The more serene and peaceful the environment is going to be, the easier it will be to concentrate and achieve focus during the Muraqaba. Perform Muraqaba in a place that is neither too warm nor too cold to feel the chills. The fewer things around the lighter the mind would be. The place should have access to air as much as possible. Also the darker the better. Turn off the lights before, during and a few minutes after the Muraqaba. Let the darkness stay for a while. If the light is pouring in from outside then use a curtain or anything else that would block it from entering the room, but keep in mind not to obstruct the flow of oxygen.

We do not recommend Muraqaba lying down in a bed as it leads to drowsiness. It is better to perform it in a sitting position either on the floor, in a chair, or on an ottoman style sofa. Attire yourself in loose clothing.

The four best periods for doing Muraqaba are:

1. Before dawn
2. During early afternoon
3. Late evening around an hour before sunset
4. After midnight

During these periods nature goes through stillness and so do human senses and that is why doing Muraqaba during these times is more productive than the others. All these times have some specific benefits; however, the period between sundown and sunrise is better than the others because during night-time those senses on which the unseen realm unfolds are more active.

Our world is moving in two ways, first in its own axis and second in its orbit. After reaching the zenith, the speed of orbiting starts slowing. Around a couple of hours before sundown, the speed slows down to a point where senses start feeling the pressure. Human and animal senses begin converting from the diurnal senses to the nocturnal senses. Every sensible person could tell you that during these hours we enter a state in which we feel tired or exhausted. This condition is the beginning of subconscious impulses on the consciousness. After midnight, the nocturnal senses get stronger and that is why it is the best period for Muraqaba.

Subconscious senses remain dominant until sunrise. That is why doing Muraqaba before sunrise is more helpful than during the daylight hours. One of the benefits of performing Muraqaba before sunrise is the overnight sleep gets rid of all the fatigue and tension of the day and therefore the person remains focused during Muraqaba. Even after waking up the subconscious senses remain active; therefore, the brain easily absorbs the effects of Muraqaba.

For many people Muraqaba around midnight may not be suitable because of job and business engagements. They are so tired that right around the time they begin the Muraqaba they fall asleep. For these people early morning Muraqaba would be the best.

The duration of the Muraqaba depends on the mental state and the concentration level of that person. The duration of the Muraqaba can be from 15 minutes to a couple of hours. Sometimes the time passes so swiftly that after finishing the Muraqaba when one looks at the watch, it is way past the intended time. While on other occasions, the person’s eyes open before the scheduled time with no desire to continue. However, keep the duration of the Muraqaba to an average 20 to 45 minutes.

You should fully utilize the time reserved for Muraqaba. Perform Muraqaba peacefully with ease. Prepare yourself for the heightened mental focus the way we prepare ourselves before starting to read a book. Just as for book reading we make the environment peaceful and quiet, so make the surroundings for Muraqaba also noise-free and serene so you can achieve maximum concentration. Right before beginning the Muraqaba let the mind be free of any thoughts and be peaceful. To achieve that state words can used as well …for example:

Say to yourself… “Everything is still and quiet and this stillness and serenity is entering inside me.”

Say these phrases in a low voice to feel its effects. Begin Muraqaba only when your body, mind and respiration are in harmony.