fast in our prayer without giving the recitation significance which is due.

3. Beware of Satan

Uthman Abul-As came to the Prophet (sa) one day and said: “Satan intervenes between me and my prayer and my reciting of the Qur’an and he confounds me.” The Prophet (sa) said: “That is (the doing of a) Satan (devil) who is known as Khinzab, and when you perceive its effect, seek refuge with Allah from it and spit three times to your left. I did that and Allah dispelled that from me.” (Muslim) If you are aware of your opposition, you are more likely to guard yourself from falling prey to anything that could hinder your Salah and hence more likely to focus clearly on worshipping Allah (swt).

4. Perform Salah with Conviction

How would you perform your Salah if you knew you were going to die? The truth is nobody knows when they are going to die so we should always strive to put immense effort into our daily prayers. Perform every Salah as if it was your last prayer.

5. Don’t forget to make Dua

We often underestimate the power of dua in our Salah and how this can help us be more conscious of Allah’s infinite power. The Prophet (sa) said: “Supplication (dua) is itself worship.” (Abu Dawood; sound) Making dua is loved by Allah as it shows our reliance and acknowledgement that it is He to Whom we turn to and ask for help, support, and guidance in all aspects of our lives.

Tasnim Nazeer is an award winning Freelance Journalist/Writer and Author who has written for a variety of print and online publications including CNN International, The Muslim News, Your Middle East, Islam Channel and many more. She was awarded The Muslim News Award for Excellence in Media 2013 and is an UN Universal Peace Federation Ambassador for Peace. For more information visit her website at www.tasnimnazeer.com or follow her on Twitter: @tasnimnazeer1

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