Is it okay to pray with eyes closed?

[Wolfn]

Salaam Alikum.

I was wondering if it was okay to pray with eyes closed. If I close my eyes during prayer, I block out visual distractions and it helps me focus more. But I heard that closing eyes is not allowed because it's too similar to what Christians do or something.

Am I allowed to close eyes during prayer?

[hammerofthehuns]

i think its disliked bro, ur supposed 2 focus on ur place of sujood, where u put ur head down.

[Bubble]

Salam

Ibn al Qayyim elucidated, when he said:
“The prophet’s (saw) taught us not to close our eyes during Salaah. He (saw) used to point with his finger (during Tashahhud) and cast a full glance at it. However, scholars have different opinions with regard to this issue. Imam Ahmad and others have considered it (closing the eyes during Salaah) Makruh, saying it is the practise of the jews, while some other scholars have permitted it.
But the correct opinion is as follows: If opening one’s eyes during Salaah does not break one’s Khushu’, it is better that way. However, if it prevents one from Khushu’, because the Qiblah may be decorated with bright decorations and shapes, which would disturb one’s mind and heart, then closing one’s eyes is certainly not detested. To say that it is recommendable, in this situation, is closer to the principles and objectives of Shariah than to say that it is abominable, and Allah knows best” Ibn al-Qayyim: “Za’d al Ma’ad” (1/293)

[Chained_Water]

It's mukrooh..

In terms of the place ditsracting preventing khushoo, try to pray on a plainish prayer mat rather than an overdecorated one, close to and facing a wall or something so that there is little in your line of vision..

It's been said that if your heart isn't present in the prayer, then closing your eyes will not help you escape from your heart and minds wanderings.. so try to focus your inner self.

[Saeed Al-Muslim]

Ibn al-Qayyim: “Za’d al Ma’ad” (1/293)[/COLOR]As far as I'm aware 'Za’d al Ma’ad' is a volumes (spl?) collection, this one is 293 pages, it must be an abridgment.

May Allaah (swT) give the beautiful sheikh and even beautiful reward, Ameen.

Ma'aSalaama

[elji]

Salaam Alikum.

I was wondering if it was okay to pray with eyes closed. If I close my eyes during prayer, I block out visual distractions and it helps me focus more. But I heard that closing eyes is not allowed because it's too similar to what Christians do or something.

Am I allowed to close eyes during prayer?

If it helps you concentrate more then please do. I always close my eyes as it makes me get into the mood.

[$HugoBoss$]

Damn i always close my eyes especially when i'm tired and praying fajr, that sucks to know. Oh well i'll try not to from now on, i just find it more soothing.

[PiElle2]

Salam

Ibn al Qayyim elucidated, when he said:
“The prophet’s (saw) taught us not to close our eyes during Salaah. He (saw) used to point with his finger (during Tashahhud) and cast a full glance at it. However, scholars have different opinions with regard to this issue. Imam Ahmad and others have considered it (closing the eyes during Salaah) Makruh, saying it is the practise of the jews, while some other scholars have permitted it.
But the correct opinion is as follows: If opening one’s eyes during Salaah does not break one’s Khushu’, it is better that way. However, if it prevents one from Khushu’, because the Qiblah may be decorated with bright decorations and shapes, which would disturb one’s mind and heart, then closing one’s eyes is certainly not detested. To say that it is recommendable, in this situation, is closer to the principles and objectives of Shariah than to say that it is abominable, and Allah knows best” Ibn al-Qayyim: “Za’d al Ma’ad” (1/293)

point to where... and glance where...?

[hammerofthehuns]

the qibla, and at his finger.

[Bubble]

As far as I'm aware 'Za’d al Ma’ad' is a volumes (spl?) collection, this one is 293 pages, it must be an abridgment.

May Allaah (swT) give the beautiful sheikh and even beautiful reward, Ameen.

Ma'aSalaama

Salam

Sorry I should have referenced where I got the information from

"33 Ways To Concentrate In Your Prayer" Muhammad Salih Al-Munajjid, 1st Edition 2003:Al-Firdous Ltd

[Saeed Al-Muslim]

"33 Ways To Concentrate In Your Prayer" Muhammad Salih Al-Munajjid, 1st Edition 2003:Al-Firdous LtdOh, I have this book. But have yet to read it. 33 Ways of developing Khushoo’ in Salaah (http://islam-qa.com/dls/001.PDF) by Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid. More books are available here; IslamQA/Books (http://islam-qa.com/index.php?pg=articles&type=1&ln=eng)

Jazaak Allaahu khair.

Ma'aSalaama

[PiElle2]

the qibla, and at his finger.

where exactly...?