Does Having Worldly Thoughts while Performing Prayer Invalidate it?
Does having worldly thoughts while performing prayer invalidate it?
Thinking about worldly issues while establishing prayer is something faced by many people. However, it is important that a person who establishes prayer is in khushu and peace (Mu’minun, 23/2). Therefore, we should focus on prayer as much as we can. In order to ensure this, one needs to perform worship as if s/he sees Allah (Bukhari, Iman, 37) and turn to Him (swt) by thinking it as if it is his/her last prayer (Ibn Majah, Zuhd, 15).
The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said regarding the unrelated thoughts in prayer, “When the Adhan is pronounced Satan takes to his heels and passes wind with noise during his flight in order not to hear the Adhan. When the Adhan is completed he comes back and again takes to his heels when the Iqama is pronounced and after its completion he returns again till he whispers into the heart of the person (to divert his attention from his prayer) and makes him remember things which he does not recall to his mind before the prayer and that causes him to forget how much he has prayed. So, one of you who cannot tell how many rakats, three or four, he established should establish two sujud (sajdah al-sahw) while sitting.” (Bukhari, Adhan, 4; Sahw, 6, 7; al-Amal fi’s-Salat, 18)
Based on this hadith, Islamic scholars express that the thoughts that occur in one’s mind in prayer do not invalidate prayer (Kasani, Bada’i, I, 215; Shawkani, Naylu’l-awtar, III, 392). However, one should not deal with worldly thoughts. Because if a person does not try to make himself free from such thoughts but deals with them, it will decrease both the power of prayer to deter a person from committing unpleasant deeds and the rewards he will get. Therefore, one should not follow the unrelated thoughts which come to mind in prayer, and should remember that he is in the presence of Allah and try to gather his thoughts.
Source: Presidency Of Religious Affairs The Turkey, High Board of Religious Affairs FATWAS
