Kayfa Takhshaeen fi al-Salah
- Author died
- -
- Editions
- Kayfa Takhshaeen fi al-Salah
Kayfa Takhshaeen fi al-Salah (How to Attain Khushu‘ in Prayer) is a treatise by Ruqayyah bint Muhammad al-Muharib addressing Muslim women on cultivating spiritual focus, humility, and presence of heart (khushu‘) in Islamic prayer.
Background and Purpose
The work originated as a lecture delivered by the author, which she subsequently adapted into a written guide so that its benefit would reach a wider audience. Directed specifically toward Muslim women, the treatise seeks to remedy the common problem of absentmindedness during prayer by providing practical and spiritual steps to achieve full presence of heart.
Structure and Contents
Following an introduction, the treatise is organized into five main sections:
- The Merit of Khushu‘ (Fadl al-Khushu‘): Gathers Quranic verses and prophetic hadiths that praise those who maintain humility in prayer, explains the meaning of khushu‘—citing Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali's definition of it as the softening, tranquility, and submission of the heart—and emphasizes that its primary cause is realizing the gravity of standing before God.
- Before the Prayer (Qabla al-Salah): Discusses preparatory actions preceding prayer, including repeating after the caller to prayer (mu'adhdhin), reciting supplications after the adhan, supplicating frequently between the adhan and the iqamah, and performing ablution (wudu) thoroughly while consciously reflecting on its virtues.
- Preparation for Prayer Before Praying (al-Isti‘dad li-l-Salah Qabla al-Salah): Details physical readiness, including using the toothstick (siwak) to freshen the mouth and dispel drowsiness, wearing clean and presentable clothing, applying perfume when praying at home, and removing bad odors.
- During the Prayer (Atha'a al-Salah): Details practical ways to maintain focus throughout the ritual actions of prayer, beginning with facing the qiblah and approaching the prayer barrier (sutrah), evoking total surrender to God when raising the hands for the opening takbir, placing the right hand over the left upon the chest, keeping the gaze fixed on the place of prostration, reflecting deeply during recitation, bowing, prostrating, and reciting the tashahhud, as well as reciting the recommended supplications following the concluding salutations (taslim).
- The Khushu‘ of the Early Generations (Khushu‘ al-Salaf): Highlights historical examples and narratives showing how the righteous predecessors (al-salaf) embodied reverence and deep devotion in their prayers.
Publication History
A second edition of the book was published by the author in Riyadh in 1410 AH (1989/1990 CE) in 64 pages (12×17 cm format), while later editions appeared in approximately 80 medium-format pages, including an expanded edition dated 1430 AH (2009 CE).
Answer updated