How to Turn Salah into a Conversation with Allah

Have you found yourself doing Salah but realizing that even though you stood, bowed, and prostrated – your heart never seemed to be there?
If yes, you’re not alone in this problem.
Sometimes Salah turns into a routine activity that we perform rather than an experience we undergo. However, Salah can turn into something really magical for us – a small private conversation with our Creator.
Then how can we make Salah more meaningful and personal?
Realize Who You Are Standing Before
Before you utter Allahu Akbar, think about who you’re standing before.
Allah – the One who knows everything about you, your problems, your hopes, sins and what you cannot confess to anyone else.
Do not start your Salah automatically.
Just remember:

“Allah gives me those minutes to return to Him.”

Such a realization might radically change the approach you have to Salah.
Know What You Are Saying
One of the easiest ways to feel closeness to Allah through Salah is to know what you’re saying during your Salah.
When you say:

Alhamdulillahi Rabbil-’alamin

you praise your Lord, who created all of the worlds.
When you say:

Iyyaka na’budu wa iyyaka nasta’een

you seek help only from Him.
You don’t have to learn everything at once.
Choose a surah or a part of Salah and learn its meaning deeply.
Knowing what you are saying reduces your Salah to automatic repetitions.

Don’t Be in a Hurry

You don’t have to prolong your prayer.
However, try to pay full attention to it while performing it.
Prolong your recitation.
Let yourself pause.
Be concentrated on your bowing and sujood.
Sometimes we are physically in Salah but mentally we rush towards our future tasks.
Give Allah these minutes, do not try to escape them.

Make Your Sujood a Place for Openhearted Supplications

Sujood is not just a physical posture.
It can be your place to turn to Allah sincerely.
Tell Him about your problems.
Ask for His guidance.
Ask for forgiveness.
Ask Him to keep safe those people you love.
Tell Him whatever bothers you.
You don’t have to use fancy words.
An honest heart is enough.
As the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, a servant is closest to his Lord while in prostration. So we should increase our supplication during this time.

Do Not Expect to Feel the Same Each Time

Sometimes you’ll feel yourself in the state of peace.
Other times you’ll be unable to concentrate.
It is absolutely natural.
Khushu is a journey not a switch.
Whenever your thoughts go somewhere, do not give up. Just bring them back.
Back to the words.
Back to their meaning.
Back to Allah.
Each time you bring your attention to Him, you practice the relationship you’re trying to build.
Salah as an Opportunity to Return to Allah Everyday
Imagine how different would be your perception of the five daily prayers.
Instead of the obligations which disturb your life, you will see the chances to step out of the world and return to your Creator.
Return when you’re happy.
Return when you’re worried.
Return when you’ve made a mistake.
Return when you feel lost.
And return even when you feel distant from Allah.
You don’t have to be spiritually perfect in order to pray with khushu.
Sometimes you become close to Allah just by showing your face.
One prayer.
One verse.
One sujood.
One sincere return after another.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I feel closer to Allah during Salah?

You have to know what you are saying in Salah, slow down, remove distractions and remember that you stand before Allah.

How can I achieve more khushu in Salah?

Try starting small. Concentrate on understanding what you’re saying, do not rush and always bring your attention back whenever it goes away.

Why do I feel nothing during my Salah?

It is absolutely natural. Spiritual feelings vary. Feeling nothing does not mean you have to stop praying. Just continue praying and gradually try to understand and concentrate.