What Those Who Pray Must Be Mindful Of

One of the great awliya, Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani [quddisa sirruhu], beautifully described the essential manners and inner states that should accompany the one who stands before Allah in prayer:

1. He should make his intention (niyyah) sincerely and correctly, giving it due care and attention.
2. He should imagine himself standing directly before the Ka‘bah, facing it with full awareness.
3. He must have certain faith that he stands in the presence of Allah Almighty.
4. He should have no doubt whatsoever that he is under the gaze of the Most High.
5. When pronouncing the opening takbir (takbir al-ihram), he must believe that no veil remains between him and Allah, realizing that he is engaged in a sacred duty that allows no heedlessness or laxity.
6. In bowing (ruku‘) and prostration (sujud), he should repeat the words of glorification at least three times. As Hasan al-Basri [rahmatullahi alayh] said, “The perfection of tasbih is seven, its moderate form five, and its minimum three.”
7. While reciting Subhanaka (“Glory be to You”), he should reflect deeply on to Whom he is speaking and be aware that Allah Most High turns His attention toward him and manifests Himself to his heart.
8. While reciting the Fatiha, particularly at the words iyyaka na‘budu wa iyyaka nasta‘in (“You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help”), he should comprehend their meaning and strive to be conscious of the greatness of the One being addressed.
9. He should correct any errors in his recitation so that his words are worthy of being offered before Allah.
10. He should pray as though it were his final prayer, as if he would never again have the chance to stand before his Lord.
11. He must never doubt that his prayer is presented before Allah Most High.
12. When praying in congregation, he must avoid bowing or prostrating before the imam, maintaining perfect harmony and discipline.
13. He should learn well the obligatory acts (arkan), the necessary acts (wajibat), and the etiquettes (adab) of the prayer — and strive to apply them fully in every salah.

*********

Abdulqadir Jilani, al-Ghunyah li Talib at-Tariq al-Haqq, 2/201-205.