"I heard Abu Al-Ahwas saying to us in a gathering with Ibn Al-Musayyab when Ibn Al-Musayyab was sitting there, that he had heard Abu Dharr say: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Allah (SWT) continues to look upon His slave while he is praying, so long as he does not turn away. If he turns his face away, He turns away from him."
Hadith Text & Transmission
"I heard Abu Al-Ahwas saying to us in a gathering with Ibn Al-Musayyab when Ibn Al-Musayyab was sitting there, that he had heard Abu Dharr say: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'Allah (SWT) continues to look upon His slave while he is praying, so long as he does not turn away. If he turns his face away, He turns away from him.'"
Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1195 | The Book of Forgetfulness (In Prayer)
Meaning & Significance
This profound hadith reveals the intimate spiritual connection between the worshipper and Allah during prayer. The Divine Gaze (Nadhr) represents Allah's special attention, mercy, and acceptance of the prayer.
"Turning away" refers to both physical distraction (looking around) and mental distraction (letting the heart wander from devotion). When the worshipper's attention deviates, the special Divine regard is lifted, though Allah's general knowledge and care remain.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam An-Nawawi explains that this hadith emphasizes the importance of khushū' (humility and concentration) in prayer. The heart must be present with the tongue, and the eyes should be directed toward the place of prostration.
Ibn Al-Qayyim states that just as the physical body faces the qibla, the heart must face Allah. The one who turns away physically demonstrates the turning away of their heart from the remembrance of Allah.
Scholars note that occasional involuntary distraction is forgiven, but deliberate turning away negates the completeness of the prayer's spiritual benefits.
Practical Application
The worshipper should prepare mentally before prayer, understand the meanings of recitations, and minimize environmental distractions.
One should cultivate awareness that Allah is watching, responding to the Quranic verse: "Indeed, I am Allah. There is no deity except Me, so worship Me and establish prayer for My remembrance." (Quran 20:14)
This hadith serves as both a beautiful encouragement for concentration and a warning against negligence in our most direct communion with the Divine.