2025-April: Tahajjud- A Divine Connection

Tahajjud - A Divine Connection

Tahajjud-the night prayer in Islam-has often been explained as the supposed solution to all problems and has also been deemed to be the most spiritual act of worship to connect with The Creator. But what is so special about this prayer?

During the deep tranquillity of the night, when every soul is at rest, Allah ﷻ descends to hear His slaves. Anyone in search of forgiveness and seeking bounties in their life, seek out Tahajjud with all their might. Waking up while the rest of the world sleeps, being able to sincerely call upon Allah ﷻ during this blessed hour, requires sincere intention, consistent efforts, and trust in Allah’s Mercy. 

Creating a Steadfast Habit

Waking up for Tahajjud can be simple if one can incorporate some habits into their daily life:

• Making Niyyah (sincere intentions) - setting a genuine and clear intention, can allow one to wake up even when extremely tired

• Praying Obligatory (fardh) Salahs on Time - praying the five compulsory prayers on time can build the foundation of the night prayers.

• Heartfelt Dua - asking Allah ﷻ the all Merciful for help to wake up in the night can definitely increase one’s chances of performing the salah.

• Being Consistent - maintaining consistency is the key to unlocking the full benefits of Tahajjud. The night prayer is not about praying long hours one night and never returning, but about showing up night after night - even if only for two rakats (units of prayer)- as an act of refuge, not a burden. The Prophet Muhammad  ﷺ  said that “The most beloved action to Allah ﷻ is those done regularly, even if they are few”. (Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5861) and Muslim (782) 

• Exercising Patience (sabr) and Perseverance - Some nights we may pour our hearts out to our Creator, only to find no visible change. But we must not despair - our Lord answers in ways our mind cannot comprehend - protecting us from unseen harm, or preparing us for something greater.  We must pray with faith and hope because every dua is heard, every slight tear or whisper is recorded, and truly Allah ﷻ knows best when to answer our prayers. And if we are ever unwilling to pray, we should bear in mind that Satan is most definitely shileding us from  you not to. 

A Companion’s Tale

Tahajjud is can be powerful catalyst to supplicate in solitude and pure repentance, and the companions of the Prophet ﷺ were able to use the prayer as a transformative habit.

Usaid ibn Hudair’s (may Allah be pleased with him) tahajjud was so tranquil and profound that on one memorable night, his recitation of Surah Baqarah spooked his horses. Surprised by the sudden horse noises, he stopped reciting the surah until the horses calmed down. When he started to recite the surah again, the horses began to whine again. Bewildered, Usaid ibn Hudair looked up and his eyes widened at the sight of the brightly lit night sky. When he told his story to the Prophet ﷺ, he replied with, “Those were angels who came near you for your voice and if you had kept reciting till dawn, it would have remained till morning when people would have seen it as it would not have disappeared.” (Sahih Bukhari)

His recitation was so anchored in sincerity that even the angels had been mesmerized by his beautiful voice. This eye-opening story sheds light to the harsh reality: the present day ummah is struggling to dedicate five minutes to the prayer. What is truly stopping the ummah from praying at least two rakats** of Tahajjud daily?

It's an achievement and a gateway

Tahajjud is not merely a prayer but a gateway to untold blessings from Allah ﷻ, allowing you to witness His mercy in its utmost form. It is a means of drawing closer to Allah ﷻ, strengthening hearts and providing a sense of peace - a source of immense reward in this life and the next. He says, “Who will call upon Me, that I may answer him? Who will ask of Me, that I may give him? Who will ask me for forgiveness, that I may forgive him?” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (1145) and Muslim (758)

The gift of prayer is among the most beautiful blessings we have been given. Which king, president, or leader invites their people for five daily meetings? Yet here is Allah ﷻ- the king of all kings, the Creator of this world and the next - urging us to call upon him. If we truly understood how much our Rabb is willing to give, we would race to answer His call. Tahajjud is an involuntary prayer not restricted to the most pious of men, but whoever is willing to bow down to Allah ﷻ -in all their brokenness, doubts or even tears - during the silence of the night, with sincerity and hope.