Once we have recited this Takbiratul Ehraam...

Once we have recited this Takbiratul Ehraam, we have left the world around us and entered the communion with Allah (S.W.T.). This state lasts until we finish our Salaat and we should allow nothing to distract us from it. Whilst in prayer, we do not turn away, speak or divert our attention to something else. This automatically nullifies Salaat.

We should keep in mind that by reciting Salaat, we have asked Allah (S.W.T.) to listen to our pleas and our proclamation of Faith, we cannot then turn our concentration away from our Lord until the end of this conversation. In order to help retain maximum concentration, it is recommended to focus on the place of Sajdah. By beginning our Salaat with the words 'God is the Greatest!', we admit our weakness and dependence to Him.

It allows us to create a feeling of total submission in our hearts as we stand before the All-Powerful Creator who gave life to us.

Imam Ali (a.s.) says, "The pious men see Allah (S.W.T.) as the Greatest, everything besides the Almighty is small." In another hadith, Imam al-Sadiq (a.s.) says, " Whoever says with his tongue 'Allahu Akbar!' but in his heart believes others to be greater than Him or put his reliance on other worldly powers, is indeed a liar and a hypocrite." Reciting Takbiratul Ehraam at the start of every prayer serves a reminder and a boost to our courage in standing up against the oppressors in our daily lives.

The Spirit of Salaat Salaat, through its words, movements, prostrations, bows and supplications, provides a person with a means of rebuilding his personality afresh. Properly performed with understanding of the recitations and the philosophies involved, it is a spiritual journey of sorts - a me'raj (Heavenly Ascension) for the Believer. On the other hand, prayer performed as a ritual and with no concentration is like a dead body without a spirit.

📌As we attempt to understand and focus on our salaat, it may help to choose a place that is simple, quiet and private when praying to avoid any distractions. Salaat is not a sport or a play that we can perform it as we wish in a hurried manner. Discipline is the of the utmost importance. Remember, if we wish to fully exploit this treasure trove, then we must be prepared to put some effort into our actions.

NOTE: It is highly recommended that one should recite Tasbih of Hadhrat Fatema al- Zahra (a.s.) after the completion of every Salaat.

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