The Effect of Khushu' on the Validity of the Prayer

Question:
Regarding khushu' (humility) in the prayer, and when reciting the Qur'an, if a person is unable to achieve it, does the reward of the praying person's prayer and Qur'an recitation decrease?

Answer:
Yes, khushu' is the spirit of the prayer, but if one prays without khushu', his prayer is valid, because khushu' is something not within his power; rather, it is something that Allah the Exalted places in the heart of the Muslim. There are causes for it, such as reflecting on the Qur'an in the prayer, whether it is from him or from the imam. One should enter the prayer in a state of ease; the mind should not enter it while disturbed, preoccupied with food, or while being urged by the two base desires, urination and defecation. Or one prays in a place of extreme cold or extreme heat. These prevent khushu' or diminish it. So he should choose the appropriate state, and he should reflect on the Noble Qur'an when he hears it or recites it. As for his prayer, it is valid, because nothing has been lacking from its pillars, its conditions, or its obligations. Yes.