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
Sahih al-Bukhari (Bukhari's Authentic Collection)
The most authoritative hadith collection in Sunni Islam, compiled by Imam al-Bukhari.
Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Kaaba)
The ritual of walking seven times around the Kaaba counterclockwise as part of Hajj and Umrah.
Sunan Ibn Majah (Ibn Majah's Hadith Collection)
The sixth of the canonical hadith collections in Sunni Islam with unique narrations.
Mafatih al-Jinan (Keys to Paradise)
The most widely used Shia prayer book, compiled by Shaykh Abbas al-Qummi.
Nisf Sha'ban (Mid-Sha'ban)
The 15th of Sha'ban — the birthday of Imam al-Mahdi and a night of forgiveness.
Al-Kafi (The Sufficient)
The most important Shia hadith collection, with extensive chapters on prayer.