Q 3: What is the ruling on a person who is unwillingly distracted during Salah?

A: When performing Salah, a person should forget about all worldly matters and direct his mind and thoughts towards the Lord as much as he is able to. A person should purify himself and stand humbly in Salah reciting or listening to the Word of the Lord, pondering its meanings and the meanings of Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah) that he may recite. A person should not give in to Satan and his insinuating whispers. When Satan tries to distract him, he should try hard to focus on his Salah, and seek refuge with Allah (Exalted be He) from the accursed Satan. It was narrated on the authority of Abu Al-`Ala' ibn Al-Shukhayr that `Uthman said, “O Messenger of Allah, Satan comes between me and my Salah and recitation.” He (peace be upon him) said: “That is a devil called Khanzab. If you feel him then seek refuge with Allah from him and spit drily to your left three times." `Uthman said: "I did that and Allah kept him away from me." (Part No. 7; Page No. 37) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.