Here are a few thoughts from His Eminence
Ayatullah Behjat on the issue of concentration during prayers.
Sheikh
Muhsin Gharavian was once granted audience in the presence of Ayatullah
al-Udhma Shaikh Muhammad Taqi Behjat and asked him: “O Scholar! Despite our
advanced age we haven’t have yet experienced the pleasure of worship especially
the sweetness of communication with God in salaat. According to your opinion
what should we do to experience even a little pleasure of what our Infallible
Imams have promised us?”
His eminence nodded his head and said: (Dear son)“Actually this is a
universal problem. All of us are plagued with this ailment.”
The
Sheikh was not satisfied with the answer and requested him for more concrete
advice: “Our status differs from that which you have achieved, you’ve attained
the heights of spirituality while we are the beginners! what should we do?”
His
Eminence said: “May be I also wish I could acquire your status!”
Not
contented with the self-effacing answer, he requested for more clarification.
His Eminence replied: “In order to acquire the necessary concentration in Salaah one
should observe
a) certain pre-requisites before Salaah and
b)certain discipline during Salaah.
Explanation:s
a) before Salaah one should
observe Taqwa (God consciousness)and one should abstain from all sins that lead
to darkening of the God-given purity of heart. SINS POLLUTE THE PURITY OF THE
HEART and therefore reduce the luminosity of the heart.
b) during Salaah one should
erect a “high security wire” around one’s heart such that no unwanted
tresspasser (distracting devilish thoughts) is allowed inside the holy
sanctuary of the heart. One’s thoughts should be intensely directed towards God
and none other than Him should be allowed in. And if one’s thoughts start
straying, immediately the moment one comes to know, one should guide these
towards the right direction.
