Khushu: Respect in Words or in Actions?

20 September 2021

Is Khushu a Heavy Burden?

Question: We say we respect Allah; but does this respect appear in our decisions?

Verse 45 of Surah Al-Baqarah reminds us to seek help through patience and prayer. It states that this is difficult except for those who possess khushu.

If we think of khushu merely as a particular bodily movement, we may miss the question directed toward our lives.

A person may perform prayer. But if they wrong someone immediately afterward, they must recognize the difference between their outward action and the rest of their life.

Our Need, Not Allah’s

Allah has no need of our worship. People need to turn toward Him.

That is why the essence of respect is acknowledging our own limitations and our Lord’s supremacy.

Question: Is turning toward Allah something we do only at a particular hour?

No. The decision we make when a customer wants to return defective goods also matters.

If we accept a return when the product is cheap but act unjustly when it is expensive, the problem becomes visible right here. We begin to change what is right according to the financial loss.

Prostration, Acceptance, and Submission

Bowing can remind people that they do not possess absolute power over themselves. But this movement must find expression in behavior.

Acknowledging that we were created, that we will die one day, and that we are responsible for our choices should affect our way of life.

Knowing to repent when we make a mistake, remembering patience in difficult circumstances, and upholding what is right under pressure are parts of this submission.

Question: Do we maintain our standards when our business falters, we lose money, or we struggle in a relationship?

Freedom and Choice

People can choose. They make decisions about believing, rejecting, drawing closer to what is right, or continuing in what is wrong.

But having the power to choose does not mean every choice will be without consequences.

A behavior providing comfort today does not guarantee that it will produce a good outcome tomorrow.

That is why we need to look at the overall outcome rather than the immediate desire.

Khushu in Daily Life

Khushu is not a reason to consider ourselves superior to other people. On the contrary, it recalls the awareness of servitude and accountability.

People should be humble in worship and trustworthy in trade. They should be fair to their families.

Today we can ask: Does my respect for Allah continue when someone else’s rights are at stake?

Khushu is tested not only in the moment we bow, but also when we rise and return to our lives.