What is the method of avoiding worldly thoughts and distractions during Salaah?

To protect oneself from worldly thoughts and distractions during Salaah, one should, before commencing the Salaah, recite:

Laa Hawla Wa Laa Quwwata Illaa Billaahil-Aliyyil-Azeem

And then lightly blow three times toward the left with a slight amount of saliva. This is what is meant by Thutkaar ()تھتکار. It does not refer to ordinary spitting; rather, it means gently blowing air from the mouth while allowing a very small amount of saliva to accompany it. Thereafter, one should commence Salaah. During Salaah, one should also carefully guard one’s gaze and keep one’s attention focused upon the prescribed places of looking. By adopting these practices, In Sha Allah, one will attain greater concentration, presence of heart, humility, and devotion in Salaah.

Hazrat Mufti Ahmad Yaar Khan Naeemi Alaihir Rahmah, while explaining the method of protecting oneself from satanic whispers and distracting thoughts during Salaah, states: “Before commencing Salaah, lightly blow three times toward the left with a slight amount of saliva and recite Laa Hawla Wa Laa Quwwata Illaa Billaahil-Aliyyil-Azeem. Thereafter, recite the Takbeer-e-Tahreemah and commence the Salaah. During Salaah, one should safeguard one’s gaze. While standing (Qiyaam), one should look toward the place of prostration; during Ruku, toward the upper surface of the feet; during Sujood, toward the bridge of the nose; during Jalsah (the sitting between the two prostrations), toward the lap; and during Qaʿdah (the sitting in which At-Tahiyyaat and other supplications are recited), toward the lap. In Sha Allah, by observing this, one will attain presence of heart, humility, and devotion (Khushoo and Khudoo) in Salaah.” (Mirʾaatul-Manaajeeh Sharh Mishkaatul-Masaabeeh, Volume 1, 74 / Naeemi Kutub Khaanah Gujarat)