Thirty Three Ways of developing Khushoo’ in Salaah

Name: Thirty Three Ways of developing Khushoo’ in Salaah
Author: Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

Writer: Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid • Sections: 1

Section 13

Placing the right hand on the left hand on the chest

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), when he stood up to pray, used to place his right hand on his left hand (Muslim, no. 401), and place them on his chest (Abu Dawood, no. 759; see also Irwa’ al-Ghaleel, 2/71). The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “We Prophets were commanded… to place our right hands on our left hands in prayer.” (Reported by al-Tabaraani in al-Mu’jam al-Kabeer, no. 11485. Al-Haythami said: Al-Tabaraani reported it in al-Awsat and its men are the men of saheeh. Al-Majma’, 3/155).

Imaam Ahmad (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked about the meaning of placing one hand on top of the other when standing in prayer. He said: “It is humility before the Almighty.” (Al-Khushoo’ fi’l-Salaah by Ibn Rajab, p. 21).

Ibn Hajar (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “The ‘ulamaa’ said: the meaning of this posture is that it is the attitude of the humble petitioner, it is more likely to prevent fidgeting, and it is more conducive to khushoo’.” (Fath al-Baari, 2/224).

Introduction

Concealment of Khushoo'

Rulings on Khushoo'

The means of developing Khushoo'

Preparing oneself for prayer properly

Moving at a measured pace during prayer

Remembering death whilst praying

Thinking about the aayaat and adhkaar being recited during the prayer and interacting with them

Pausing at the end of each aayah

Reciting in slow, rhythmic tones (tarteel) and making one’s voice beautiful when reciting

Knowing that Allaah responds to prayers

Praying with a barrier (sutrah) in front of one and praying close to it

Placing the right hand on the left hand on the chest

Looking at the place of prostration

Moving the index finger

Varying the soorahs, aayaat, adhkaar and du’aa’s recited in prayer

Performing sujood al-tilaawah when reciting an aayah where this is required

Seeking refuge with Allaah from the Shaytaan

Thinking of how the salaf were when they prayed

Knowing the advantages of Khushoo' in Salaah

Striving to offer du’aa’ at the appropriate times during the prayer, especially in sujood

Adhkaar to be recited after prayer

Warding off distractions and things that adversely affect khushoo

Not praying in a garment that has decorations, writing, bright colours or pictures that will distract the worshipper

Not praying when there is food prepared that one wants to eat

Not praying when one needs to answer the call of nature

Not praying when one feels sleepy

Not praying behind someone who is talking (or sleeping)

Not occupying oneself with smoothing the ground in front of one

Not disturbing others with one’s recitation

Not turning around during prayer

Not raising one's gaze to the heavens

Not spitting in front of one when praying

Trying not to yawn when praying

Not putting one’s hands on one’s hips when praying

Not letting one’s clothes hang down (sadl) during prayer

Not resembling animals

When a person suffers a great deal of waswaas

Conclusion

Thirty Three Ways of developing Khushoo’ in Salaah

Placing the right hand on the left hand on the chest