Is it permissible for one to close their eyes sometimes during prayer?
The majority of jurists hold the view that closing the eyes during prayer is disliked (). They cite a Prophetic tradition as evidence and explain that it is a potential cause of sleep, a departure from the which commands looking at the place of prostration, and because the eye has a share in worship through sight. They made an exception to this dislike in the case of fearing the loss of devotion (khushu') due due to distractions; in such a case, closing the eyes is not disliked, and may even be preferable. Closing the eyes becomes obligatory if leaving them open would lead to committing a forbidden act, such as looking at something impermissible. Some jurists, however, believe that closing the eyes is not disliked at all if no harm is feared, as it helps in achieving devotion and presence of heart.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Original fatwa ID
- 33296
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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