Shaykh Muhammad Salih al-Munajjid’s little book is perhaps one of the most widely-circulated among Muslims today. This is because the topic touches worshippers where it hurts—we know that we often lapse into an automatic sort of prayer when we lose concentration. The Shaykh points out that this loss of concentration really stems from a lack of humility and devotion—in Arabic, khushoo‘. His aim in writing this book is to help us to get back that khushoo‘. His step-by-step approach makes it simple. He gives practical advice and uses the excellent example of the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) to guide us, so that as worshippers, we can truly return to a state of humility and devotion before the Lord.

Living in Allah’s Presence: Aspects of Islamic Spirituality introduces the natural human characteristics (fitrah) that are universally considered to be praiseworthy. In the Qur’an, Islam is referred to as al-din al-fitrah, meaning that the human being is, by his very nature, inclined to submit to the Will of Allah, and is inclined towards goodness. These Qur’anic concepts like sincerity, truthfulness, humility, morality, modesty and steadfastness underpin the Islamic value system. The reflections on these key concepts presented in this book guide the reader towards moral excellence and self-purification, which if achieved lead to the establishment of justice, living a life in Allah’s Presence and building a true relationship with Him, striving to fulfil His Will on earth and seeking His Pleasure in the afterlife.