A question that was posed to Ash-Shaykh Muhammad bin Saalih Al-'Uthaymeen may Allah have mercy upon him.
Question #244: How is it possible for us to gain Al-Khushoo' (humility) in and outside of the prayer and during recitation of the Quran?
Answer: Al-Khushoo' is the essence and core of the prayer. And it means the presence and attendance of the heart. And that the heart of the person who is praying does not wander left and right. However if the person senses something that will divert him away from (this) Al-Khushoo', then he must seek refuge with Allah from the Outcast Shaytaan just as the Messenger sallahu 'alayhi wasallam instructed us to do*.
And there is no doubt that the Shaytaan is extremely assiduous upon spoiling all acts of worship especially the Salah which is the most superior act of worship after the Two Testimonies. Thus, He (Shaytaan) comes to the Musalli (individual who is praying) and says (or whispers): Remember this and that**. And he causes him to indulge in thoughts and ideas that are of no benefit and which leave his head soon as he concludes from the prayer.
Therefore it is upon a person that he strives with the utmost ambition to devote himself towards Allah the Mighty and Majestic and if he feels anything from these misgivings and devilish insinuations to seek refuge with Allah from the Outcast Shaytaan whether he is Raki' (bowing), in the Tashahhud, sitting, (standing) or in any position from his prayer.
(Lastly) from the greatest means that will aid one in attaining Al-Khushoo' in the prayer is that he visualizes himself standing in front of Allah and that he is confiding in his Lord subhanahu wa ta'ala.
Footnotes:*Muslim(2203).**Bukhari(608) and Muslim(291). Taken from: Fataawa Arkaanil Islaam lish Shaykh Al-'Uthaymeen. Translator: Abu Fouzaan Qaasim
qasimmujahid
22-12-2009 @ 2:19 PM
