Originally posted 2023-12-21 16:10:31.

He stays like this for several minutes with only Allah knowing what he is saying.

In the Stillness of the Night: The True Essence of Salah

He awakes in the quiet of the night—with purpose in his heart.

Carefully, he slips out of bed, mindful not to disturb those around him. In the bathroom, cool water splashes over his face, arms, and feet, refreshing both body and spirit. Rejuvenated, he walks with intent toward his small prayer room—his sacred space.

It has been a difficult day. Questions weighed heavy on his heart, but he spoke to no one. Why? Because he knows there is only One who can truly help—the One who commanded:

“Seek help through patience and prayer.” (Qur’an 2:45)

And so, here he is—seeking help through prayer, while the world sleeps.

He raises his hands to his shoulders and proclaims with resolve:

Allahu Akbar! (Allah is the Greatest)

He folds his hands over his chest. Quietly, he seeks refuge from the accursed devil and begins in the name of Allah. He recites Al-Fatihah—the Opening of the Qur’an—with rhythmic, heartfelt tone. He does not rush. He knows his Lord is responding to every verse:

“All praise is for Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.”
— My servant has praised Me.
“The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.”
— My servant has glorified Me.
“Master of the Day of Judgment.”
— My servant has submitted to Me.
“You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.”
— This is between Me and My servant, and My servant shall have what he asks for.

Then comes his tearful plea:

“Guide us to the Straight Path, the path of those You have favored—not of those who have earned Your anger or gone astray.”
— This is for My servant, and My servant shall have what he asked for.

Moved, he continues to recite. Whichever chapter he selects, he feels as though every verse carries divine guidance—because indeed:

“This is the Book in which there is no doubt, a guidance for those who are conscious of Allah.” (Qur’an 2:2)

After completing his recitation, he bows in ruku`, glorifying his Lord. Then he rises again and prepares for the moment he cherishes most: sujood, the prostration.

He proclaims Allah’s greatness and falls to the ground, surrendering himself fully. This is complete humility. This is where the slave is closest to the Master.

He remains there. His forehead touches the earth. His soul pours out. He praises, he weeps, he asks—everything and anything. For his family, his friends, for strangers, even for those who have wronged him. His tongue moves. His heart pleads. Only Allah hears. Only Allah understands.

He sits momentarily, seeking forgiveness for any shortcoming in his prayer—then returns to sujood once more. His soul doesn’t want to rise. Time feels suspended.

Eventually, he rises, continues another cycle, and finally completes his prayer.

He returns to his bed—not burdened, but unburdened. He recites his supplications before sleep and closes his eyes, comforted, grounded, at peace with Allah, and at peace with the world.

This is Salah. True Salah.

Not a ritual.
Not a routine.
But a real conversation.
A revival of the soul.
A lifeline to the Divine.

May Allah grant us understanding, humility, and sincerity in our prayers.
May our hearts awaken, and our prayers elevate us.
Ameen.

_________________________

Source: muslimmatters.org