Is my prayer invalid—despite my repeated attempts to concentrate and achieve khushu' (devotional humility) and my supplications to Allah for it—due to the abundance of worldly thoughts that cross my mind during prayer, whether performed alone or in congregation? This is based on the saying of a scholar: "If the heart is humble, all other limbs of the body will be humble, but if all other limbs of your body are humble and your heart is not, then that is the prayer of the hypocrites." And does the degree of khushu' vary when reciting the Quran from one verse to another, and does the imam's voice and manner of recitation play a role in achieving khushu' in prayer?

Reverence (Khushu') is the spirit of prayer and the cause of a servant's success. Despite its importance, it is not a condition for the prayer's validity. Prayer is not nullified by its absence; rather, its reward is diminished or lost entirely. One should strive to attain it by striving against the self and being patient, for it is acquired gradually. Reflecting on the Qur'an during prayer is required, and reverence and emotional impact may vary according to the verses and the reciter. The congregant should not rely on the Imam's voice but should reflect on what is being recited. If the heart is reverent, the limbs will be reverent. However, if the limbs are reverent without the heart, it is the prayer of the hypocrites, as described by the Prophet, peace be upon him. This is because they perform it with sluggishness and hypocrisy, remembering Allah but little. As for those who strive to attain reverence, they are not among them.