One of the signs of strong faith is the presence of heart in one’s prayer. Allah Most High says, “Successful indeed are the believers, who concentrate their attention in humbleness when offering Salāh (prayers)” (23:1-2).
But, in a world where everything around us is vying for our attention, how do we develop a relationship with prayer that enables us to experience the benefits and joy of prayer? How do we change our prayer from ritual to spiritual?
Our Prophet said, “Verily, the one in prayer is in an intimate conversation with his Lord Almighty, so let one look at how he converses with Him” (Musnad Aḥmad 19022).
This course will help you experience your daily conversation with Allah by understanding what you say in salah. We will cover the meanings of what we recite, along with learning various tips and advices, from scholars like Imam al-Ghazali, Imam al-Khaadimi, and others, for focusing in prayer.
Course Outline
WEEK 1
Introduction
WEEK 2
Prayer as a Privilege
WEEK 3
Adab of Cleanliness
WEEK 4
The Heart’s Attachment
WEEK 5
Presence of Heart
WEEK 6
Presence in Actions
WEEK 7
Meanings of Prayer 1
WEEK 8
Meanings of Prayer 2
WEEK 9
Meanings of Prayer 3
WEEK 10
Meanings of Prayer 4
Shaykh Usman Qamar was born and raised in Cambridge, Ontario. He began his Quranic studies while in high school and finished memorization of the Quran when he was 16. He spent the following seven years in the UK and South Africa studying traditional Islamic sciences. He has completed a double major in psychology and philosophy at the University of Waterloo. He serves as religious educator at ISNA Canada, alongside having founded Wijhah Initiative, a not-for-profit organization that facilitates social and spiritual events that are welcoming, meaningful, and nurturing and foster a sense of community for young adults and youth.
