Where should one look when standing in Salah

CategoriesSalaah [867]

During the standing position of Salah one should be looking at the place of his prostration.  Is there any daleel for that?
In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.

 

Answer

 

Allah states in the Quran: “Guard your Salah (obligatory regular prayers) especially the middle Salah and stand up with true devotion to Allah.” (Surah Al Baqara: 238) Imam Mujahid says that the word “Qaniteen” means devotion and to lower the gaze. (Tafsir Qurtubi, Vol 3, P203)

 

Anas bin Malik (radi allahu anhu) narrates that the Prophet (sallal lahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “What is wrong with those people who look towards the sky during the prayer?” His talk grew stern while delivering this speech and he said, “They should stop (looking towards the sky during the prayer); otherwise their eyesight would be taken away.” (Bukhari: 1.717)

 

It is clear from the above that a person performing Salah should not let his gaze wander around as this hinders a person in his devotion.

 

Muhammad Ibn Seereen relates that it is recommended for the Imam to look and focus his gaze at the place of prostration and likewise for the muqtadi (the person following the Imam) except when he is required to see the position of the Imam. The ruling regarding the Munfarid (the person performing Salah alone) is the same as the Imam. (Fathul Bari, Vol 2, P295)

 

In another Hadith Anas (radi allahu anhu) narrates that the Prophet (sallal lahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “Oh Anas! Focus your gaze where you will prostrate.” (Baihaqi)

 

In conclusion it is apparent from the above that to keep the gaze lowered and focused at the place of prostration is desirable as this helps the devotion in Salah. For this reason (devotion) if there is any distraction at the place of prostration then the gaze should be turned away to where there will be no distraction. (Raddul Muhtar, Vol 1, P353)

Only Allah knows best.

 

Sayeedur Rahman

 

Darul Ifta, Birmingham

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