Ali Gomaa: Steps to Achieve Khushu’ in Prayer and Renewing the Connection with Allah
Dr. Ali Gomaa explains how to achieve khushu’ (humility and focus) in prayer and strengthen one’s relationship with Allah through remembrance and sincere repentance
In a fast-paced world filled with distractions and worries, achieving khushu’ (humility and presence of heart) in prayer remains one of the greatest sources of inner peace. This is what Dr. Ali Gomaa, former Grand Mufti of Egypt and member of the Council of Senior Scholars at Al-Azhar Islamic institution in Egypt, emphasized through words calling for a heartfelt return to Allah and constant spiritual awareness.
How does the soul rise in levels of devotion?
A heart attached to Allah through constant remembrance
Ali Gomaa explains that when a person keeps their heart attached to Allah and remembers Him continuously, the soul rises through stages:
- The commanding self (inclined to evil)
- The self-reproaching soul
- The inspired soul
- The tranquil soul
- The content soul
- The pleased soul
- The perfected soul
This spiritual ascent is achieved only through sincere remembrance and constant return to Allah.
Repentance is always open
Never lose hope in Allah’s mercy
Ali Gomaa urges believers not to despair, emphasizing:
- Never get tired of repentance
- Never lose hope in yourself or Allah’s mercy
- Do not become bold in committing sins
- Treat sin as عظیم (serious) and abandon it immediately
- Start a new life every day
Sincere repentance erases the past and opens a new path of light.
How do we feel the sweetness of prayer?
Remembrance outside prayer is the key
He explains that when prayer loses khushu’, it becomes a habit instead of worship, and the solution lies in:
- Frequent remembrance of Allah outside prayer
- Full presence of heart during worship
- Making remembrance a constant lifestyle
As Allah says:
“Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater.”
Practical steps to achieve khushu’ in prayer
A guide to spiritual presence
The Islamic Research Academy of Al-Azhar provided several steps:
- Proper preparation with ablution and clean appearance
- Performing prayers on time
- Choosing a quiet place free from distractions
- Being mindful of standing before Allah
- Performing prayer with calmness and tranquility
- Reflecting on the meanings of verses and supplications
These steps transform prayer from movement into a living spiritual experience.
How does worship become life itself?
From habit to spiritual meaning
Scholars warn that turning prayer into a habit makes it easier to abandon. However:
- Habit-based actions are easily neglected
- Conscious worship strengthens consistency
- Continuous remembrance brings life to prayer
When the sweetness of prayer enters the heart, it becomes a constant source of strength and peace.
Conclusion
Khushu’ in prayer is not a passing skill but a journey of the heart returning to Allah through repentance, remembrance, and awareness—until prayer becomes not just an obligation, but a daily meeting with peace and divine connection.
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