Sayyid Al-Hakeem in a Ramadan Lecture: The Importance of Heartfelt Presence and Humility in Prayer

As part of his ongoing Ramadan lecture series, Sayyid Ammar Al-Hakeem continued his discussion on the Epistle of Rights by Imam Ali bin Al-Hussein, Al-Sajjad (peace be upon him), focusing in today’s lecture on the fifth aspect of the right to prayer—maintaining heartfelt presence during prayer.
Sayyid Al-Hakeem emphasized that heartfelt presence and humility are the essence of prayer, stating that prayer is a conversation with Allah, not absentmindedly. H.E. pointed out that prayer is a remembrance of Allah, and such remembrance cannot be meaningful absentmindedly. The absentminded individual neither focuses nor intends the words spoken in prayer, weakening the value of the prayer and depriving the individual of its profound spiritual benefits.
H.E. also referenced numerous Quranic verses that advocate for humility and attentiveness during prayer, citing several narrations from the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) and his family (peace be upon them) that warn against heedlessness and encourage deep reflection and turning toward Allah during prayer.
Among the narrations, Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said: "When you perform a mandatory prayer, do so at its proper time, as though you are bidding farewell and fear you may never return to it. Then, direct your gaze to the spot where you will prostrate. If you knew who was on your right and left, you would perfect your prayer. Know that you stand before one who sees you but whom you cannot see."
H.E. Sayyid Al-Hakeem also quoted Imam Ali bin Al-Hussein (peace be upon him), who, when praying, would not adjust his cloak until after finishing his prayer, saying: "Woe to you, do you know who you are standing before? A servant’s prayer is accepted only when they turn to it with their heart."
H.E. Sayyid Al-Hakeem stressed the importance of avoiding distractions during prayer, emphasizing that distractions are a form of theft by Satan. H.E. quoted Imam Al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) as saying: "Looking around in prayer is a theft by Satan. Beware of distractions in prayer, for when a servant stands to pray, Allah faces them. When they look around, Allah says: ‘O son of Adam, to whom are you turning?’"
H.E. also referenced Imam Ali (peace be upon him), who advised: "None of you should stand in prayer feeling lazy or drowsy or thinking of themselves, for they stand before their Lord. A servant only gains from their prayer what they turn toward with their heart."
In this context, Sayyid Al-Hakeem mentioned that the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) would show signs of fear of Allah when preparing for prayer, his face turning pale, and his chest making a sound like a boiling pot, reflecting his profound humility and complete focus on Allah during his prayers.
In concluding his lecture, H.E. Sayyid Al-Hakeem stressed the necessity of the believer’s full-hearted engagement with Allah during prayer, noting that Allah grants support and eternal reward in Paradise to those who approach their prayers sincerely, turning to Him with the hearts of true believers.
H.E. concluded by stating: "If desire and fear unite in a person’s heart, Paradise is assured for them," urging all Muslims to prioritize humility and attentiveness in their prayers to experience closeness to Allah and His forgiveness during this blessed month.