Contemplation during salat - clarity of thought

Many of us will have times when there is a sense that the mind has become foggy and one's thought process unclear.

This mind fog occurs and is associated with endless and numerous random thoughts that fill one’s mind. It is very difficult to ‘clear’ the mind by concentrating. The more we try to force the mind to clear, the more thoughts we have and the mind fog remains.

In the previous chapter we discussed a simple exercise that will focus the mind on a single train of thought, i.e. the meaning of the salat. This regular focusing on a single and specific train of thought during salat will naturally lead to a clearing of the ‘fog’ that is associated with multiple random thoughts. As discussed, focusing on one train of thought is achievable and this will lead to clarity of thought and mind.

Contemplation occurs once the mind becomes free from this fog. As opposed to many meditation techniques, this state can be relatively rapidly achieved as one of the innumerable benefits of regular salat.

Contemplation is a state of being where the mind is in a state of peace and tranquillity. Relaxation of mind and body is achieved during this period as we contemplate the meaning of salat, and put it in the context of one’s life.

Contemplation of the words and verses of salat

Subhaanakala – glorification and praise Allahﷻ , Blessed is Hisﷻ Name and Majesty

Auzobillah – seek refuge from shaitaan, with Allahﷻ

Alhumdolillah – all praise and thanks be to Allahﷻ . We thank Allah for absolutely everything, from the air we breathe to food, one’s health, family, wealth, status, shelter, one’s peace of mind; arrogance is removed.

Allah-o-Akbar – Allahﷻ is the greater, one is humbled, all of Allah’s creation is humbled before Himﷻ.

Iyya ka na’ bodu – we only worship Allah, one is entirely dependent and we are entirely safe in reliance upon Allah. Most important is the essence of Al-Fatiha.

Siratul mustaqim – we stray from the straight path. Contemplate one’s life, the intentions, deeds and the required actions that will lead one back to Allah’sﷻ path; that is Siratul Mustaqim.

Itthayaath – compliments to Allah. The first compliment is of the salat given to us.

Salat on Prophetﷺ and family, salat on the ummah, present and past.

Blessings on Prophetﷺ and family and on the ummah, present and past.

RabbI jalni dua – pray to be steadfast in salat and also one's children and descendants, for the generations to come.

Duas – pray for forgiveness, forgiveness for one’s parents and for all ancestors that have returned to Allahﷻ . Forgiveness for all Believers on the Day of Recompense (Yaum al Qiyama).

We have discussed that this mind fog is associated with masses of random thoughts that occur particularly during the day when one is busy or inundated with worldly affairs. These thoughts may stem from, or even lead to, undue worry and anxiety.

Salat is the means of freedom from this; the sense of freedom occurs with one achieving clarity of mind and then being reminded of and becoming present to oneself and one’s entire dependence on Allahﷻ . Once in this state with presence of mind, one is able to refocus on one’s commitments and what is really important in this life. The matters and issues that one is dealing with at that moment are placed firmly back into perspective, and anxieties may be replaced with clarity and intention to take action.

Salat comprehensively addresses all of one’s concerns: concerns of the moment and of the hour and day. One supplicates the Creator for protection, guidance and forgiveness, for the guidance and success of one’s children /descendants to come, and for the forgiveness of one’s parents and ancestors. All of this is achieved during the recitation of a few short verses, in a few short moments.

There will be times when it may seem a difficult task to escape from the thoughts of worldly matters; however, action follows intention. Al-Musawwir ﷻ , the fashioner, the shaper, the designer of all things and of salat, has ordained that it (salat) is offered often and also that there is repetition in it.

Salat thus forms the perfect means and exercise to attain peace of mind through contemplation, and peace in one’s mind and khusu of one’s heart. May Allahﷻ grant us the ability to worship Himﷻ as it is only Heﷻ that knows best and grants acceptance of salat.