What if people stare at me when I pray in public?

Usually it is curiosity, not hostility. Staring does not affect your prayer. Keep your eyes on your place of prostration, remember you are praying for Allah alone, and move to a quieter spot if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

It is normal to feel self-conscious

Praying in front of strangers can feel strange, especially at first. Many people in the West have never seen a Muslim prayer, so they look. Most glance for a second and carry on, and a few are simply curious. Feeling shy does not mean you are weak in faith. It means you are human, and it often fades quickly with practice.

Staying focused

When the Prophet ﷺ was asked about ihsan, he explained that it is to worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you cannot see Him, then to know that He sees you (Sahih al-Bukhari 50). In prayer, you are standing before Allah, not before the people around you. The Quran gives a reminder about how to find strength in prayer:

وَٱسْتَعِينُوا۟ بِٱلصَّبْرِ وَٱلصَّلَوٰةِ ۚ وَإِنَّهَا لَكَبِيرَةٌ إِلَّا عَلَى ٱلْخَـٰشِعِينَ "And seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, it is a burden except for the humble" Quran 2:45

Look at the place where your forehead will go. See Where should I look during prayer?
Recite slowly and think about the meaning.
Take a calm breath before you start, and remind yourself why you are praying.
Choose a spot at the edge of the space rather than in the middle of the crowd.

When to move

If someone is rude, follows you or makes you feel unsafe, there is nothing wrong with leaving and praying somewhere else within the prayer time. In a public place, praying only the obligatory units and leaving the optional ones for later is a good option. Your safety matters more than the exact spot. For more ideas on where to go, see Can I pray in public places in Europe or the USA?

If someone asks about it

You do not owe anyone a lecture, but a short friendly answer is often welcome: "I was praying. It's part of my faith, and I do it five times a day." Smile, and offer to say more if they want. Many people leave the conversation with a more positive view of Islam than they started with.

Building your confidence

Start in quieter public places, such as a park corner.
Pray with a friend now and then.
Keep a small mat or scarf with you, so you can begin quickly.

With time, the stares become less noticeable. For parks and open spaces, see Can I pray outside in a park?

Key points

Staring is usually curiosity and does not affect your prayer.
You are standing before Allah, not before the crowd.
Keep your eyes on your place of prostration and recite slowly.
If you feel unsafe, move and pray elsewhere within the time.

Tip: Say to yourself before you begin, "I'm praying for Allah." That one sentence shifts your attention from the people around you to the one you are facing.