What is the ruling on absentmindedness in prayer, and does it entail sin, and how can it be avoided, and does the ruling on absentmindedness in prayer differ if it occurs in the Grand Mosque of Makkah?

The worshiper should have his heart and mind present in prayer, according to the Almighty's saying: "Successful indeed are the believers, those who during their prayer are humbly submissive," and His saying: "And stand before Allah with devotion." A person only gains from his prayer what he comprehends of it. If his mind is preoccupied with worldly matters, the reward of the prayer decreases proportionally, as the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "Indeed, a man departs from his prayer, and nothing of it is recorded for him except half of it, or a third of it, or a fourth of it, or a fifth of it, or a sixth of it," until he said, "or a tenth of it."

If heedlessness overwhelms the presence of the heart in prayer, most scholars are of the view that the obligation is fulfilled and re-performing the prayer is not necessary, but the reward is not attained except with the presence of the heart. Jurists also disliked performing prayer in the presence of food when one desires it, or while resisting the two impurities (urination or defecation), due to the preoccupation of the heart with such matters.

One should strive for humility and contemplation in prayer, recalling the greatness of Allah Almighty, approaching prayer with desire and eagerness, maintaining remembrance (dhikr), seeking refuge with Allah from the accursed Satan, and supplicating for humility.