How to Experience Presence of Heart in Supplication (Dua)?

Experiencing the presence of heart (Khushu') in supplication (Dua) is one of the deepest and most coveted aspects of connecting with the Divine. It is a state where the human mind and heart, during prayer, are completely focused on Allah Almighty, liberated from any worldly whispers or distractions. The Holy Quran, in numerous verses, emphasizes the importance of this quality in acts of worship and supplication, seeking signs of success within it. For instance, in Surah Al-Mu'minun, Allah describes the successful believers as those who are humble in their prayers, and humility (khushu') is precisely this presence of heart and reverence. This indicates that prayer and supplication are not merely outward movements but require a profound inner state. To achieve presence of heart in dua, we must first engage in 'knowledge' and 'understanding' of Allah. The more one comprehends the majesty, power, mercy, knowledge, and self-sufficiency of Allah, the more their supplication will be accompanied by sincerity and deeper attention. The Quran invites us to reflect on the divine signs, both in the heavenly book and in the cosmos and within ourselves. This reflection enhances our understanding, ultimately leading to increased devotion and presence of heart. When we know that we are speaking with the most powerful and merciful Being in the universe, our entire being naturally becomes concentrated in this dialogue. This profound knowledge is the root of all humility and reverence before the Lord. The next step is 'sincerity' (Ikhlas). Supplication should be solely for Allah's pleasure and seeking His help, not for showing off or for purely worldly aims. The Holy Quran places great emphasis on sincerity in worship. If our intention is pure and sincere, our supplication gains spirit and life, and is more readily accepted by Allah. Sincerity means removing any partners from our intention when turning to God; it means recognizing Him alone as our destination, our worshipped, and our refuge. This purity of intention paves the way for the divine light to enter the heart, fostering a profound sense of presence. 'Awareness of the meanings of supplications' is also crucially important. When we utter the words of a dua, we must understand their meaning. Although many supplications are in Arabic, translating them and reflecting on their meanings helps us establish a deeper connection with each phrase. Knowing what we are asking from God and with what words we are addressing Him helps the mind avoid dispersion and concentrate on the content of the supplication. This awareness is not merely an intellectual understanding; it must gradually transform into a heartfelt comprehension, such that every word emanates from the depths of our soul. 'Eliminating mental and psychological obstacles' is another effective factor. Before beginning your dua, try to clear your mind of worries, preoccupations, and distracting thoughts as much as possible. Preparing the environment and the mind for supplication significantly aids in achieving presence of heart. This can include performing ablution with mindfulness, choosing a quiet place away from noise, and even taking a moment of reflection before starting the dua to calm the mind and prepare it for connection with the Creator. The better prepared our mental state, the easier it will be to focus on the supplication. 'Gratitude' and 'recalling divine blessings' before or during dua can soften the heart and prepare it for presence. When a person remembers the boundless favors of Allah, a sense of gratitude awakens within them, and this feeling paves the way for greater closeness to God and presence of heart in supplication. The Holy Quran repeatedly invites humanity to remember Allah's blessings and express gratitude, because gratitude opens the heart's doors to divine grace and strengthens the feeling of dependence on and need for the Creator. 'Repetition and perseverance' in dua and practicing presence of heart will, over time, strengthen this state within a person. Like any other skill, presence of heart requires practice and persistence. It may be difficult at first, but with repetition and attention, the heart gradually becomes accustomed to this state. Surah Ar-Ra'd, verse 28 states: "Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured." This verse clearly indicates that the remembrance of Allah is the root of peace for the heart, and peace of heart is a prerequisite for presence of heart in dua and intimate prayers. The more we expose ourselves to the remembrance of Allah, the more our hearts become prepared to receive the divine presence. Finally, 'complete trust and reliance on Allah' in the response to dua brings about a deeper presence. When we fully trust in Allah's power and will, and know that He hears our supplication and responds in the best way, our hearts find tranquility and experience a more genuine presence. Verse 60 of Surah Ghafir states: "And your Lord says, 'Call upon Me; I will respond to you.'" This verse itself is a guarantee of the acceptance of dua and an invitation to turn to Him with one's entire being. This trust is itself a form of presence of heart, as it shows that we have fully relied on Allah and consider Him the Hearer and Responder of our supplications. Presence of heart not only enhances the quality of our dua but also transforms our daily lives over time, placing us in a deeper connection with Allah at all times. This is a spiritual journey that, with patience, perseverance, and sincerity, becomes deeper and more fruitful with every moment.