Editor’s Note:
Under the guidance of Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (may Allah be his Helper), question-and-answer sessions are being held across Canada with Respected Amir Sahib. As not all questions can be addressed during these gatherings, selected questions and their answers, prepared by the National Tarbiyat Department, are presented here for the benefit of readers.
How to Increase Focus in Salat
QUESTION: “How can I increase my focus in Namaz. I heard someone say if you’re getting distracted in Namaz to ‘fake spit’ (do the action) to your left three times during Namaz. Is that true? What other ways are there?”
ANSWER:
It is commendable for believers to strive to increase their focus and concentration in Salat. Since your question specifically mentioned the practice of “spitting dryly to the left three times,” it is helpful to clarify this teaching before discussing other methods of attaining focus.
A Symbolic Action
This practice comes from an authentic tradition recorded in Sahih Muslim. Hazrat Uthman ibn Abi al-Aas (may Allah be pleased with him) once came to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and said that Satan would confuse him in prayer. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) replied: “That is a devil called Khanzab. If you feel his presence, seek refuge in Allah and spit dryly to your left three times.” Hazrat Uthman did so and said that Allah removed the distraction from him. [Sahih Muslim, 2203a]
However, this action is symbolic, not literal — it means to reject and disregard satanic thoughts, showing that they hold no power, and that only Allah is All-Powerful.
The Arabic word for “dry spitting” used in the tradition is التَّفْلُ(tafl), which connotes a small puff with a little saliva (نَفْثٌ مَعَهُ قَلِيلٌ مِنَ الرِّيقِ), not actual spitting, which would be offensive and inappropriate.
To clarify this, the eminent Hadith scholar Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani (1372–1449 c.e.), author of the comprehensive commentary on Sahih al-Bukhari entitled Fath al-Bari, said:
وَالْمُرَادُ بِالتَّفْلِ النَّفْثُ الْيَسِيرُ، وَهُوَ نَفْخٌ لَطِيفٌ بِلا بُصَاقٍ، يُفْعَلُ ثَلَاثًا عَنِ الْيَسَارِ، إِشَارَةً إِلَى إِبْعَادِ الشَّيْطَانِ.
“What is meant by tafl is a slight nafth (gentle blowing) without spitting, done three times to the left, as a symbolic act to drive away the devil.” [Fath al-Bari, vol. 2, p. 325, Cairo: Dar al-Ma’rifah]
Occasional Distraction is Normal — But Keep Striving
Now, let’s turn to the main question: how to increase focus in Salat.
Even the most sincere believers experience wandering thoughts in prayer. What matters is to keep bringing your heart back to Allah each time it drifts. This is part of what it means to “establish prayer” (iqamat as-salat). The Holy Qur’an repeatedly uses this phrase, such as in Surah al-Baqarah (2:277), emphasizing that believers not only perform Salat, but continually strive to maintain it. Just as Salat can “fall” through distraction, the believer strives to “make it stand” again by renewing intention and focus. This ongoing effort is itself an act of devotion that pleases Allah.
Fulfill the Outer and Inner Prerequisites of Prayer
Proper preparation for Salat begins with wudhu (ablution), but not just of the body. It is also a cleansing of the mind and heart. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “When a Muslim performs ablution and washes his face, every sin he looked at is washed away with the water” [Sahih Muslim, 244].
Performing ablution slowly and mindfully, and spending a few quiet moments in remembrance before prayer helps calm one’s thoughts and invites serenity. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) also advised, “When the time for prayer comes, call the adhan, then pray, and do not be hasty. Perform the prayer calmly and with tranquillity.” [Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim]. Coming early to the mosque or setting aside a peaceful moment at home before Salat helps align the heart with the purpose of prayer.
Visualize Allah’s Presence During Salat
The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) beautifully explained the highest level of worship, termed ihsaan, saying, “Worship Allah as if you see Him; and if you cannot see Him, know that He surely sees you.” [Sahih al-Bukhari, 50; Sahih Muslim, 9]
When you stand in prayer, imagine that Allah is before you, watching with mercy and love. This awareness transforms Salat from routine to a living, personal conversation with the Creator. Remembering that you are in the direct presence of Allah fills the heart with humility and focus.
Understand What You Are Reciting
One of the most powerful ways to maintain concentration is to understand the meanings of the words of Salat. When you know that Alhamdulillahi Rabbil Alameen means “All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of all the worlds,” every verse becomes meaningful and heartfelt.
Ibn al-Qayyim (1292–1350 c.e.), a renowned scholar known for his writings on purification of the heart, said, “If the heart is filled with remembrance and understanding of what is being recited, then the whispers of Satan will have no way to enter.”
Learning the translation of the Salat allows you to connect emotionally and spiritually with every movement and recitation.
Supplicate in Your Own Language
While the formal recitation of Salat must be in Arabic, it is completely permissible to supplicate in your own language — especially in prostrations (sujud) or after finishing the prayer.
The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “The closest a servant is to his Lord is when he is in prostration, so increase your supplication therein.” [Sahih Muslim, 482].
Speaking to Allah in your language allows you to express sincerity, ask for focus, and pour out gratitude or requests directly. This strengthens your emotional bond with Allah, deepening your attention.
The Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) beautifully summarized these points, stating:
“Do not perform Salat in the manner of a chicken pecking at grain. Rather, offer it with deep fervour and heartfelt emotion, and pray fervently. Salat is the key to resolving difficulties. Apart from the prescribed prayers and words of the Salat, supplicate often in your own mother tongue as well, so that it may stir true ardour and emotion. And until such fervour is produced, do not give up, for through this comes purification of the soul and all blessings are attained.
“Just as there are outward postures in prayer, it is necessary that the heart follow them as well. If, physically, you are standing, then let your heart also stand firm in obedience to God. If you bow, then let your heart also bow. And if you prostrate, then let your heart also prostrate. The prostration of the heart is that it should never, under any circumstance, turn away from God.”
[Malfuzat, vol. 6, pp. 87–88, 2022 ed.; translated from Urdu]
Identity of Gog & Magog
QUESTION: “In Surah Kahf, Gog and Magog are mentioned. Why do Ahmadis interpret Gog and Magog as symbolic and not real creatures, despite the fact that Allah has written that there is a physical barrier between us and them, a barrier made of iron?”
ANSWER:
When interpreting any text — whether it’s a verse of the Holy Qur’an, a Hadith, or a prophecy — the first and primary approach is to take the literal meaning.
But if the literal meaning contradicts clear reason, established reality, or other definitive texts, then we move to an interpretative (majazi) meaning. Such interpretive meaning is only adopted when the literal sense is impossible or inconsistent with fundamental Islamic teachings.
As an example, the Holy Qur’an says the following regarding the Bai’at taken by the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) at Hudaybiyah:
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يُبَايِعُونَكَ إِنَّمَا يُبَايِعُونَ اللهَ ۚ يَدُ اللهِ فَوْقَ أَيْدِيهِمْ
Verily, those who swear allegiance to thee indeed swear allegiance to Allah. The hand of Allah is over their hands. (48:11)
Now, this verse cannot mean that Allah has a physical hand because He is far beyond human attributes. Therefore, we interpret “the hand of Allah” symbolically to mean power, authority, or support, since the literal sense cannot apply to His Divine Being.
In the same way, there are certain verses and prophecies which must be taken metaphorically rather than strictly literally. Gog and Magog fall into this category.
Regarding the identity of Gog and Magog, the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) stated:
“Since ajij, from which the words Gog and Magog are derived, means ‘fire’, God Almighty has disclosed to me that Gog and Magog are a people who are greater experts in the use of fire than any other people. Their very names indicate that their ships, trains and machines will be run by fire. They will fight their battles with fire. They will excel all other people in harnessing fire to their service. This is why they will be called Gog and Magog. These are the people of the West, as they are unique in their expertise in the use of fire.
“In Jewish scriptures too it was the people of Europe who were described as Gog and Magog. Even the name of Moscow, which is the ancient capital of Russia, is mentioned. Thus it was preordained that the Promised Messiah would appear in the time of Gog and Magog.”
[The Essence of Islam, vol. 3, p. 305; vide Ayamus-Sulh, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol. 14, pp. 424-425]
Furthermore, in Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) wrote:
“On the one hand, it is proved from the Bible that the Christians of Europe are Gog and Magog, and on the other, the Holy Qur’an has mentioned specific signs concerning Gog and Magog, which can only be applied to European powers, as, for instance, it is written that they will scale every height, i.e. they will overcome all other powers and be supreme in all worldly matters. Similarly, it is also mentioned in the ahadith that no country will be able to stand up to them. Thus it is conclusively established that these powers are Gog and Magog. To deny this is sheer obstinacy and opposition to God’s word.
“Who can deny that in accordance with the word of God Almighty and the explanation of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), these are the people who, in their worldly power, are superior to every other people. They have no equal in the art of war and statecraft. Their inventions and machines have established new patterns, both in war and in worldly comforts and luxuries. They have brought about an amazing revolution in the culture of mankind and have displayed such mastery in statecraft and in providing equipment for war and peace, as has no parallel since the creation of the world.
“Thus, centuries after the prophecy of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), the rise of European powers is the event in accordance with the sign specified in his prophecy. As God has disclosed the meaning of Gog and Magog and events have proven that a certain people fit the signs that have been mentioned, refusal to acknowledge this would be denial of an established verity. No one can stop a person from persisting in his denial, but every just minded one who is a seeker after truth would, on being informed of all these particulars, testify with full confidence that these people are Gog and Magog.”
[The Essence of Islam, vol. 3, pp. 307–308; vide Chashma-e-Ma’rifat, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol. 23, pp. 87– 88]
Consequences after Marriage outside the Jama’at
QUESTION: “Why does the Jama’at remove individuals who marry outside the Jama’at, even if their families have no objection? And why are such individuals sometimes later re-admitted?”
ANSWER:
To understand this, it is essential to remember that the criteria for selecting a spouse have been clearly outlined in both the Holy Qur’an and the Hadith. These divine instructions serve as guidance for every believer when entering into marriage.
The Holy Qur’an states:
وَلَا تَنكِحُوا الْمُشْرِكَاتِ حَتَّىٰ يُؤْمِنَّ ۚ وَلَأَمَةٌ مُّؤْمِنَةٌ خَيْرٌ مِّن مُّشْرِكَةٍ وَلَوْ أَعْجَبَتْكُمْ ۗ وَلَا تُنكِحُوا الْمُشْرِكِينَ حَتَّىٰ يُؤْمِنُوا ۚ وَلَعَبْدٌ مُّؤْمِنٌ خَيْرٌ مِّن مُّشْرِكٍ وَلَوْ أَعْجَبَكُمْ ۗ أُولَٰئِكَ يَدْعُونَ إِلَى النَّارِ ۖ وَاللهُ يَدْعُو إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ وَالْمَغْفِرَةِ بِإِذْنِهِ ۖ وَيُبَيِّنُ آيَاتِهِ لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَذَكَّرُونَ
And marry not idolatrous women until they believe; even a believing bond-woman is better than an idolatress, although she may highly please you. And give not believing women in marriage to idolaters until they believe; even a believing slave is better than an idolater, although he may highly please you. These call to the Fire, but Allah calls to Heaven and to forgiveness by His command. And He makes His Signs clear to the people that they may remember. (2:222)
In the same spirit, the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “A woman may be married for four reasons: for her wealth, her lineage, her beauty, and her religion. So choose the one who is religious.” [Sahih al-Bukhari, 5090]
This Hadith outlines the true criteria for choosing a spouse — faith and religion. It also clarifies the purpose of marriage in Islam: not just companionship, but a shared dedication to Allah — to build a family devoted to His worship, obedience, and service to humanity.
When a member chooses to marry outside the Jama’at, they effectively step outside the spiritual system that is designed to safeguard and nurture that faith. The Jama’at’s discipline in such cases is not a form of punishment, but a reminder of the importance of faith and the collective commitment its members have promised to uphold.
However, Islam is also a religion of mercy and forgiveness. It is the Sunnah, or practice, of Allah and the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) that when a person admits their mistake and seeks forgiveness sincerely, their repentance is accepted. In line with this principle, the Jama’at may reinstate such individuals after they show genuine remorse and reaffirm their connection with the Jama’at.
Therefore, both temporary removal and subsequent reinstatement are based on the same spiritual philosophy: to protect faith, uphold divine commandments, and guide every believer back to the path of righteousness and unity.