Khushu (Humility in Prayer)
Inner humility, focus and devotion during prayer.
Khushu (Arabic: خشوع) is the state of inner humility, focus and devotion during prayer. It is the soul's presence and the heart's attentiveness to Allah during worship. Khushu is considered the soul of prayer — without it, the prayer is merely empty movements.
The Quran says: "Successful indeed are the believers, who are humble in their prayer" (Surah Al-Mu'minun 23:1-2). Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned that khushu would be one of the first things to disappear from this community.
To achieve khushu, it is recommended: to understand the meaning of what one recites, to pray slowly and calmly, to focus one's gaze toward the place of prostration, to remove distractions, to think about Allah's greatness, and to remind oneself that one is standing before Allah. Praying as if it were one's last prayer helps to achieve khushu.
Related terms
Khutbah (Sermon)
The Islamic sermon delivered before the Friday prayer and at the Eid prayers.
Imamat (Divine Leadership)
The doctrine of the twelve divinely appointed Imams who lead the community after the Prophet.
Rawatib (Regular Sunnah Prayers)
The voluntary prayers regularly prayed before and after the obligatory prayers.
Ma'ad (Resurrection)
Belief in resurrection and judgment day — the fifth article of faith in Shia Islam.
Salat al-Mayyit (Funeral Prayer)
The prayer for the deceased, performed before the burial.
Tahajjud (Night Prayer)
The voluntary night prayer performed in the last third of the night.