The virtues of humble prayer

The Qur’an places khushūʿ at the beginning of its description of successful believers (23:1–2). Prophetic reports connect careful purification and wholehearted prayer with forgiveness, and describe sound worship as a path to Paradise. These promises encourage hope and serious effort; they are not permission to disregard other obligations or the rights of others.

Prayer renews repentance. Perform wudu carefully, praise and glorify Allah, and turn to Him with sincerity. The daily opportunity to begin again is itself a great mercy. Forgiveness of wrongdoing also calls for repentance and, where another person has been harmed, restoring their rights.

Do not measure your standing with Allah by a checklist of feelings. Seek His acceptance, keep improving, and remember that the final judgment belongs to Him.