It is disliked to close the eyes during prayer; because it contradicts humility and involves a kind of distraction; and because the Sunnah is to direct one's gaze towards the place of prostration, and closing the eyes neglects this Sunnah; and because every limb and part has a share in this act of worship, so too do the eyes. Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "When one of you stands for prayer, he should not close his eyes." This is found in Al-Mu'jam Al-Awsat 2: 256, Al-Mu'jam Al-Saghir 1: 37, Al-Mu'jam Al-Kabir 11: 34. Al-Haythami said in Majma' Al-Zawa'id 2: 237: "In it is not Ibn Abi Suleim, who is a mudallis, and he narrated it with a chain of transmission." See: Bada'i' Al-Sana'i' 1: 217.