The most important act that Muslims can do for themselves is Tahajjud because this is a night prayer that would lead people into great spiritual tranquility and bring them closer to the faithful Creator. Therefore, people at Islamic Counseling always encourage people to cultivate this habit in their lives. Here, we dig into how to perform Tahajjud prayer along with the importance and benefits it bequeaths and the best time to read this blessed prayer.
What is Tahajjud Prayer?
Tahajjud is non-wajib or optional night prayer. It is carried out after the Isha prayer before the Fajr prayer. It is the ultimate time for contemplation, supplication, and asking for pardon. The prayer strengthens not only one’s faith but also helps a person realize how weak the life of this world is.
Why Tahajjud is Important
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Spiritual Connection
Through prayer or Tahajjud prayer, we are connected with the Lord and reminded how much we are still in His hands for everything.
It is during Tahajjud that a man will have the opportunity of seeing Allah with all his heart. Nighttime is calm and noiseless; therefore the people at that time will have focused worship and sincere supplication by the people. It is said that at this time, Allah goes down to the lowest heaven to listen to the supplication of his servants.
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Forgiveness and Mercy
With Tahajjud prayer, one gets close to Allah’s mercy. At that time, all the wrong deeds with the fact that they are sins is presented before one and thus a man or woman should seek repentance. Waking up in the dead of night to pray Tahajjud is but an indication that he or she is sincere about faith and worship.
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Fulfillment of Wishes
The Tahajjud prayer is one of the channels through which sincere prayers are responded to because most hadiths would signify that and, therefore, be the appropriate time for personal supplications, known as duas, concerning one’s needs, desires, or aspirations.
Benefits of Tahajjud Prayer
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Clarity of Mind and Concentration
This is because when praying at night, the mind is energized; hence, one is in a position to fully concentrate on the prayers and reflections for the night due to the calm environment. Most people carrying out this action confirm that their heads are much more organized and focused afterward.
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Increased Productivity
Quiet reflection and planning for the day. On such a day, one is facilitated to set goals and get about the course of the day in a much more purposeful way and with much more focus.
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Physical Health
Wake up early, and nd some time on spiritual activities that generally help improve one’s general well-being. The development of sleep patterns improves with this routine of the Tahajjud prayer.
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Deeper Faith
Tahajjud prayer helps in forming a deep relationship with the faith. One becomes more responsible and can keep the spiritual life running parallel to routine work.
How to Perform Tahajjud
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Intention (Niyyah)
The intention is to perform the Tahajjud prayer. It is made at the time of deciding to wake up early for Tahajjud prayer to please Allah.
Select a good intention or Dua for the name of Allah, or a Tasbeeh, or simply to seek forgiveness from Him.
First of all, one needs to make an intention for this prayer. This is usually done in some form of intention before each prayer. In the case of the Tahajjud prayer, the intention would be to perform it during the night, after waking up for that specific reason alone.
Before moving ahead into the act of Tahajjud, prepare a strong intent to set up. Prepare your mind for the prayer and try getting close with Allah.
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Time
The Tahajjud time starts after Isha up to Fajr. Ideally, of course, that would be at the end of the third of the night which is considered to be most auspicious for praying. One can even measure the last third of the night by merely dividing the time gap between sunset and Fajr into three equal parts.
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The Prayer
Tahajjud prayer majorly comprises cycles or rakats. However, practically speaking, it is not so strict, but two rakats are quite more than enough. You can even have more and double the number of cycles as you would like to do and as you can cope up with. It could be multiple of two done with short breaks between them.
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Recitation and Meditation
If you have a favorite ayats, then you can say it multiple times in your Tahajjud. Some people pray Surah Al-Fatiha before reading the rest or even some verses. Be slow with this prayer. The night will give you quality time for reflection and bonding.
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Dua (Supplication)
As you read, write personal supplication. That is where you will look for the solution, forgiveness, and even probably an answer to your problems from Allah. Be truthful in your requests then, after that, leave it in the merciful hands of Allah.
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Witr Prayer
Witr may be performed after Tahajjud. A person who performs witr usually does that in odd numbers. It becomes, therefore one final act of worship for the night,
How to Perform Tahajjud
- Sleep Pattern: One must have a standard sleep pattern to wake up for Tahajjud. Go to bed early so that you wake and feel refreshed.
- Alarms: They wake up exactly at the right time. Some people set their alarm in some other corner of the bedroom so they must walk from the bed to turn it off and get into their morning routine.
- Silent Prayer Room: Provide a silent room for the prayer. So, it must be silent so that you may keep your brain clean and concentrated for worshipping.
- Family Engaging: Get your family members to be a part of this Tahajjud process. Shared experiences at times make it a delightful environment that enhances the motivational level considerably.
Here at Islamic Counseling, everyone is encouraged to go along with such a great practice that would help them further develop the relationship they have with faith and therefore live more meaningfully.
Conclusion
It is beautifully a prayer that would bring you close to Allah and helps in mental clarification, soundness, and all the aspects of religious satisfaction. With that said it would bring along such benefits of doing it as part of your nightly routine experiences in your life.
Read Also: Why is Promoting your Deen Important?
FAQs of Tahajjud Prayer
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Is it Wajib?
This is not wajib. It is a conglomeration of acts of worship. However, the merit and encouragement given for the act are huge in Islam.
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If I am not able to wake up for Tahajjud?
If you cannot wake up for Tahajjud, then you can move ahead by advancing your bed time or you can alter your sleeping habit gradually. The intent of the prayer is accepted by Allah.
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May I offer Tahajjud in the congregation?
It is read largely in the congregation. Whereas, if its performance can be carried out in the congregation, and that will be possible and beneficial while praying on one’s part then that must be performed. Still, it should remain a performance of self-repentance.
