Table of Contents
Introduction
This is the fifteenth part of a series of articles discussing prayer in Islam, how it should be performed correctly, how the righteous predecessors prayed, and how to unlock the hearts before prayer to pave the way to experiencing the Light of Prayer. Click here to read the entire series, ALLAH willing.
The Importance of Unlocking the Heart Before Prayer
One of the most powerful ways to increase faith and draw closer to ALLAH Almighty with sincerity is by understanding the keys to the hearts before prayer. This concept is truly significant. In fact, it might have been more fitting to name this series “The Keys to the Hearts Before Prayer” because of its great importance. Approaching ALLAH Almighty with a heart distracted by worldly concerns, desires, and worries does not benefit anyone. As human beings, we all have our own challenges, crises, and desires. We ask ALLAH Almighty to protect us, heal us, and guide us to be among the righteous.
Preparing the Heart for the Light of Prayer
At the same time, it is essential to understand that the locks on your heart have keys, and you should use them wisely. When you rise to perform ablution, let your heart be filled with sincere emotions. As you make your way to the mosque, remember that each step is not an ordinary one. Avoid being distracted by worldly matters, and instead, focus on ALLAH Almighty. In that moment, the Light of Prayer shines upon you.
The Prophet, Peace be upon Him, said,
“Give good tidings to those who walk to the mosques in darkness for having a perfect light on the Day of Judgment“1
This prayer is what brings light to both your worldly life and the Hereafter. This is why the Prophet, Peace be upon Him, described prayer as “light”, in the hadith of Abu Malik Al-Ash’ari2. There is no light in your life greater than the Light of Prayer—a light in this world, a light in your grave, and a light on the Day of Resurrection.
The Light of Prayer in Every Aspect of Life
The supplication you recite on your way to prayer is known as the Supplication of Lights, as named by the scholars:
“O ALLAH, place light in my heart,
and on my tongue light,
and in my ears light
and in my sight light,
and above me light,
and below me light,
and to my right light,
and to my left light,
and before me light
and behind me light.
Place in my soul light.
Magnify for me light,
and amplify for me light.
Make for me light
and make me a light.
O ALLAH, grant me light,
and place light in my nerves,
and in my body light
and in my blood light
and in my hair light
and in my skin light”3
The Light of Prayer is always present. Ablution brings light to you even before you begin. As you walk to the mosque, you recite the Supplication of Lights. And when you enter to pray, you are surrounded by the Light of Prayer. The Prophet, Peace be upon Him, said,
“If anyone keeps to it, it will be light, evidence and salvation for him on the Day of Resurrection…“4
This light brightens your entire world.
Do not think that this light is confined to certain moments or places. No, it is a constant light—the Light of Prayer. Scholars have explained that this light manifests in your worldly life. Your marriage becomes illuminated, your relationship with your children is filled with light, and your interactions with others are enlightened as well. You yourself become a source of light, blessed and beneficial to those around you. Everything in your life gains light—ALLAH Almighty illuminates your work, your job, your studies, and grants clarity to your insight, understanding, and entire life.
Let the Light of Prayer Illuminate Your Life
This is why some scholars adopted the motto, “Establish prayer, and ALLAH Almighty will illuminate your life”. Through prayer, your whole life is filled with light, leaving no room for darkness. The Light of Prayer touches every aspect of your existence, ensuring that nothing remains in shadow.
Sources:
- Dr. Ahmed ElAraby. فاهم 36 | سلسلة تذوق العبادات – (1) الصلاة | مع د. أحمد العربي. YouTube Video.
- Sunan Abi Dawud ↩︎
- Sahih Muslim ↩︎
- Hisn al-Muslim ↩︎
- Mishkat al-Masabih ↩︎
