10 Ways to Concentrate in your Prayer.
1. Preparing for Salat
The best way to get ready is by making Adhan(call to prayer)and making the du'aa after adhan.The Prophet (May Peace be upon Him) said: "Whoever after listening to the Adhan says: Oh Allah owner of this perfect call and of the regular prayer which is going to be established! Kindly give Muhammad the right of intercession and superiority, and send him on the day of judgement to the best and the highest place in paradise which you promised him." Then intercession for me will be permitted for him on the Day of Judgement." [Bukhari]
One must put on his best and cleanest clothes. (No pajamas please just because is fajr)
2.Tranquility in Salat
The Prophet (Peace be Upon him) used to prostate himself in Salat until all his joints returned to their proper places. He Also said: "The prayer of anyone is not perfect unless he performs ablution perfectly" (Abu Dawood)
3. Pondering and reflecting upon the Quran's verses
The Quran was revealed so that we may ponder over it.
Allah says: "This is book that we have revealed unto, you full of blessing, that they may ponder its revelations and that men of understanding may reflect" (Surah Sa'd: verse 29).
But reflection cannot be attained except through knowledge; that is, one should know what one is reading. When one reflects upon Allah verses one becomes affected and even shed tears.
4. Remembering death during Salat
Pray as it is your last salat on earth. By remembering death one is more likely to concentrate better in the prayer. If you just imagine that the angel of death is standing next to you, there is a guaranteed instantaneous khushu.
5. Istia'dha from Satan (Seeking Refuge with Allah)
Shaytan is our biggest enemy. One must always seek protection from him. During Salat, his incessant whisper keep you from concentrating.
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (May be peace be upon him) said: "when anyone of you stands for the prayers, Satan comes to put doubt in his mind till he forgets how many rakas he has prayed . So if it happens to anyone of you, he should perform two prostrations of forgetfulness while siting." (Bukhari)
6.Placing the Right hand over the Left Hand on the Chest.
The Prophet( May Peace be upon Him) used to put his right hand over left hand on his chest, when asked about it He said: " We, Prophets have been ordered to put our right hand over our left hand while praying" (At-Tabarani)
7. Moving the forefinger
This sunnah have been overlooked by many Muslims although it could bring so many benefits and a positive effect on Khushu. The Prophet (May peace be Upon him) said: " it has more terrible effect on Satan than iron (i.e. the effect of attesting the Oneness of Allah, with the help of the forefinger during tashahud, has more terrible effect on satan than striking him with iron; as the accursed Satan hates it).
8. Removing what distracts a worshiper
Noise, picture on the prayer mat, praying behind somebody who is talking can be very distracting.
9. Avoiding prayer
when food is present, when feeling sleepy, when prompted by the call of nature
when food is present, when feeling sleepy, when prompted by the call of nature
10. Striving to avoid yawning during Salat
The Prophet (May peace be upon him) said : "Yawning is from Satan, so if one of you yawns, he should try his best to stop it; for when anyone of you yawns, Satan laughs at him".
