What are the top 10 best ways of improving salah (prayers)?

In a Nutshell: Salah, the cornerstone of our faith, holds immense potential for spiritual growth and inner peace. This answer explores ten practical ways to elevate your prayers, fostering a deeper connection with Allah (SWT) and enriching your daily life. Table of Contents Introduction Evidences Analysis of Top 10 Ways to Improve Salah Misconceptions about Improving Salah FAQs about Improving Salah Conclusion Introduction Salah, the five daily prayers, is a sacred obligation and a direct connection between a believer and Allah (SWT). It is a cornerstone of our faith, a source of immense spiritual reward and a practical expression of servitude. The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said, "The covenant between us and them [the disbelievers] is prayer; whoever abandons it is not a believer." (Sahih Bukhari) However, simply fulfilling the obligatory actions isn't enough. We are encouraged to strive for excellence in our Salah, to cultivate a state of presence and focus known as Khushu. This deepens our connection with Allah (SWT), brings peace to our hearts and allows us to reap the true benefits of prayer. This answer explores ten practical ways to elevate your Salah, transforming it from a routine into a wellspring of spiritual nourishment. Background Before delving into methods of improvement, it's crucial to understand the purpose and core elements of Salah. Prayer is a form of worship, a direct communication with Allah (SWT). It allows us to express gratitude, seek forgiveness and connect with our Creator. Each prayer consists of specific postures (ruku', sujud), recitations (Quran) and supplications. Performing these actions with proper understanding, focus and tranquillity is key to achieving Khushu. Evidences: Quranic Verses on the Importance and Focus in Prayer: Allah (SWT) says in the Quran, "Successful are the believers Who are observant in their prayers,And who are careful of their obligatory charity,And who are believers in the unseen," (Quran 23:1-2) This verse highlights the importance of attentiveness and focus during prayers. In another verse, Allah (SWT) reminds us, "Establish prayer, for prayer restrains [one] from immorality and wrongdoing. And indeed, the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do." (Quran 29:45) Prayer serves as a deterrent from sin and a constant reminder of Allah's presence, emphasizing the need for mindfulness during prayer. Hadiths on Perfecting and Beautifying Salah: The Prophet Muhammad (saw) emphasized the importance of perfecting and beautifying our Salah. He (saw) said, "Pray as you have seen me pray." (Sahih Bukhari) This Hadith highlights the importance of following the Prophet's (saw) teachings and Sunnah in performing Salah. He (saw) also said, "Let your adornment be in your prayer." (Sahih Muslim) This Hadith encourages us to approach prayer with care and focus, making it a beautiful and spiritually enriching experience. Scholarly Opinions on Enhancing Khushu (Focus): Islamic scholars throughout history have emphasized the importance of Khushu in prayer. Imam Ibn Qayyim (ra) stated, The purpose behind prayer is not just the actions of bowing and prostrating, but the presence of the heart with the Lord. (I'daat al-Qarib, p. 190) This quote highlights that Khushu, the presence of the heart, is the true essence of prayer. Imam Al-Ghazali (ra) said, ... strive for the presence of your heart in prayer, for it is the essence of prayer. (Ihya Ulum al-Din, Vol. 1, p. 197) This quote emphasizes the active effort required to cultivate Khushu in prayer. Top 10 Ways to Improve Salah Here are ten practical methods to elevate your Salah and cultivate a deeper connection with Allah (SWT): Purification of the Heart and Intention (Niyyah): The foundation of any good deed lies in sincerity. Begin by purifying your heart from worldly distractions and setting a clear intention (Niyyah) solely for the sake of pleasing Allah (SWT). A Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (saw) tells us, "Actions are only by intentions and each person will have what he intended." (Sahih Bukhari) This Hadith emphasizes the importance of Niyyah. Start your prayer with a clear and sincere intention to connect with Allah (SWT). Perfecting Wudu and Maintaining Cleanliness: Physical cleanliness is a prerequisite for prayer. Perform Wudu with care and attention, ensuring all obligatory parts are thoroughly washed. In the Quran, Allah (SWT) states, "O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] the prayer, wash your faces and your forearmsto the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles." (Quran 5:6) This verse outlines the obligatory actions of Wudu. Strive to perform Wudu thoughtfully, not just mechanically. Seeking Knowledge about Prayer Rulings and Etiquette: A sound understanding of prayer rulings and etiquette is essential. This allows you to perform Salah correctly and avoid invalidating actions. Prophet Muhammad (saw) said, "Learn the rules of prayer, for prayer is the pillar of your religion." (Musnad Ahmad) Seek knowledge from authentic sources like qualified scholars or reliable Islamic websites. Contemplation of the Greatness of Allah (SWT) during Salah: Pause during your prayer to contemplate the majesty and power of Allah (SWT) Standing before your Creator, reflect on His infinite attributes and the blessings He has bestowed upon you. Imam An-Nawawi (ra) said, Whoever belittles the prayer belittles Allah (SWT)... (Al-Adhkar, p. 100) Remembering Allah's ?? (Uthmah - Greatness) magnifies your prayer experience and fosters humility. Reciting Quran Slowly and Pondering its Meanings: Recite the Quran during your prayer slowly and attentively, pondering the meanings of each verse. Focus on the beauty of the language and the message Allah (SWT) conveys. The Prophet (saw) said, "Whoever recites a letter from the Quran, a good deed will be written for him and it will be multiplied by ten." (At-Tirmidhi) Taking time to understand the Quran during prayer elevates its recitation from mere words to a form of deep communication with Allah (SWT). Perfecting Ruku' and Sujud with Presence of Mind and Body: Ruku' (bowing) and Sujud (prostration) are expressions of submission to Allah (SWT). Perform these postures with serenity and ensure your body parts are positioned correctly according to the Sunnah. Prophet Muhammad (saw) said, "Straighten your rows, for straightening the rows is part of the perfection of prayer." (Sahih Muslim) This Hadith emphasizes the importance of proper posture in prayer, reflecting inner focus and outward respect. Avoiding Distractions and Focusing on Every Action: Minimize distractions during prayer. Silence your phone, choose a quiet place and avoid looking around. Focus on each action and supplication, being present in the moment. Prophet Muhammad (saw) said, "The prayer of a person who looks around repeatedly is not valid." (Sahih Ibn Hibban) Consciously guard your focus during prayer to maximize your connection with Allah (SWT). Remembering the Last Day of Judgement and Seeking Allah's Mercy: Imagine yourself standing before Allah (SWT) on the Day of Judgement. This contemplation can evoke feelings of humility and sincerity in your prayer. In the Quran, Allah (SWT) says, "And worship your Lord until there comes to you the certainty [i.e., death]." (Quran 15:99) Remembering the brevity of life and the importance of seeking Allah's mercy can deepen your Khushu.