Mastering the Art of Tahajjud Prayer

Mastering the Art of Tahajjud Prayer

Tahajjud prayer is the greatest act of remembrance and the most rewarding optional prayer. It brings a person so close to Allah that no other deed can achieve. 

Regarding the virtues of Tahajjud prayer, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, "The best fast after Ramadan is in Allah's month, Muharram, and the best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the Tahajjud prayer." (Muslim 1163)

Furthermore, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "If a man wakes his wife and they pray two Rak'ahs together, they will be recorded among the remembrancers and the remembrances of Allah. (Abu Dawud 1309)

To perform Tahajjud prayer effectively, one must adopt certain strategies. Not everyone can wake up for Tahajjud prayer if they do not plan for it. Satan always tries to keep one from Tahajjud, especially after Fajr prayer.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "When any one of you goes to bed, Satan ties three knots at the back of his head, sealing each knot with 'You have a long night ahead, so sleep.' When a person wakes up and remembers Allah, one knot is undone. When they perform ablution, another knot is undone. When they pray, the final knot is undone." (Bukhari 1142)

1. Have the intention to perform Tahajjud prayer before sleeping. This ensures that even if one cannot wake up for Tahajjud, they will be rewarded for their intention, and their sleep will become a form of worship for Allah.

2. Avoid unnecessary activities and quickly go to sleep at the right time. Sleeping early allows for the accumulation of strength for Tahajjud and Fajr prayers.

3. Develop the habit of waking up 25-30 minutes before Fajr prayer to pray Tahajjud. Gradually, this practice will become easier over time.

In a Hadith found in the collection of Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Perform deeds according to your capacity, for by Allah, Allah never gets tired of giving rewards until you get tired of doing good deeds."

4. Protect the etiquettes of sleep before going to bed, such as reciting the relevant supplications. Recite Surah Al-Mulk and make Dhikr (remembrance of Allah).

5. Drink plenty of water before sleeping. Having a full stomach helps ensure a deeper sleep.

6. Reflect upon the promised rewards for those who observe Fajr prayer punctually, like surviving the trial of the hypocrites, being illuminated on the Day of Judgment, being under Allah's protection throughout the day, and the elimination of laziness from one's life.

By remembering these strategies, one can effectively incorporate Tahajjud prayer into their routine and reap its spiritual rewards.