Embroidery works in mosques distract worshipers: Al-Asheikh

Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Embroidery works on the walls of mosques distract worshipers, Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Asheikh has said. Delivering the Friday sermon at the Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Mosque here, Al-Asheikh said khushou (concentration and contemplation) is very important in prayers. “The Prophet (peace be upon him) has emphasized khushou as the most important part of prayer. A prayer is empty and meaningless if the worshiper was not in a state of khushou. There are many things that could distract us when we pray, the art work and embroidery on the wall is one of the distractions,” Al-Asheikh was quoted by Saudi Press Agency (SPA) as saying. He also said the mosques are usually plain in color and free of art work to help worshipers concentrate. “Worshipers also have the duty to make sure they are in a state of khushou when praying. I see many checking their phones while praying. This is disrespectful to Allah and disrespectful to the imam as well as their prayers. When a Muslim prays, it is the time he connects with Allah. Worshipers should make an effort to connect with Allah,” said Al-Asheikh. He also said khushou is the proactive involvement of the heart in prayers. “Allah said that through khushou serenity and peace are achieved and the religion of Islam is the religion of peace. Therefore, the five prayers are one of the most important pillars of Islam. Without khushou, prayers can be dry and hard to perform. Khushou softens the heart and opens it to Allah,” said Al-Asheikh. He also said prayers are a time in the day when the worshiper can nourish his soul. “Prayers are not only the connection between worshipers and Allah but also the connection between the soul and the body. Prayers are the iteration of the names of Allah and also the actions of worship,” said Al-Asheikh.