Reading time: 2 minutes

In Islam, hudur—being fully present—is the foundation of every act of worship.

Whether in Salah, dhikr, or reflection, hudur is about shedding distractions, silencing worries of the past, and abandoning anxieties about the future.

It is about being entirely in the moment with Allah, aligning your heart with His eternal presence.

But presence is a practice, not a destination.

As a story from our tradition illustrates, two companions of Imam Abu Hasan al-Shadhili used to retreat to a cave for meditation and Salah.

They were preoccupied with thoughts of spiritual advancement, excitedly telling each other, “Tomorrow we will become saints, insha’Allah.” 

Their aspiration for sainthood distracted them until a wanderer showed up at the cave one day and told them that sainthood is not something one chases.

It is a gift from Allah, given through His grace, not by our striving alone.

This story is a profound reminder that our role is to do the work, cultivate presence and sincerity, and leave the results to Allah.

Finding the Right Time and Space

The best time for reflection is when your heart is least distracted—when the world is quiet, and your mind is at ease.

For many, this is at night or early in the morning before the day's responsibilities begin.

Preparation for Reflection:

1. Choose a Quiet Space: Find a place you won’t be disturbed. If possible, create a space solely for reflection to enhance focus

2. Set Your Intention (Niyyah): Focus only on connecting with Allah, not on chasing insights or experiences.

3. Relax Your Body and Mind: Take a few deep breaths to center yourself.

Using The Quran for Meditation

While Surah Al-Fatiha is a powerful choice for meditation, any surah or passage of the Quran can be used.

You don’t need to understand Arabic; instead, focus on the sounds and how they resonate within you.

With practice, this heart-centered recitation becomes more natural, and many find that insights from these moments often align with tafsir and reveal even deeper, personal meanings.

Steps for Reflective Recitation

Embrace Stillness:

• Physical Stillness: Strive to remain as still as possible. If you need to move, do so slowly and intentionally. The goal is stillness, but allow yourself to ease into it without strain.

• Mental Stillness: Acknowledge thoughts as they arise without judgment. Gently bring your focus back to your recitation.

Mindful Recitation:

• Go Slow: Take your time with each word. Allow its sound and vibration to resonate within you.

• Word-by-Word Focus: Start with “Alhamdu” and immerse yourself fully in its sound. Pause between each word, letting its meaning and energy settle in your heart. Find a flow that works for you.

• Heart-Centered Recitation: Rather than relying on your voice, recite from your heart space. Over time, this becomes more intuitive, guiding you to deeper reflection.

Repeat and Reflect:

• Repeat the surah, allowing yourself to deepen your focus with each repetition.

• Beginners may benefit from setting a timer to give structure to the practice. With time, you can let go of timers and flow with the experience.

Conclude in Gratitude

When your practice is complete:

1. Sit in Silence for a moment, fully embracing the peace and connection you’ve nurtured. By appreciating this sense of calm, you make it easier to return to it in future practices.

2. Reflect: Think about what you experienced or learned during the session, even if it was simply a quieting of the mind.

3. Offer Thanks: Express gratitude to Allah for this opportunity to draw nearer to Him.

4. Remember, the only goal is to be present with Allah. If you leave your meditation with nothing but a sense of peace and connection, know that you have already been given everything.