WHAT TO FEEL WHEN YOUR PRAYING!!??

Aini Ahmed

Member
Hello everyone,
I'm trying so hard to change and become a better Muslim and one thing I have trouble with is prayer. I know how to pray and when to pray but the problem is I don't know-what your supposed to feel. I always here people say that when they finish praying, they feel peace or feel better. But when I pray, I don't feel anything. Another question is when your praying what are you supposed to think as well as what are you supposed to visualize. Sometimes when I pray and don't understand what i'm reading or do understand, I just visualize the Arabic words or the Quran... is this right..?

Another thing is when your making dua are you supposed to put out your hands and than make dua or can you just ask without putting up your hands. I also have trouble remembering what I want to ask Allah swt and tend to become very nervous when ever making dua.
 

Mabsoot

Amir
Staff member
assalamu alaykum,

When you pray, try to concentrate. Think about the words, if Arabic is not your language, then find out the meanings of the words you say. Also when you pray, imagine you are standing in front of Allah (subhana wa ta'ala) - and this is explained further below in the post.

Outside of prayer, learn more knowledge and do those things that can help increase your iman, such as reading the Qur'an, listening to Islamic lectures, reading books, mixing with good people, pondering about the nature and Allah's creation.

The following is an excerpt from a khutbah by Imam Hudhaifi. He is the Imam and Khateeb of Masjid al Nabawi ( The Prophet's Mosque, in al Madinah al Munawarah).

About the reward of the good-doers in the hereafter, Allaah says,
“For those who have done good is the best (reward i.e. Paradise) and even more (i.e. having the honour of glancing upon the countenance of Allaah). Neither darkness nor dust nor any humiliating disgrace shall cover their faces. They are the dwellers of Paradise, they will abide therein forever.” (Yoonus 10:26)

The word “more” means having the prestige of seeing the Countenance of Allaah as it has been successively related in hadeeths that the believers will see their Lord on the day of Judgement. As a matter of fact having the privilege of seeing the Gracious Countenance of Allaah on the last day is a suitable reward for Ihsaan (i.e. good deeds) because ihsaan means to worship Allaah in this world as if one sees Him. Glancing at His Gracious Countenance plainly on the Day of Judgement then becomes the greatest reward for good deeds. As regards the unbelievers, their eyes will be screened from seeing Allaah on that day, as their hearts were veiled from knowing Allaah and fearing Him in this world. Allaah says,

“Nay! Surely they (the evil-doers) shall be veiled from seeing their Lord that day.” (Al-Mutaffifeen 83:15)

Fellow Muslims! What then is this ihsan (good deed) that attracts such a high position before Allaah and such a great reward? The answer was provided by the Messenger of Allaah saws when he said
, “Al-Ihsaan is to worship Allaah as if you see Him. And even though you do not see Him, He sees you!” (Muslim).
This hadeeth means that man should worship Allaah, mindful of his closeness to Him and his standing before Him just as if he is seeing Him plainly. This state brings about God-consciousness and love of Allaah and purifies ones acts of worship.
Anas bin Malik narrated that a man said,

“O Messenger of Allaah! Tell me a short word.” The Prophet saws replied, “Pray as if you are in your farewell prayer, for if you do not see Allaah, He sees you.” And the meaning of the phrase “if you do not see Him, He sees you” is that if one cannot worship Allaah as if one sees Him, he should then worship Him with the conviction that Allaah does see him and that none of his affairs is concealed from Allaah. Haarithah related that the Prophet saws told him,
“O Haarithah! How did you enter into your morning?”
He said, “I replied, ‘I entered into the morning as a true believer.’”
He said, “The Prophet saws then told me, ‘Watch what you say, for every word has a reality.’”
He said, “I then said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, I keep myself away from the (leisures of this) world, spend my nights in prayer and fast during my days. I am now as if I am looking at the throne of my Lord appearing. I am also as if I am looking at the inhabitants of Paradise as they visit one another. And it seems as if I am looking at the dwellers of hell as they howl therein!” The Prophet saws then said, “You have indeed seen (what you claimed to have seen). Therefore continue on your state of Ibaadah, O slave whom Allaah has illuminated his heart with faith!”

Al-Ihsaan is to observe prayer in the best form, moving closer to Allaah and beseeching Him secretly during the night when people are asleep. So also is doing good to people. Allaah says,
“Verily, they were before this good doers. They used to sleep but little by night (invoking their Lord and praying with fear and hope). And in the hours before dawn they were (found) asking (Allaah) for forgiveness. And in their properties there was the right of the beggar (who asked) and the poor (who do not ask others).”(Adh-Dhaariyaat 51:17-19)

Al-Ihsaan also means striving against one’s soul, struggle against Satan, hypocrites and unbelievers. Allaah says,

“And many a Prophet fought (in Allaah’s cause) and along with him (fought) large bands of religious learned men. But they never lost heart for that which did befall them in Allaah’s way, nor did they weaken nor degrade themselves. And Allaah loves the patient ones. And they said nothing but, ‘Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and our transgressions (in keeping our duties to you). Establish our feet firmly and give us victory over the disbelieving folk! So Allaah gave them the reward of this world, and the excellent reward of the hereafter. And Allaah loves the good-doers.” (Aal-Imraan 3:146-148).

It is also an aspect of Ihsan to spend in the way of Allaah whether one is rich or poor, to suppress ones anger and forgive the ignorant ones when they misbehave. Allaah says,

“Those who spend (in Allaah’s cause) in prosperity and in adversity, who repress anger and who pardon men; verily, Allaah loves the good-doers.”(Aal-Imraan 3:134).

It is a part of Ihsaan to surrender to the truth, to love it and to listen to the revealed book of Allaah with sound and healthy minds and attentive ears. Allaah says,

“And when they listen to what has been sent down to the Messenger, you see their eyes overflowing with tears because of the truth they have recognised. They say, “Our Lord! We believe; so write us among the witnesses. And why should we not believe in Allaah and in that which has come to us of the truth (Islaamic monotheism)? And we wish that our Lord will admit us (in Paradise on the Day of Resurrection along with the righteous people (Prophet Muhammad saws and his companions). So because of what they said, Allaah rewarded them with gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise), they will abide therein forever. Such is the reward of the good-doers.”(Al-Maa’idah 5:83-85)

Fellow Muslims! Fear Allaah as He should be feared and race towards His pleasure. Know that His pleasure can never be attained except by carrying out his commandments and abstaining from what He prohibits, for this is really the worship, for which He created the man and jinn. Allaah has also bestowed his favour on you by explaining to you preferable periods in which one should increase his act of worship so as to get great rewards. Among these periods are the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. Standing at Arafah also falls within these days, and it is on this great day that Allaah forgives great sins. The Prophet saws said,

“There is no day in which Allaah redeems as many souls from hell as the day of Arafah. Allaah comes near and boasts with His servants in front of the angels. He then says, “What do these people want?” (Muslim).

Abo Qataadah ra also narrated that the Messenger of Allaah saws was asked about fasting on the day of Arafah, and he replied,

“It removes the sins of the previous year and the current year.” (Muslim).

Strive therefore to do as many good deeds in this day as possible. Remember Allaah much and keep yourslef away from the prohibited things. Allaah says,

“And march forth in the way (which leads) to forgiveness from your Lord and Paradise as wide as are the Heavens and the Earth, prepared for the pious. Those who spend (in Allaah’s cause) in prosperity and in adversity, who repress anger and who pardon men; verily, Allaah loves the good-doers.” (Aal-Imraan 3:133:134).
Source: khutbah Al Ihsaan:
http://turntoislam.com/community/threads/al–ihsaan-perfection-in-acts-of-worship.40220/
 

Janaan

ربنا اغفر لنا ذنوبنا
Staff member
Hello everyone,
I'm trying so hard to change and become a better Muslim and one thing I have trouble with is prayer. I know how to pray and when to pray but the problem is I don't know-what your supposed to feel. I always here people say that when they finish praying, they feel peace or feel better. But when I pray, I don't feel anything. Another question is when your praying what are you supposed to think as well as what are you supposed to visualize. Sometimes when I pray and don't understand what i'm reading or do understand, I just visualize the Arabic words or the Quran... is this right..?
Assalaamu `alaiki warahmatullaah sister.

In the wrods of shaykh ibn `Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah),
The essence and spirit of prayer is the proper focus of the heart and mind.

I think it's safe to assume that many of us also have trouble with our prayers, none can say their prayers are perfect. But Alhamdulillah, we've been blessed with five chances to practice and improve everyday. What you're missing is what millions have trouble with every single day: Khushoo`.

There's a book I'd like to recommend, it's called "33 Ways of Developing Khushoo`" written by shaykh Saalih Al-Munajjid. You can read it here Inshaa'Allaah. I had it a while back in paperback but it disappeared now. Alhamdulillaah I have to say it did benefit me but it's best to go back to it and read through it again and again to refresh your memory and stay on track. But I absolutely enjoyed reading it. I especially loved the section about how the salaf were when they would pray maashaa'Allaah!

Mujaahid (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “When one of them stood in prayer, he would be too fearful of his Lord to allow his eyes to be drawn to anything, or to turn aside or to fidget by playing with pebbles or anything else or to think of any worldly matter, unless he forgot, during prayer.” (Ta’zeem Qadr al-Salaah, 1/188)

When Ibn al-Zubayr stood up to pray, he would be like a stick (i.e., immobile) with khushoo’. Once he was prostrating when a missile from a catapult was launched at him, when Makkah was being besieged, and part of his garment was torn away whilst he was praying, and he did not even raise his head. Muslimah ibn Bashshaar was praying in the mosque when part of it collapsed, and the people got up [and fled], but he was praying and did not even notice. We have heard that one of them was like a garment thrown on the floor; one of them would end his prayer with the colour of his complexion changed because he had been standing before Allah. One of them would not know who was standing to his right or left when he prayed. One of them would go pale when he did wudoo’ for prayer, and it was said to him, “We see that when you do wudoo’ a change comes over you.” He said, “I know before Whom I am going to stand.” When the time for prayer came, ‘Ali ibn Abi Taalib would be visibly shaken, and the colour of his face would change. It was said to him, “What is the matter with you?’ He said, “By Allah, there has come the time of the amaanah (trust) which Allah offered to the heavens and the earth, and the mountains, but they declined to bear it and were afraid of it, but I bore it [cf. Al-Ahzaab 33:72].” When Sa’eed al-Tanookhi prayed, there would be tears rolling down his cheeks onto his beard. We heard that one of the Taabi’een, when he stood up to pray, his colour would change, and he would say, “Do you know before Whom I am going to stand and with Whom I am going to talk?” Who among you has fear and respect like this? (Silaah al-Yaqazaan li Tard al-Shaytan, ‘Abd al-‘Azeez Sultaan, p. 209)

They said to ‘Aamir ibn ‘Abd al-Qays, “Do you think to yourself during prayer?” He said, “Is there anything I like to think about more than the prayer?” They said, “We think to ourselves during prayer.” He said, “About Paradise and al-hoor (“houris”) and so on?” They said, “No; about our families and our wealth.” He said, “If I were to be run through with spears, it would be dearer to me than thinking to myself about worldly matters during prayer.”

Sa’d ibn Mu’aadh said: “I have three qualities, which I wish I could keep up all the time, then I would really be something. When I am praying, I do not think about anything except the prayer I am doing; if I hear any hadith from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), I do not have any doubts about it; and when I attend a janaazah (funeral), I do not think about anything except what the janaazah says and what is said to it.” (Al-Fataawa li Ibn Taymiyah, 22/605).

Haatim (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “I carry out what I am commanded; I walk with fear of Allah in my heart; I start with the [correct] intention; I magnify and glorify Allah; I recite at a slow and measured pace, thinking about the meaning; I bow with khushoo’; I prostrate with humility; I sit and recite the complete tashahhud; I say salaam with the [correct] intention; I finish with sincerity towards Allah; and I come back fearing lest [my prayer] has not been accepted from me, so I continue to strive until I die.” (Al-Khushoo’ fi’l-Salaah, 27-28).

Abu Bakr al-Subghi said: “I lived through the time of two imaams (leaders) although I was not fortunate enough to hear them in person: Abu Haatim al-Raazi and Muhammad ibn Nasr al-Marwazi. As for Ibn Nasr, I do not know of any prayer better than his. I heard that a hornet stung him on his forehead and blood started flowing down his face, but he did not move.” Muhammad ibn Ya’qoob al-Akhram said: “I have never seen any prayer better than that of Muhammad ibn Nasr. Flies used to land on his ears, and he did not shoo them away. We used to marvel at how good his prayer and khushoo’ were. His fear [of Allah] in prayer was so great that he would put his chin on his chest as if he were a piece of wood standing up.” (Ta’zeem Qadr al-Salaah, 1/58). Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allah have mercy on him), when he started to pray, used to tremble so much that he would lean right and left. (Al-Kawaakib al-Durriyah fi Manaaqib al-Mujtahid Ibn Taymiyah, by Mar’i al-Karami, p. 83, Daar al-Gharb al-Islaami).

Read the book ukht, it's very short but it'll answer all of your questions and more. :inshallah:
Another thing is when your making dua are you supposed to put out your hands and than make dua or can you just ask without putting up your hands. I also have trouble remembering what I want to ask Allah swt and tend to become very nervous when ever making dua.
The du`aa after prayer doesn't require putting out or raising the hands. There's been an innovation introduced into the deen where people put out their hands after salaah, make du`aa and then wipe their face. May Allaah save us from falling into any and all types of bid`ah. You can read more here: http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/26279

And you shouldn't be shy to ask Allaah of anything ukhty, as long as it's nothing bad. This is a trick of shaytaan so ignore it inshaa'Allaah. Allaah `azza wa jalla is Al-Ghaniyy (Rich- free of any need) and He's Generous. The prophet's told us that when we ask of Him, we should ask for the highest place in jannah, Jannat al-Firdaws so ask, ukhty, and be hopeful for an answer. :)
 

Eman Yousuf

Junior Member
:salam:

Shukran khateeran ukhti Janaan and brother Mabsoot, some how we all lack " Khushoo" ,inshaallah I downloaded the book you referred . Planning to make a better use of it.

barak allah fiqkum

Wa Salaam
 

Abu Loren

Defender of Islam!
I also feel that matters of the dunya can affect our khushoo. For example, if you are worried about worldly concerns and are constantly thinking about it then when the time for prayer comes you will still be thinking about it rather than forgetting about the matter until after the prayers.

From what I see with my own is that some brothers for example stand outside the masjid smoking and talking and when the Iqama is pronounced they quickly run in and join the ranks. If, however, they utilised those five or so minutes by reading a page or two from the Qur'an then that would have calmed them down and would have been ready for prayer mentally.

For some people it's ok to just pray routinely, that is stand in line say the words and afterwards quickly get up and leave. After prayer is an ideal time to reflect and think about where you are heading.

But everybody is different and we can only advise people and whether they take that advise or not is entirely up to them.

Allahu Alum.
 

Hachiko

Junior Member
Assalaamu walaikum.
Bismillaheerahmaneeraheem.
Insahallah with all these posts you will feel peace after salah.:D :SMILY82::SMILY128::SMILY252::SMILY32:

Something that will really help while you are reciting is finding out the meaning of the surahs you are reciting, and what you are saying (Allahu Akbar, Sami allahu Limanhami dah, Subhanna Rabbil 'ala etc.). Find out the translation in your mother tongue language and try to memorize each line as best as you can. Remember, if it becomes hard, remember Allah and He will Inshallah help you.:)
If you find it hard to concentrate during salah, (e.g: thinking bad thoughts, mind-wandering) then before you pray, say Aoothubillahiminashaitaneerrajeem,then spit dryly to your left.(do this 3 x)
One of the Sahaabah complained to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) about waswaas during prayer, and he said: “The Shaytaan comes between me and my prayers and my recitation, confusing me therein.” The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “That is a devil called Khanzab. If he affects you seek refuge in Allah from him and spit drily to your left three times.” He [the Sahaabi] said, I did that and Allah took him away from me
It also helps to look at where you are going to prostrate in order to concentrate while you are standing.

Remember, there are most likely a lot of people out there too, struggling with your same problem. You are not alone.:salah:
Not everyone feels peace after salah, but perhaps Allah gives them a reward later on.
Also while dua, I'm pretty sure you have to raise your hands above your chest and your hands not too close or far apart.
Dua is just asking Allah what you want. Remember, dua is ALWAYS answered and you can do it at anytime,with or without wudu! Maybe you could ask in your dua for Allah Subhannawat'ala to helpyou in salah and dua.
Alhamdulillah see, Allah subhnnawata'ala has bestowed His mercy upon you and made you fear Him hence this thread.
I pray Allah guides you and your family and has mercy on you and your family.:dua:
Ameen.
And Allah knows best.
 

Aini Ahmed

Member
Thanks everyone for the post I learned some new things I didn't know about mashhallah. Although most of my questions are answered my biggest concern is, as soon as you start to pray; is your mind supposed to be empty or thinking of Allah or what is your mind supposed to think. Sorry if I wasn't clear the first time and I hope you understand what I'm looking for.
 

Hachiko

Junior Member
Assalaamu Alaikum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuhu.
well, i usually feel trust and fear in Allah. I know that he is most gracious and most forgiveful.. :salah:
 

Eman Yousuf

Junior Member
:salam:



We are all trying to do our best to give justice to our religion:mashaallah:. Yes, the waswasa is always there during salah but a mumin hold\bring back the thought and try to concentrate on salah and we should always hope good with Allah (swa) that he will give us the due reward even in this case.

Thank you Abu Loren for the reminder.

wa salam:)
 

jawediqbal

Member
Namaz has numerous physical and spiritual benefits as it keeps you away from many diseases as it is also an exercise along with worship and also, we attain peace of heart and mind through it.
 
Top