Question: Assalamu alaykum
Sometimes when I am praying and think something wrong I feel that I should end the prayer and start over. I know this is wrong (to end the prayer) but I still do it.
Is this a type of shirk?
Answer: Wa’alaykum assalam. Jazakum Allah khayr for your question.
You are correct that it is unlawful to exit from the obligatory prayer, however it is not shirk, whatever your reason for doing so.
Practical Suggestions:
Perhaps try the following to prevent this happening when you pray:
1. Ensure that you are praying the sunna prayers before and after the obligatory prayer. These help one focus during the obligatory prayer.
2. Before you begin your prayer, ask Allah to help you focus and have presence of mind.
3. During the prayer, focus your eyes on one spot, such as on the floor where your forehead is placed during prostration.
4. If the doubts persist, resist the temptation to break off. This is a devil’s ruse for you to continue to break off your prayer until you despair. Avoid the trap by continuing to pray. Seek refuge from Allah from the devil before you pray.
5. For men, praying in congregation is important and prevents misgivings and doubts in the prayer.
6. Seek knowledge: Please consider taking up courses in fiqh and other sciences. The Prophet ﷺ said, ‘A single knowledgeable believer is harder on Satan than a thousand devout worshippers.’ [al Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah]
And Allah knows best.
Answered by [Shaykh] Jamir Meah
SeekersGuidance
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