In this course, the student will study the Risala al-Khushu`iyya of Imam Abu Sa`id al-Khadimi, a treatise that provides a holistic look at the prayer as an act of worship centered on presence with, and attachment to, Allah Most High.
“Successful are the believers who in their prayers are humble.” (Quran, 23:2) Humbleness (khushu`) is considered the life of the prayer, which possesses both an inward and outward reality. In his treatise on khushu`, Imam Khadimi, relying on earlier authorities like Imam Ghazali, focuses on the inner and outer dimensions of prayer, their various elements, conditions, and the way one attaches the heart to Allah in the actions one is performing and rids oneself of distractions.
- Teacher: Shaykh Salman Younas
- Learn the inner and outward adab of purification and prayer.
- Understand the higher purpose of prayer and its role in the cultivation of piety and ihsan
- Become better acquainted with the spiritual states of early Muslims and their attitude towards the prayer.
- Learn practical ways to attach one’s heart to Allah in the prayer and safeguard oneself from distractive thoughts.
The prayer is one of the greatest blessings of Islam. It is the direct link to Allah in which the servant humbles himself completely before Allah. It is a means for asking. It is a means for forgiveness. It is a means for repelling harm. It is a means for closeness. Whenever the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) was distressed by a matter, he turned to the prayer. It was his source of joy and relief.
The prayer comes at specific times in the day and night to imbue our lives with the remembrance of Allah. This happens through focus. Making the prayer a time of focus, and a spiritual and emotional bond with Allah starts with perfecting the performance of the prayer.
This course offers key insights into the perfection of prayer. Leading scholars offer their insight on the effect a perfectly performed prayer can have on a person, and give practical tips on how you can have a focus-filled prayer. Allah Most High says in the Quran, “Perfectly perform the prayers for My remembrance.” (Quran, 20:14) This course paves the way for students to transform their prayer completely and inspires them to develop a bond with their Creator through prayers.
- Teacher: Ustadha Zaynab Ansari
- Teacher: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
- Teacher: Shaykh Yahya Rhodus
- Teacher: Imam Zaid Shakir
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Realize the need for focus in prayer.
- Learn how to focus better in prayer.
- Gain the insight and inspiration to improve one’s prayer.
- Understand how to perfect the performance of prayer.