Ramadan 10th: Necessary Steps to Develop Al-Khushoo’

From TUICS
1. Complete consciousness or presence of mind during the performance of the Salaah (Prayer).

*This means emptying the heart of everything except remembrance of Allah SW.

This can only be achieved if one focuses his attention upon keeping the heart restricted.Many people are not aware that the condition of the heart is linked to what its owner aims after. Therefore, the heart would be conscious in the Prayer if its owner is fully aware of his goal. Now, if this world and things related to it are of importance to a person and this is what all his attention is directed at fulfilling, then it is upon this that his heart will dwell. The heart of such a person would now find it very difficult to be conscious of Allah SW.Another thing that can greatly assist someone in clarifying his true purpose is a proper understanding of the life of this world in which he lives.

This worldly life is play and pastime.
Allah SW says:*"وما الحياة الدنيا إلا لعب ولهو وللدار الآخرة خير للذين يتقون أفلا تعقلون"*/
“And the life of this world is nothing but play and amusement. But far better is the house of the Hereafter for those who are the Muttaqoon (those who are conscious of Allah). Will you then not understand?” [Al-An’aam 6:32]./

2. Understanding what is said during the Salaah.

*This is a very important aspect to develop humility and consciousness while performing the Salaah.

It is to make sure that one has a working knowledge of every phrase he recites during the Prayer. This means that he should clearly understand the meaning of the words as well as the principles founded in them.

3. Feeling Allah’s Majesty in the heart during the performance of the Salaah.

*Understanding the meaning of what is recited assists in feeling Allah’s Majesty in the heart.

Also, it can be further achieved when the servant of Allah gets two things clearly established in his mind: that Allah SW is the Greatest and He owns everything and He SW has power to do all things. If this is clearly realized and believed in, then this should force the heart to honor Allah SW.

4. Showing reverence to Allah **SW**.

*Fear is what restrains the servant from being disobedient and compels him to worship his Lord.

When fear is absent the servant becomes negligent and it becomes easy for him to commit sins. However, it must be known that too much fear brings about hopelessness and despair. Therefore, a servant must follow the middle course, which is to fear the punishment of Allah and hope for His Mercy.Fear of Allah SW sometimes comes about from knowing Him SW and His Attributes as well as the realization that Allah can do whatever He wills and if He SW were to destroy everything it would not decrease His kingdom in anyway.The Messenger of Allah (r) said that Allah, the Mighty said:*“…And were I to give everyone what he requested, that would not decrease what I have anymore than a needle decreases the sea if put into it…” [Muslim]

*At other times fear of Allah can be developed if a person realizes the magnitude of his sins. Fear of Allah SW is directly proportional to one’s knowledge of Him. Allah SW clearly states this in the Quran:*"إنما يخشى الله من عباده العلماء"*/

“Indeed those of His servants who know Allah are (the most) fearful of Allah.” [Faatir 35:28]///

5. Feeling ashamed and insignificant before Allah ٍ**SW**.

*This comes about when the worshipper knows that he is weak and commits sins by day and night, and he realizes that Allah SW is aware of this.

6. Other Profitable Prescriptions for Humbling the Heart

A true believer must try his best to love Allah SW above everyone and everything else. He must also work tenaciously to declare His Glory, fear Him, hope for His mercy and try to be completely be ashamed of himself before Allah. He realizes all of this because he knows in reality that he is weak and has numerous limitations and is constantly in error.