Prayer TimesIt is essential for the person performing prayer to be in a state of humility and presence. (al-Mu’minun, 23/2) One should focus on the prayer as much as possible. For this, it is recommended to worship as if seeing Allah the Exalted (c.c.) (Bukhari, Iman, 37 [50]; Muslim, Iman, 5-7 [9-10]) and to turn to Him by considering each prayer as if it were the last one to be performed (Ibn Majah, Zuhd, 15 [4171]).
On the other hand, having worldly thoughts come to mind during prayer is a situation many people encounter. Regarding external thoughts during prayer, the Prophet (s.a.s.) said: “When the call to prayer is made, Satan turns and flees, breaking wind so as not to hear the call. When the call is finished, he returns. When the iqamah is pronounced, he turns and flees again. When the iqamah is finished, he returns and comes between a person and his heart, saying, ‘Remember this, remember that,’ reminding him of things he had not thought of before the prayer, until the person no longer knows how many rak‘ahs he has prayed. So if any of you does not know whether he has prayed three or four rak‘ahs, let him perform two prostrations (of forgetfulness) while sitting.” (Bukhari, Sahw, 6-7 [1231-1232]; al-‘Amal fi’s-salat, 18 [1222]; Muslim, Salat, 16-19 [389])
Based on this hadith, Islamic scholars have stated that thoughts that come to mind and heart during prayer do not invalidate the prayer. (Kasani, Bada’i, 1/215; Shawkani, Nayl al-Awtar, 2/397-398 [861]) However, one should not occupy oneself with worldly thoughts that come to mind. For if a person does not try to rid themselves of such thoughts and becomes preoccupied with them, this will diminish both the power of prayer to prevent indecency and its reward. Therefore, one should not pursue external thoughts that come to mind during prayer and should try to regain focus by remembering that they are in the presence of Allah the Exalted.
Source: T.C. Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı, Din İşleri Yüksek Kurulu
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