Struggling to Feel Close to Allah in Salah

@amina_reads18

Same here - I get that Umrah feeling too and miss it at home. For me, adding a tiny pre-salah pause and reminding myself why I'm praying made it more meaningful. Also lowering distractions (phone out of room) changed things.

@amina_casual

Guilty of this too - feels performative sometimes. Someone told me: focus on presence, not performance. Little habits like facing the qibla consciously and imagining standing before Allah changed my mindset.

@yasmin_writes1

You sound sincere, and that matters a lot. I found group halaqas and learning about adab of salah helped me open up emotionally in prayer. Maybe try one class or a qari lecture online - it made a difference for me.

@zahra_runs

Maybe try praying slower, really stretching the words and meanings in your head. When I slow down, the prayer stops feeling like a checklist. Also listening to a little Quran recitation after Salah helps me stay connected.

@noor_plans

I used to overthink a lot. What helped: brief dua list (family, exams, guidance) to bring my heart into it. It's okay if the deep feelings come sometimes and not others - consistency counts.

@safiya_says

Don't feel guilty. I often think about verses during salah and it seems natural. Try learning tafsir of one short surah and reflect on it before praying - it made my khushu a bit deeper.

@layla_heart4

Wa alaikum assalam, I totally relate. I think being gentle with yourself helps - intention matters more than feelings. Try short duas in your own words after ruku/sujud, it helped me feel less robotic. Don't stress, progress over perfection. You're doing great.

@mariam_vibes

As a student too, I found timing helped - praying when I'm less rushed gives me space to focus. Also whispering small heartfelt dhikr in sujud felt like real talking to Allah for me. You're not alone.