Lacks Khushoo’ in Prayer
25-3-2020 | IslamWeb
Question:
Assalamu Alaikum
I do not know how to tell my story.
Since I was little i was taught everything about Islam.
And, praise be to Allah, I believe in Him, and that there is no God but Him, His messengers, may peace be with them all, His books, the day of judgment and in His decree.
I also believe that prayer is obligatory, as well as zakat, etc.
The problem is that from an early age, I have dedicated myself to act in prayer, that is, I make the movements and I recite what the prayer required but without khushu ', so that my family and the people know that I pray.
I do it both at home and in the mosque, and on several occasions I have been imam leading some prayers.
I know this is wrong, but I always say "I will pray well, I will pray as I should".
I've been doing this for a long time, I'm almost 22 years old now.
As for the fast, when the month of Ramadan arrives I fast without any problem, but with the matter of prayer.
What is advised?
Should I repeat all the prayers so far during these 7/8 years since I reached bulug?
What happens with fasting?
Advise me Baraka Allahu Fikum.
Answer:
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad 
is His slave and Messenger.
Your prayers are valid, and so is your fasting. There is no need to repeat any of that. Most scholars held that Khushoo’ (humble submissiveness) in the prayer is recommended (not obligatory). Therefore, if you performed the prayer properly, observing its due conditions, pillars, and obligations, then it is valid, even if you failed to observe perfect Khushoo’. However, you should be keen to fulfill Khushoo’ in the future, for it is the soul of prayer. You can do that by concentrating and contemplating the verses and Thikr (expressions of remembrance of Allah) you are reciting; pushing away the worldly worries that may cross your mind while praying; performing the prayer in a quiet place away from noise; keeping your heart attentive to the best of your ability such that you repel any passing thought that crosses your mind; and striving in supplicating Allah, The Exalted, to bless you with Khushoo’ and help you maintain it.
We ask Allah, The Exalted, to grant you success.
Allah Knows best.