Khushūʿ
خشوعDefinition
Humility and awe in worship — the inner quality of focus, surrender, and genuine presence in prayer that transforms ritual movement into authentic encounter with Allah. Ibn al-Qayyim devotes one of the book's most detailed chapters to khushu' because it is both the product of dhikr and its highest expression: the heart that remembers Allah consistently develops the khushu' that makes every act of worship spiritually alive. The Prophet described khushu' as the first thing to leave the religion when it begins to depart, making its cultivation and preservation an urgent spiritual priority for every believer who wants their worship to remain connected to its source.
As understood in the classical tradition of Imam al-Ghazali and the scholars of his school.
How the scholars use Khushūʿ.
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"Chapter: The second level of Khushu' involves anticipating the flaws of the self and deeds, recognizing the merit of others, and experiencing the subtlety of annihilation. This means being aware of the deficiencies and faults within oneself and one's actions, which naturally humbles the heart. Observing these faults, such as arrogance, vanity, hypocrisy, lack of sincerity, scattered intentions, and failing to perform actions pleasing to اللّٰه, leads to humility."
— Ibn al-Qayyim, Volume One
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"desires. Know that Allah observes your innermost soul and gazes upon your heart, accepting from your Salah as much as your khushu, humility, and contrition demonstrate. Worship Him in your prayer as if you see Him, for although you do not see Him, He surely sees you. If your heart is not present and your limbs are restless due to a lack of knowledge of Allah's majesty, imagine a righteous family member observing you to evaluate how you pray."
— Imam al-Ghazali, The Beginning of Guidance
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"Withholding refers to urine and bowels. The tight shoe wearer has a tight shoe. All of these prevent the attainment of proper humility, or khushu'. Likewise for the hungry and the preoccupied. The prohibition against the hungry is understood from the Prophet’s, peace be upon him, saying: “When dinner is served and the prayer is established, start with dinner unless time is short or the mind is at peace."
— Imam al-Ghazali, Book 4: The Book of Prayer
Appears in
2 books in the library
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Every book above uses Khushūʿ the way the classical scholars meant it. Listen with the full Study Kit in the app.