what to think about when praying?
 

i know your not meant to think about whatever you think about at the time. just wanted to know whats the best thing to focus on when praying so the mind don't wander off.

God.

If it helps, think about the words you are saying and the significance behind them.

You should think about everything you are saying in your prayer and focus on Allah. When I ask for Allahs mercy in my prayer, I think about the things that I have don't that I beg forgiveness for. When I praise Him, I think about all the rewards he has given me every day and the blessing that I have recieved from Him. I think about my brothers and sisters who may not be praying regularly and I hope that they start making their prayers. If you are praying and your mind wanders and almost forget what you are saying, the words are coming from your mouth but not from your heart so you are not really truely praying. Also, try to never rush through prayer and when you feel your mind begining to drift, remind yourself that this prayer may be your last prayer in this life before you must answer to Allah for what you have done with your time.

As-Salaam Alaikum Wa-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakatuhu

Bukhari :: Book 1 :: Volume 2 :: Hadith 47
Narrated Abu Huraira:

One day while the Prophet was sitting in the company of some people, (The angel) Gabriel came and asked, "What is faith?" Allah's Apostle replied, 'Faith is to believe in Allah, His angels, (the) meeting with Him, His Apostles, and to believe in Resurrection." Then he further asked, "What is Islam?" Allah's Apostle replied, "To worship Allah Alone and none else, to offer prayers perfectly to pay the compulsory charity (Zakat) and to observe fasts during the month of Ramadan." Then he further asked, "What is Ihsan (perfection)?" Allah's Apostle replied, "To worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you cannot achieve this state of devotion then you must consider that He is looking at you." Then he further asked, "When will the Hour be established?" Allah's Apostle replied, "The answerer has no better knowledge than the questioner. But I will inform you about its portents.

1. When a slave (lady) gives birth to her master.

2. When the shepherds of black camels start boasting and competing with others in the construction of higher buildings. And the Hour is one of five things which nobody knows except Allah.

The Prophet then recited: "Verily, with Allah (Alone) is the knowledge of the Hour--." (31. 34) Then that man (Gabriel) left and the Prophet asked his companions to call him back, but they could not see him. Then the Prophet said, "That was Gabriel who came to teach the people their religion." Abu 'Abdullah said: He (the Prophet) considered all that as a part of faith.


Salam

As mentioned by the sister above, would it be valid to think like this during the salah?