Salah (prayer) is the most important act of worship in Islam, it connects a believer directly to Allah ﷻ five times a day. Yet, many of us struggle to maintain full concentration during Salah. Our thoughts drift to worldly matters – work, studies, phone notifications, or daily worries.
The Qur’an describes the believers as those “who have Khushu (humility and concentration) in their Salah” (Surah Al-Mu’minun 23:1–2).
Khushu means a state of complete submission, presence of heart, and calmness before Allah. Achieving it is not automatic – it requires knowledge, practice, and sincerity.
This article will guide you step by step on how to develop and maintain Khushu (Concentration) in every Salah.
Contents
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What is Khushu in Salah?
Khushu (خشوع) in Arabic comes from the root word “Khasha’a” — which means to humble oneself, to be still and submissive.
In Salah, Khushu refers to:
- Deep awareness that you are standing before Allah.
- Presence of both heart and mind during every action.
- Calmness of the body — no unnecessary movements or distractions.
It’s not only about looking humble outwardly; it’s about feeling humility inside. A person can stand perfectly still, but if the mind is elsewhere, Khushu is missing. True Khushu begins in the heart and flows outward.
Importance of Khushu in the Quran and Hadith
In the Quran
Allah ﷻ says:
“Certainly will the believers have succeeded. Those who are humble (have Khushu) in their prayers.”
(Surah Al-Mu’minun 23:1–2)
This shows that success in this life and the Hereafter is linked to performing Salah with Khushu.
In the Hadith
The Prophet (ﷺ)said:
“A person may finish his prayer and nothing is recorded for him except one-tenth, one-ninth, one-eighth… until one-half of it.”
(Ahmad and Abu Dawood)
This means that the reward of Salah depends on the level of concentration.
Sahabah (companions of the Prophet ﷺ) would lose awareness of everything around them during Salah — their hearts fully present before Allah.
See Also: Adhan in Arabic, English Translation
Why Do We Lose Khushu During Salah?
Even sincere Muslims find it difficult to focus. Common reasons include:
- Mental Distractions:
Thoughts about work, studies, or personal issues often enter the mind. Shaytan whispers during prayer to divert focus. - Lack of Understanding:
Many Muslims recite Arabic verses without knowing their meanings, so words become mechanical. - Rushing Through Salah:
Performing Salah quickly without calmness ruins Khushu. - Environmental Distractions:
Noise, people talking, TV, or phone sounds can easily break concentration. - Weak Preparation:
Entering Salah without proper Wudu, without intention, or in a hurry affects the spiritual state.
Preparing for Salah – The Foundation of Khushu
Khushu begins before you start Salah. Proper preparation sets the heart in the right mode.
1. Perform Wudu with Awareness
Don’t perform Wudu mechanically. Think of it as washing away sins.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“When a believer washes his face (in Wudu), every sin he has looked at comes out from his face with the water…”
(Muslim)
2. Choose a Quiet and Clean Place
A calm and clean environment helps focus. Avoid praying near distractions like TV, children playing, or phone notifications.
3. Wear Clean and Modest Clothes
Dress as if you are standing before the King of all kings — Allah ﷻ. Proper attire inspires humility and seriousness.
4. Pray on Time
Delaying Salah makes it a burden instead of a spiritual joy. The Prophet (ﷺ) said that the most beloved deed to Allah is to pray at its earliest time.
5. Make a Proper Intention (Niyyah)
Before starting, remind yourself: “I am standing before Allah, my Creator.”
A sincere niyyah brings the heart into the prayer.
6. Remove Distractions
Keep your phone away or silent. Make sure your surroundings are settled before Takbeer.
See Also: Tahajjud Prayer: Best Time, Dua & Guide
Understanding What You Recite
One of the most powerful ways to gain Khushu is to understand the meanings of what you recite.
- Learn the translation of Surah Al-Fatiha, short surahs, and phrases like Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem, Sami’Allahu liman hamidah, etc.
- Reflect on their meanings while praying. For example:
- “Alhamdulillahi Rabbil ‘Alamin” — All praise belongs to Allah, the Lord of all worlds.
- “Iyyaka na’budu wa iyyaka nasta’een” — You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.
When your heart understands your tongue’s words, concentration naturally deepens.
💡 Tip: Read Tafsir or use translation apps to slowly understand your daily recitations.
Techniques to Increase Khushu During Salah
a. Visual and Physical Focus
- Keep your gaze fixed on the place of Sujood.
- Avoid looking around.
- Move slowly and gracefully in each posture — no rushing between Rukoo and Sujood.
- Keep hands and eyes still.
b. Mental and Spiritual Focus
- Imagine that you are standing before Allah, who is listening to you.
- Remember death — this could be your last prayer.
- Feel the awe of Allah’s greatness and your dependence on Him.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“When you stand for prayer, pray as if it is your last prayer.”
(Ibn Majah)
c. Breathing and Rhythm
Breathe calmly and steadily. Take natural pauses after each verse. Don’t rush — Khushu needs rhythm and peace.
d. Beautify and Shorten Recitation (for Non-Imam)
If you pray alone, recite short Surahs with deep meaning (e.g., Al-Ikhlas, Al-Asr, Al-Kawthar).
Use a moderate tone — not too loud, not too low — just enough to hear yourself.
Dua Before and After Salah for Khushu
Before Salah
Say quietly:
“اللهم أعني على ذكرك وشكرك وحسن عبادتك”
Transliteration: Allahumma a’inni ‘ala dhikrika wa shukrika wa husni ‘ibadatik
English Translation: (O Allah, help me remember You, thank You, and worship You properly)
(Hadith: Abu Dawood)
After Salah
Ask Allah for acceptance and consistency:
“اللهم تقبل منا إنك أنت السميع العليم”
Transliteration: Allahumma taqabbal minna innaka Antas-Sami‘ul-‘Alim
English Translation: (O Allah, accept from us, indeed You are the All-Hearing, All-Knowing)
You can also make personal dua asking Allah to grant you focus, sincerity, and peace during Salah.
Maintaining Khushu Outside Salah
Khushu doesn’t start and stop at Salah — it’s a lifestyle.
What you do outside prayer affects what you feel inside it.
- Avoid Sins
Sins darken the heart, making it difficult to concentrate. Constant repentance and Istighfar help keep the heart soft. - Engage in Dhikr and Quran Reading
Remembrance of Allah throughout the day trains your mind to stay connected during prayer. - Keep Righteous Company
Friends who encourage prayer and mindfulness strengthen your spiritual focus. - Practice Gratitude and Humility
A humble heart is naturally more focused in Salah than a proud one.
See Also: How to Perform Salah Step by Step Guide
Common Mistakes That Destroy Khushu
- Praying Hastily
The Prophet (ﷺ) once saw a man praying quickly and said: “Go back and pray, for you have not prayed.” (Bukhari)
Salah must be performed calmly, fulfilling every Rukn (pillar). - Checking Time or Phone During Salah
Any distraction breaks the spiritual connection. Keep devices away. - Reciting Without Understanding
Words without meaning become empty. Always try to know what you say. - Neglecting Sunnah and Nafl Prayers
Voluntary prayers train your mind to focus better in Fard Salah.
How to Regain Khushu if Mind Wanders
Even the most sincere believer can lose focus. When it happens:
- Don’t panic or get angry — this only worsens distraction.
- Calmly return your thoughts to the recitation or the meaning.
- Pause briefly, take a deep breath, and continue.
- Remember Allah is Merciful — every time you refocus, you are rewarded.
Ibn al-Qayyim said:
“When the heart wanders during prayer, bring it back gently. Your effort to bring it back is part of your Khushu.”
Long-Term Habits to Develop Khushu
- Make Salah your daily priority.
Don’t delay it for worldly matters. Schedule your day around Salah, not the other way around. - Learn new Surahs with meaning.
This prevents boredom and increases reflection. - Create a Spiritual Environment at Home.
Keep a prayer corner clean, quiet, and peaceful. - Do Regular Dhikr and Istighfar.
A heart that remembers Allah frequently will find focus easier in Salah. - Avoid Haram Entertainment.
Overexposure to music, gossip, or indecent media makes the heart restless.
See Also: How to Perform Witr Prayer
Conclusion
Khushu is the soul of Salah. Without it, prayer becomes a mere routine — but with it, Salah transforms into a source of peace, strength, and spiritual energy.
It’s not achieved overnight. Like any good habit, it requires patience, practice, and sincere intention.
Start by preparing mindfully, understanding what you recite, and reminding yourself that you are standing before the Lord of the Worlds. Even if your focus slips, return your heart gently each time.
Every Salah with Khushu brings you closer to Allah — one step at a time.
May Allah grant us humility, focus, and true Khushu in every prayer.
Ameen.
