Meaning of Tahajjud
Tahajjud means rising at night by breaking sleep. Tahajjud is Salah that is offered after waking up from sleep at night. This name is given because a person goes to bed, sleeps for a while and then gets up for Salah by sacrificing his sleep.
Another name for it is Qiyamul Lail (standing at night). It is better to offer this Salah in the terminating hours of the night.
How many Rakat of Tahajjud ?
There is no fixed number of Raka'at for Tahajjud. Prophet (ï·º) used to offer in four, six, eight, ten or twelve Raka'at. Generally he used to offer it in two, two Raka'at. The first two used to be light. According to stamina and facility, the number of Raka'at can be increased or decreased.
Importance of Tahajjud
Prophet (ï·º) said, "The best Salah after Farz is Tahajjud." (Muslim, Ahmad) Prophet was given instruction to offer this Salah in the early period of his Prophethood and was also told of its benefits. The Qur an says,
"O wrapped up in the sheet! Stand up (for Salah) in the night, but not all the night; Half of it or a little less or a little more; and recite The Qur'an in a measured tone. Soon, We shall send down to you a weighty Message. Truly, rising up in the night is very effective in suppressing the desires and it also helps keep the word more accurate."
- (Al Muzzammil: 1-6)
Prophet (ï·º) himself said, "Make it a point to offer Tahajjud, for it was the practice of the pious people who were before you and it is the means whereby you can find nearness to Allah. It seeks expiation for sins and causes prevention of evil." (Nasa'ee Abu Dawood)
Prophet (ï·º) had made Tahajjud a habit of his life. He sometimes made great effort to offer it. Mughirah Ibn Shu'ba R narrates that Prophet (ï·º) stood in Tahajjud long that his feet used to become swollen. Prophet (ï·º) was asked: Allah has forgiven all your past and future sins. Then why do you take so much trouble? Prophet ï·º said: Shall I not be a thankful slave of Allah? (Bukhari)
Moderation Advised
As in every matter, moderation is essential in Tahajjud also. Ayesha siddiqah R narrates that once, Prophet (ï·º) came while a woman of the tribe of Banu Asad was sitting with me. Prophet (ï·º) asked: Who is she? I replied: She is so and so. She prays the whole night and does not sleep. Thereupon, Prophet (ï·º) said: Perform according to your capacity as Allah does not get tired (of giving rewards), but (surely) you will get tired. (Bukhari)
Persuasion for Tahajjud
One should make regular practice of offering Tahajjud and should persuade others as well. Prophet (ï·º) used to awake Fatimate R and Ali R for Tahajjud. (Bukhari)
Prophet (ï·º) said, "Allah showers mercy on a man who gets up during the night and prays, who awakens his wife and she prays; if she does not wake up, he sprinkles water on her face. Similarly, Allah showers mercy on a woman who gets up during the night and prays, who awakens her husband and he prays; if he does not wake up, she sprinkles water on his face." (Abu Dawood, Nasa'ee)
"Every night when it is the last third of the night, Allah descends to the nearest heaven and says: Is there anyone to invoke Me that I may respond to his invocation? Is there anyone to ask Me so that I may grant him his request? Is there anyone asking My forgiveness so that I may forgive him?" (Muslim, Bukhari)
How great is our misfortune that we do not say Labbaik (here we are) at the announcement of Mercy and Blessings of Allah! Owing to idleness, laziness and lethargy, we remain sleeping and instead of getting Blessings and Forgiveness of Allah, only deprivation comes to our share.
I hope you liked our post, don't forget to share it to others using social icons below. Share your thoughts and opinions in the comment section.
Allah and his messenger knows best