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Fatwa CenterClosing One’s Eyes in Prayer
Question
I am non-Arabic Muslim when I pray Salat in Arabic I also think of the translation, so that the words coming from my mouth have meaning to me. To concentrate in Salat and remember translation I close my eyes. Some say it is not good to close your eyes when praying Salat. Please Advise.
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad 
is His slave and Messenger.
The Muslim scholars differed in opinion concerning the matter of closing one's eyes in Prayer whether it is disliked or not? Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim 
said: “The jurists differed in opinion whether or not it is disliked.
Imam Ahmad and others disliked it explaining that it is the practice of the Jews. Some other scholars permitted it giving as reason that it might help in being humble during the prayer as being humble during the prayer is the soul and most important objective of the Prayer.
Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim said: “Closing the eyes during the prayer was not among the manners of the Prophet . It is known that he used to look at his index finger while sitting for Tashahhud and his sight did not pass over its gesture.” While standing during the Prayer, a Muslim is required to look at the place of prostration.
This is the best act which helps one to be humble in the Prayer.
However, if opening one's eyes prevents a person from being humble in the prayer, then it is permissible for him to close his eyes.
Ibn Al-Qayyim said: “The correct opinion is that if keeping the eyes open during the prayer does not affect the humbleness in prayer, then opening the eyes is better. If opening the eyes prevents one from submissiveness and humbleness during the Prayer because of the decoration and ornamentation, then closing one’s eyes is not disliked for sure.”
We believe, however, that the opinion of those who say that closing the eyes is better in such circumstances is more desirable and more appropriate to the rulings of the Sharee’ah than other opinions.”
Allah knows best.
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