Finding presence in prayer and assurance of guidance

Finding presence in prayer and assurance of guidance

by: Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi
Oxford

A student of Al-Salam Institute, asked two questions, both of which are answered below consecutively:

First question:
Assalamu alaikum ya Sheikh Akram, I have been studying Arabic for a number of years and my teachers have been happy with me. But, I don’t feel like I am getting closer to Allah swt. For example, I still don’t feel like I have khushu’ in my salah, or have extra love for the Qur’an. Any advice?

Answer:
Learning the Arabic language is indeed a noble and valuable pursuit. It is a means through which you can understand the Qur’ān more directly and appreciate the words that are recited in your prayer. However, it is important to remember that knowledge of the language by itself does not automatically grant khushū‘ in ṣalāh.
Khushū‘ requires an additional, conscious effort. It comes from striving to be fully present in your prayer, understanding the meanings of the words you recite, and reflecting on the actions you perform. At the beginning, you may need to force yourself to focus on these aspects, but with persistence, you will gradually notice an increase in your khushū‘.
It is also important to note that khushū‘ is not necessarily accompanied by a constant feeling of sweetness or enjoyment. Do not search for an emotional experience as the measure of a meaningful prayer. Instead, aim to make every prayer purposeful by connecting with its meanings and by reminding yourself that you are standing before Allah, the Lord of the worlds.
With patience, sincerity, and continued effort, Allah will open the doors of tranquillity and presence in your worship, in shā’ Allāh.

Second question:
How can I interpret Allah’s signs correctly and reach sound judgements? I find it hard to know if I am on the right path or wrong path, or if Allah swt is pleased with me or not.

Answer:
The matter of knowing whether one is upon the right path is not something left to guesswork or hidden signs. Rather, the Sharī‘ah has provided us with clear guidance. There are two essential conditions that determine whether you are on the straight path.
The first is to strive to do everything in the correct manner, that is, in accordance with the Qur’ān and the Sunnah. The most definitive sign that you are on guidance is your following of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, for he is the embodiment of the straight path.
The second is to make effort to purify your intention and attain sincerity. Actions, even if outwardly correct, are only accepted when they are done sincerely for the sake of Allah.
If these two matters are present, adherence to the Qur’ān and Sunnah, and sincerity in intention, then you are upon the right way, in shā’ Allāh. You do not need to look for additional signs, nor should you expect a sense of absolute certainty in every moment. True certainty comes from your belief in the promise of Allah: that whoever follows His Messenger ﷺ with sincerity will be guided and will earn His pleasure.
Therefore, continue to hold fast to the Qur’ān and Sunnah, strive for sincerity, and trust in the promise of your Lord. This is the surest path to sound judgement and Allah’s pleasure.

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