What is the description of Al-Iltifat (looking around/distraction) in prayer, and is it raising one's gaze from the place of prostration, or darting one's eyes right and left, or changing the direction of one's head?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Raising one's gaze from the place of prostration is not considered turning away. Rather, turning away (iltifāt) is the turning of the face to the right or left, which is disliked without need. If it reaches the point of turning one's back to the Qiblah, it invalidates the prayer. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) was asked about turning away during prayer, and he said: "It is a snatching that Satan snatches from the prayer of a servant." As for glancing with the eyes without twisting the neck, some scholars have permitted it, though it is not preferred.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- 123952
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