The Messenger (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) has commanded us that when supper is served and the iqaamah has also been pronounced for the prayer, we begin with the supper until we have finished from it. This is because of the hearts occupation with the provisions o utside of the prayer. Ibn Umar (ra) reported from the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) that he said : "When the meal of one of you is served and the prayer has commenced, begin wit h the meal first and do not hurry until you have finished from it."

6. Not being excessively occupied with the affairs of the world.

This is because it will most certainly be at the expense of the Hereafter. Take, therefore, from the world that which will cloth you, your family and your child ren. If your work is done in the morning it will suffice you. There is nothing w hich necessitates work in the evening. If you receive a consistent amount of bus iness which brings you profits in abundance there is no need for becoming entang led with a variety of trades, dividing your mind thereby, making you forget the rights of your Lord and destroying the rights of your self, your family and your dependants.

7. Reciting the Qur'aan abundantly.

Also what has been established from among the various remembrances and supplicat ions from the Messenger (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) as well as reading the heart-melting traditions an d stories. These soften the heart and make the Shaytaan distant.

8. Coming to the prayer early.

So that his zeal for the prayer does not force him to hurry towards the mosque a nd therefore enter the prayer while he is disturbed or muddled.

Abu Qataadah (ra) said: The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) said: "When you come to th e prayer you must come to it at ease and with tranquility and do not come to it hastily. Whatever you catch of the prayer, pray it and whatever you miss complete it."

Also Abu Hurairah (ra) said: The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) said: "When the praye r is recompensed for do not come to it hastily but come to it with ease, in tran quility. Whatever you catch of it pray it and whatever you miss complete it. Ind eed when one of you comes to perform the prayer he is engaged in prayer."

9. Straightening of the rows, making them level and filling the gaps.

This is because the gaps in the rows are the residing places of Shaytaan and the places where he stands. In a hadeeth there occurs: "Join together in the rows as Shaytaan stands between the gaps."

The Messenger (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) used to say when straightening the rows of the Companions (r a): "Be equal (level) and do not separate lest your hearts separate." He also used to say: "Either you must straighten and make level your rows or Allaah will cause your faces to be separated."

In the absence of the straightening of the rows, making them level and filling t he gaps is the separation of the faces and hearts, an impairment to Eemaan and k illing of khushoo'. Conversely, in the straightening of the rows and their being level is the perfection of the prayer and its beautification as the Messenger ( sas) said: "... as the straightening of the rows is from the perfection of the prayer" and also his (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) saying: "... as the straightening of the rows is from the beauty of prayer."