What is Tahajjud Prayer?
Tahajjud means to abandon sleep to pray Salat, also known as Qiyam-u-lail. The Tahajjud prayer is usually performed after Isha (the compulsory nightly prayer) and before performing Fajr (the mandatory morning prayer). It may be performed between 2 and 8 Rakat. But you can act like two, four, six, or eight rakahs. The Qur’an says
وَمِنَ ٱلَّيْلِ فَتَهَجَّدْ بِهِۦ نَافِلَةً لَّكَ عَسَىٰٓ أَن يَبْعَثَكَ رَبُّكَ مَقَامًا مَّحْمُودًا
“And (during part) of the night, abandon sleep and keep vigil to pray Salat, in addition to the regular obligatory prayer. Your Rabb (the Sustainer) may (as a reward) elevate you to the position of High Distinction, Glory, and Praise.”
(AlQuran 17:79)
The Prophet (SAWW) said:
“I will be at “Maqam-e-Mahmuda” on the Day of Resurrection when I will seek forgiveness for the sinners from the Rabb (the Sustainer) who does what He wills.”
Time of Tahajjud Prayer:
Tahajjud prayer is executed in the last third of a night in the wake of awakening one’s rest. It can’t be offered straight away after Isha, yet just after one’s rest, nor when the time is close to Fajr.
Importance of Tahajjud
Also known as the ‘night prayer,’ the Tahajjud prayer is not considered obligatory. However, there is a great significance and several blessings associated with Tahajjud. Believed to be the most virtuous among the Nafl prayers, the Qiyam-u-lail is considered a part of the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Those who perform the Tahajjud prayer regularly are sure to earn the blessings of Allah. It is also said that this prayer brings a Muslim closer to the Almighty, and their life is filled with peace and brightness. The holy Quran, as well as several Hadiths, emphasize the importance of Tahajjud prayer.
وَٱلَّذِينَ يَبِيتُونَ لِرَبِّهِمْ سُجَّدًا وَقِيَٰمًا
“And they who pass the night prostrating themselves before their Lord and standing.”
(Quran, 25:64)
In the Bukhari, Muslim the hadith says,
“The Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven when one-third of the night remains and says: ‘Who will call upon Me, that I may answer Him? Who will ask of Me that I may give him? Who will seek My forgiveness that I may forgive him?'”
(Bukhari, Muslim)
Conditions And Format Of Tahajjud Prayer
- Make an unmistakable intention of performing Tahajjud prayer and rearrange to wake up finally a piece of the night by utilizing the Alarm Clock.
- Make and maintain the complete condition of cleanliness and do mandatory Wudu (thorough cleansing) as performed before other prayers.
- Moving to a clean and calm place in the house is far from diversions.
- Remove all kinds of everyday matters, burdens, and stresses from one’s heart to better focus on meeting with Allah SWT and accomplishing His Mercy.
- Offer at least two Rakats up to 12, depending on one’s willpower.
What should we recite at night prayers?
Our Prophet recited long chapters during qayam (standing up position in prayer) at the Tahajjud prayer. Those were the chapters such as Baqarah, Nisa, or Al-Imran. And he used to keep long the rukh (bowing position in worship) and prostrations as well. He used to think about the deep meaning of the verses. Following the prayers, he often used to supplicate concisely, remember Allah, and aplenty used to repent and ask for forgiveness.
Benefits of Tahajjud Prayer
The Tahajjud prayer is associated with several benefits and rewards. As Tahajjud salah involves waking up in the middle of sleep, it offers great rewards from the Almighty. Here are some of its benefits, along with Hadiths regarding the same.
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Closeness of Allah
Tahajjud prayer is one of the best ways to attain closeness to Allah.
“Be vigilant in standing up [in prayer] at night, for it was the practice of the pious before you. It is a means of gaining proximity to Allah Ta’ala, expiation for transgressions, and a barrier from sins.”
(Tirmidhi)
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Inner strength and Mental piece
Tahajjud prayer is that it gives inner strength and mental peace. It also can prevent acts of sin and evil. Also, according to Islamic tradition, the third part of the night is the best time to make wishes/duas.
Prophet (PBUH) said:
“During the night, there is a time when the Muslim does not ask for the good of this world and the Hereafter, but it will be given to him, and that happens every night.”
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Faith in Allah
Also known to be the best among the voluntary prayers, one significant benefit of performing Tahajjud is that it helps with everyday problems and enhances the faith in Allah. While performing this prayer, one completely trusts Allah and leaves all worldly worries. When a believer leaves everything to the Almighty, the supreme power assists different sources.
وَيَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِبُ ۚ وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُۥٓ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بَٰلِغُ أَمْرِهِۦ ۚ قَدْ جَعَلَ ٱللَّهُ لِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدْرًا
“And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, and then He will suffice him. Verily, Allah will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allah has set a measure for all things.”
(AlQuran 65:3)
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It grants patience
It is also said that the Tahajjud prayer grants patience even in the face of problems. Containing Tahajjud into the daily routine brings peace to the distressed heart.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“The closest that the Lord is to His slave is in the latter part of the night, so if you can be one of those who remember Allah at that time, then do so.”
(Al-Tirmidhi and al-Nisaa’i)
Conclusion:
The month of Ramazan is coming. It offers a decent open door and valuable time to perform Tahajjud prayer, mainly when the season of initiating the fast is favorable. Allah [swt] gives an excellent prize for every one of our demonstrations of love amid this favored month.
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