How Can I Find the Language of the Heart in Prayer?

“How can I find the language of the heart in prayer?” This is a profound and crucial question that many seekers of truth ponder. Prayer (Salah) is the believer's ascension and the pillar of faith; however, it is not just any prayer, but one performed with khushu' (humility and presence of heart). The Holy Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of prayer and khushu' within it, to the extent that finding the "language of the heart" in prayer is synonymous with achieving the state of khushu', which guides the human heart towards its Lord. Khushu' is a state of humility, concentration, and reverence that arises in the believer's heart in the face of Divine Majesty, and from there spreads to their entire being. This is not merely a physical movement or the repetition of words, but an intimate, loving conversation with the Beloved, where the soul takes flight and the heart finds tranquility. To discover the language of the heart in prayer and to speak with God with our entire being, it is essential to take certain steps and pay attention to specific points rooted in the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah: 1. Preparation Before Prayer: The Gateway to the Spiritual Realm Finding the language of the heart in prayer begins the moment we decide to stand for Salah. * Outward and Inward Purity: Performing Wudu (ablution) with care and presence of mind not only purifies the body but also prepares the soul for communion with the Absolute Purity. The Holy Quran emphasizes purity, and Wudu is the first step in this journey. * Detaching the Mind from Worldly Affairs: Before starting prayer, try to free your mind from daily worries, distracting thoughts, and worldly attachments. A few moments of pause, deep breathing, and focusing on the intention that now you are speaking only with God, is very effective. This is akin to emptying a vessel that you wish to fill with divine light. Contemplating Divine Presence and Majesty: Before uttering "Allahu Akbar" (the opening Takbir), pause for a moment and reflect on who you are standing before. Imagine yourself in the presence of the King of kings, the Creator of the universe, before Whom all creation bows in submission. This sense of awe instills initial khushu'* in the heart. The Quran states: "And remember Allah with a great remembrance" (referring to the utterance of "Allahu Akbar"). 2. During Prayer: The Pinnacle of Loving Dialogue Once prayer begins, every part of it offers an opportunity to activate the language of the heart: * Understanding and Pondering the Meaning of Verses and Supplications: This is the most crucial key. Prayer is not merely the recitation of Arabic words, but a deep comprehension of their meanings. When we say "Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem" (In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful), feel that you are beginning with the Name of a Lord who is infinitely merciful and compassionate. When we say "Alhamdulillah Rabbil Alamin" (All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds), genuinely attribute all praise and gratitude to Him from the depths of your being, for He is the Sustainer of all worlds. When we say "Iyyaka na'budu wa iyyaka nasta'in" (You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help), affirm to Allah that we worship none but You and seek help from none but You. This verse alone encapsulates the servant's relationship with God, and understanding its depth can move the heart. Recite each word slowly and contemplatively, as if God is directly responding to you. The Quran invites us to ponder its verses, and prayer is the manifestation of this contemplation. * Awareness of Divine Presence: At all moments during prayer, keep alive the feeling that Allah is watching over us, hearing our voice, and is aware of the state of our hearts. This awareness keeps us from heedlessness and helps our hearts remain focused on Him. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you cannot see Him, then know that He sees you." * Tranquility and Deliberation in Movements: Rushing through prayer hinders the presence of heart. Perform every bowing (Ruku), prostration (Sujud), and standing (Qiyam) with complete tranquility and deliberation. In Ruku, recall the greatness of Allah, and in Sujud, express the utmost humility and servitude, as if nothing separates you from your Lord. These movements symbolize complete submission to the Divine Will. * Managing a Wandering Mind: It is natural for the human mind to wander during prayer. The important thing is that whenever we realize our mind has strayed from prayer, we gently and kindly bring it back to the focus of prayer, without despair or self-reproach. This is a continuous exercise that, with repeated practice and perseverance, strengthens the spiritual muscles of the mind and heart. * Recalling the Purpose of Prayer: Allah states in the Quran: "And establish prayer for My remembrance" (Surah Ta-Ha: 20:14). Prayer is for the remembrance of Allah. Whenever we feel distracted, we should remind ourselves of this primary purpose. The remembrance of Allah is the greatest means of strengthening the heart, as stated in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:45): "...and the remembrance of Allah is greater." 3. After Prayer: Preserving the Fruits of Connection The end of prayer does not mean the end of the connection, but rather a starting point for its continuation throughout the day: * Supplication (Du'a) and Intimate Conversation (Munajat): After concluding the prayer with salutations, dedicate a few moments to Du'a and Munajat. This is the best time to ask for needs and express love and servitude. Our hearts are closer to God at these moments. * Gratitude: Be grateful that Allah has granted us this opportunity to speak with Him. This gratitude opens doors to more blessings. * Maintaining the Effect of Prayer in Life: True prayer should manifest its impact on our daily lives. As the Quran states: "Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing" (Surah Al-Ankabut: 29:45). Prayer is a deterrent from indecency and evil. If our prayer is with presence of heart, we will undoubtedly see its effect on our behavior, ethics, and decisions. Ultimately, finding the "language of the heart in prayer" is a continuous and ongoing journey, not a final destination. The more we strive, the closer we get. Allah says in the Quran: "And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humble [in heart]" (Surah Al-Baqarah: 2:45). This verse shows that khushu', though challenging, is attainable for those who approach it with faith and effort. By relying on Divine grace, continuous practice, and a deeper understanding of the meanings of prayer, we can come closer to this presence of heart moment by moment and transform our prayer into a true ascension; an ascension where the heart speaks a common language with its Creator. This endeavor to reach the language of the heart is itself a great act of worship that Allah loves. This process not only transforms our prayer but influences all aspects of our lives, guiding us towards spiritual excellence. Through this heartfelt connection, one gains the necessary strength, tranquility, and guidance to face life's challenges, feeling that they are never alone, because there is always a door open to the Creator through which they can speak with their entire being and experience true peace.