What is the ruling on closing the eyes during prayer for the sake of khushu'? I have heard that Ibn al-Qayyim says it is permissible and may even be recommended for the sake of khushu'?
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The questioner : He says: Your Eminence, what is the ruling on closing the eyes during prayer for the sake of khushu'? I have heard that Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) holds that it is permissible, and may even be recommended for the sake of khushu'?
The Shaykh : Yes. However, if something occurs that necessitates closing the eyes, there is no harm in doing so. For example, if a person enters prayer and then children start playing in front of him, or if he notices something that distracts him from the prayer, then there is no harm in closing his eyes. But if he closes his eyes without a reason, thinking that he will achieve khushu', then this is a whisper from Shaytan, because closing the eyes...
The Shaykh : Yes. However, if something occurs that necessitates closing the eyes, there is no harm in doing so. For example, if a person enters prayer and then children start playing in front of him, or if he notices something that distracts him from the prayer, then there is no harm in closing his eyes. But if he closes his eyes without a reason, thinking that he will achieve khushu', then this is a whisper from Shaytan, because closing the eyes...