Does Closing the Eyes Affect Salah?

Question

Is it allowed to pray with eyes closed during Salah?

Bottom Line

Pray with sincerity.

Quick Answer

The Sunnah is to pray with eyes open. Closing the eyes without reason is makruh, but if it aids khushu‘ (concentration) or blocks distractions, it becomes permissible. Scholars allow flexibility depending on context.

Key Takeaways

• Default ruling: closing the eyes in prayer is disliked.
• If it increases focus or removes distraction, it is allowed.
• Scholars emphasize intention and context over strict prohibition.

Detailed Answer

The general principle in fiqh is that Salah should be performed with attentiveness and dignity. Closing the eyes without need is considered makruh, as mentioned by scholars such as in Ar-Rawd al-Murabbi (1/95) and al-Kafi (1/285). It was discouraged because it resembles the worship of the Jews and may give the impression of inattentiveness or drowsiness.

However, exceptions exist. Ibn al-Qayyim explained in Zad al-Maʿad (1/283) that if a person’s focus improves by closing the eyes, or if distractions such as decorations, bright lights, or movement hinder concentration, then closing the eyes is permissible.

Risks include missing the imam’s movements in jama‘ah prayer, losing awareness of surroundings, or even dozing off. Still, the purpose of Salah is khushu‘, and whatever helps achieve it within Shari‘ah boundaries is acceptable.

Thus, the ruling is balanced: generally disliked, but permissible if there is a valid reason.

What This Means for You

Keep your eyes open by default in prayer. If distractions reduce your khushu‘, you may close them without blame.

And Allah knows best.

References

Primary Sources

Qur’an

1. Al-Mu’minun 23:1–2: True believers are those who pray with humility and focus.

Hadith

2. Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2654: The Prophet ﷺ said, “Pray as you have seen me praying.”

Secondary Sources

3. Ibn al-Qayyim, Zad al-Maʿad, 1/283: Closing the eyes is not disliked if it enhances focus.
4. Ibn Qudāmah, al-Mughni, 2/30: Ruling on makruh status of closing the eyes in Salah.
5. al-Iqnaʿ, 1/127: Exceptions allowed if distractions justify it.