then this practice is established. If they are not authentic, it nevertheless provides the person with additional protection, for reciting Ayat al-Kursi protects a person from devils. The same is true of: “Say, ‘He is Allah, the One,’” “Say, ‘I seek refuge in the Lord of daybreak,’” and “Say, ‘I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind.’” (1)

Whoever wishes to explore this matter further should consult the books written on the subject, such as al-Nawawi’s al-Adhkar and Ibn al-Qayyim’s al-Wabil al-Sayyib. It is a beneficial book, for its author—may Allah have mercy on him—mentions the benefits of remembrance therein, listing more than one hundred such benefits.

Section

Turning one’s head in prayer is disliked, …

His statement, “Turning one’s head in prayer is disliked”: the word “turning” is the passive subject; that is, it is disliked for the worshipper to turn around, because the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was asked about turning around during prayer and said: “It is something Satan snatches away from a servant’s prayer.” (2) That is, a theft and plundering which Satan snatches away from a servant’s prayer. He also said to Anas ibn Malik: “My dear son, beware of turning around in prayer, for it is