Salah is the second pillar of Islam and it has to be performed five times a day. For the performance of salah, one must first purify oneself with either water or clean mud. The specific act of purification is known as ablution. Ablution is a key aspect of performing prayers. Muslims are obligated to offer namaz five times a day: Fajar, Dhuhr, Asar, Maghrib, and Isha. All of these prayers are performed in accordance with the Islamic Sunnah.
But there is a common question: Is it permissible to close eyes during namaz? We will try to find an answer to this question by understanding the following explanation.
Praying with Eyes Closed
It is typically not recommended to close your eyes during Salah as the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself prayed with his eyes open. But it is not necessary to open eyes during salah. There are different theories by different scholars regarding this concern. The scholars agreed that it is disliked to close the eyes for no reason while praying. Some say that it is not recommended as Jews do it during their prayers, and also it mimics sleeping. This act is usually not preferred unless there is a reason for doing so, such as fear of seeing something one should not be looking at whilst praying, seeing one’s concubine or wife, or a non-mahram woman, naked.
A popular Sunni scholar, Al-Kasani, said: “It is disliked because it goes against the Sunnah, which is to focus the gaze on the place of prostration, and because all of a person’s faculties have a role to play in worship, including the eyes. The author of Maraqi Al-Falah stated that it is disliked unless done for a purpose. He said, closing the eyes may be preferable to looking in some cases. Imam Al-`Izz ibn `Abd As-Salam said in his Fatwas that closing the eyes when praying is permissible, when necessary, if that helps the worshipper to focus more fully on his prayer.
Ibn Al-Qayyim said in Zad Al-Ma`ad that if a man can focus more fully on his prayer by opening his eyes, then it is better to do so. If he can focus more fully by closing his eyes, because there are things that may distract him from his prayer, such as adornments and decorations. In that case, it is not disliked at all and the view that in this case it is recommended for him to close his eyes is closer to the aims and principles of Shariah than saying that it is disliked.
Thus, there are different opinions of different scholars. Most of them agree on the same point that it is not a preferred act though under specific circumstances one is allowed to do so.
Why is it Disliked to Close Eyes During Salah?
There are multiple reasons why it is not recommended. Some of which are given as follows:
- It does not fulfill the aspect of Sunnah, which is to offer prayer while looking at the place of prostration
- It is somewhat similar to the ways Jews offer their worship
- It is reported that the early Muslims said the Holy Prophet ﷺ himself did not offer any prayers with his eyes closed.
There are some weak hadiths regarding this matter, but not a solid one that directly relates to this matter. Thus, this query is subjected to Islamic Scholars and their understanding of Islamic teachings.
Conclusion
Salah is one of the most important pillars of Islam. Muslims have to offer salah five times a day. Salah requires the performance of ablution. It has to be performed as directed by Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى and the Prophet (ﷺ). The topic under discussion was whether it is permissible to close eyes during salah. It is permissible but not recommended to close the eyes during Salah, as the Prophet (ﷺ) used to keep the eyes open during Sujud.
Moreover, it resembles the way of offering prayer with Jews, as they tend to close their eyes. It is our duty to try to follow the footsteps of the Prophet ﷺ. But if someone has a problem opening their eyes during salah, like if someone’s making faces in front of them or they feel difficulty focusing, then they can pray with their eyes closed. Also, if someone feels that there is some distraction in front of them, then they can close their eyes for a brief moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should we pray with our eyes open or closed?
It is recommended to keep your eyes open during prayers to follow Sunnah. Closing eyes is a disliked act. Though closure of eyes is often done to abstain from distractions but prayers require our attention and devotion.
What is the preferred method to pray in Islam with reference to the eyes?
Muslims are not allowed to close their eyes while offering prayers. It is considered makrooh (discouraged). The best way is to keep the eyes focused on the place of prostration. Closure of the eyes can also lead to hallucinations, which is not the right way to offer prayers.
Is it okay to pray with closed eyes?
It can be allowed under specific circumstances to avoid any disturbance during prayers. If there is a doubt that you may look upon your naked wife, then you can close your eyes.
Is it a sin to close your eyes while praying in Islam?
No. It is not considered a sin but a disliked act (makrooh).
What acts can invalidate Salah?
Certain acts can invalidate Salah that includes laughing, talking, extra movements, acts that nullify wudu or not praying in the direction of Qibla.
