Hadith and Traditions

The “intoxication of sleep” (sukr al-nawm) refers to sleep overwhelming the senses, causing a loss of awareness and incoherent speech. It differs from intoxication caused by wine. In this state, a believer’s heart remains sound, but one should not begin prayer while so drowsy, to avoid speaking incoherently.

According to numerous narrations, chess is classed alongside gambling and described as a form of impurity and frivolous amusement. It is said to harden the heart and distract people from important responsibilities. Some narrations attribute its invention to Satan and say it can cause bewitchment and attract jinn. Cheating at chess is also regarded as a grave sin.

A hadith from Imam al-Baqir (AS) says that the heart sometimes has neither faith nor disbelief, but is like a piece of flesh into which God later places either faith or disbelief. This does not mean that people are compelled; through prayer and supplication, one can seek the grace of guidance. Being heedless in everyday matters can also be an instance of this state.

Satan’s influence is no less present in one part of the prayer than in another; there is no difference between reciting al-Fātiḥa and the other surah, and saying the tasbīḥāt. Presence of heart in prayer depends on a person’s longing to connect with God: the stronger that longing becomes, the more fully the heart and tongue will be present before Him. Love of worship, which grows from knowledge, brings the heart into prayer; the heart should lead the body and its limbs.