Arabic · noun · Spirit & the Divine

Khushoo

ख़ुशू
said khu-SHOO
also written: Khushu, Khushu', khushu, khushu-o-khuzu
Meaning

Humble, reverent submission and inner concentration, especially in prayer.

Literally: humility and reverence (in worship)

Usage & notes

Reverent humility — the inward submission, awe and focused presence of heart that makes worship real, especially in prayer ("successful are the believers who are humble in their prayer"). It marks the difference between mere outward ritual and living devotion. Iqbal prizes this inwardness, holding that a prayer or act emptied of genuine khushu and presence of heart is a hollow form.