Under the guidance of Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (may Allah be his Helper), question-and-answer sessions are being held across Canada with Respected Amir Sahib. As not all questions can be addressed during these gatherings, selected questions and their answers, prepared by the National Tarbiyat Department, are published in the Gazette for readers’ benefit.
QUESTION: “How can I increase my focus in Namaz. I heard someone say if you’re getting distracted in Namaz to ‘fake spit’ (do the action) to your left three times during Namaz. Is that true? What other ways are there?”
ANSWER:
It is commendable for believers to strive to increase their focus and concentration in Salat. Since your question specifically mentioned the practice of “spitting dryly to the left three times,” it is helpful to clarify this teaching before discussing other methods of attaining focus.
A Symbolic Action
This practice comes from an authentic tradition recorded in Sahih Muslim. Hazrat Uthman ibn Abi al-Aas (may Allah be pleased with him) once came to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and said that Satan would confuse him in prayer. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) replied: “That is a devil called Khanzab. If you feel his presence, seek refuge in Allah and spit dryly to your left three times.” Hazrat Uthman did so and said that Allah removed the distraction from him. [Sahih Muslim, 2203a]
However, this action is symbolic, not literal — it means to reject and disregard satanic thoughts, showing that they hold no power, and that only Allah is All-Powerful.
The Arabic word for “dry spitting” used in the tradition is tafl, which connotes a small puff with a little saliva, not actual spitting, which would be offensive and inappropriate.
To clarify this, the eminent Hadith scholar Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani (1372–1449 c.e.), author of the comprehensive commentary on Sahih al-Bukhari entitled Fath al-Bari, said:
“What is meant by tafl is a slight nafth (gentle blowing) without spitting, done three times to the left, as a symbolic act to drive away the devil.” [Fath al-Bari, vol. 2, p. 325, Cairo: Dar al-Ma’rifah]
Occasional Distraction is Normal — But Keep Striving
Now, let’s turn to the main question: how to increase focus in Salat.
Even the most sincere believers experience wandering thoughts in prayer. What matters is to keep bringing your heart back to Allah each time it drifts. This is part of what it means to “establish prayer” (iqamat as-salat). The Holy Qur’an repeatedly uses this phrase, such as in Surah al-Baqarah (2:277), emphasizing that believers not only perform Salat, but continually strive to maintain it. Just as Salat can “fall” through distraction, the believer strives to “make it stand” again by renewing intention and focus. This ongoing effort is itself an act of devotion that pleases Allah.
Fulfill the Outer and Inner Prerequisites of Prayer
Proper preparation for Salat begins with wudhu (ablution), but not just of the body. It is also a cleansing of the mind and heart. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “When a Muslim performs ablution and washes his face, every sin he looked at is washed away with the water” [Sahih Muslim, 244].
Performing ablution slowly and mindfully, and spending a few quiet moments in remembrance before prayer helps calm one’s thoughts and invites serenity. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) also advised, “When the time for prayer comes, call the adhan, then pray, and do not be hasty. Perform the prayer calmly and with tranquillity.” [Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim]. Coming early to the mosque or setting aside a peaceful moment at home before Salat helps align the heart with the purpose of prayer.
Visualize Allah’s Presence During Salat
The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) beautifully explained the highest level of worship, termed ihsaan, saying, “Worship Allah as if you see Him; and if you cannot see Him, know that He surely sees you.” [Sahih al-Bukhari, 50; Sahih Muslim, 9]
When you stand in prayer, imagine that Allah is before you, watching with mercy and love. This awareness transforms Salat from routine to a living, personal conversation with the Creator. Remembering that you are in the direct presence of Allah fills the heart with humility and focus.
Understand What You Are Reciting
One of the most powerful ways to maintain concentration is to understand the meanings of the words of Salat. When you know that Alhamdulillahi Rabbil Alameen means “All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of all the worlds,” every verse becomes meaningful and heartfelt.
Ibn al-Qayyim (1292–1350 c.e.), a renowned scholar known for his writings on purification of the heart, said, “If the heart is filled with remembrance and understanding of what is being recited, then the whispers of Satan will have no way to enter.”
Learning the translation of the Salat allows you to connect emotionally and spiritually with every movement and recitation.
Supplicate in Your Own Language
While the formal recitation of Salat must be in Arabic, it is completely permissible to supplicate in your own language — especially in prostrations (sujud) or after finishing the prayer.
The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “The closest a servant is to his Lord is when he is in prostration, so increase your supplication therein.” [Sahih Muslim, 482].
Speaking to Allah in your language allows you to express sincerity, ask for focus, and pour out gratitude or requests directly. This strengthens your emotional bond with Allah, deepening your attention.
The Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) beautifully summarized these points, stating:
“Do not perform Salat in the manner of a chicken pecking at grain. Rather, offer it with deep fervour and heartfelt emotion, and pray fervently. Salat is the key to resolving difficulties. Apart from the prescribed prayers and words of the Salat, supplicate often in your own mother tongue as well, so that it may stir true ardour and emotion. And until such fervour is produced, do not give up, for through this comes purification of the soul and all blessings are attained.
“Just as there are outward postures in prayer, it is necessary that the heart follow them as well. If, physically, you are standing, then let your heart also stand firm in obedience to God. If you bow, then let your heart also bow. And if you prostrate, then let your heart also prostrate. The prostration of the heart is that it should never, under any circumstance, turn away from God.”
[Malfuzat, vol. 6, pp. 87–88, 2022 ed.; translated from Urdu]
