Tahajjud prayer is a voluntary act of worship performed after the night (Isha) prayer, typically in the latter part of the night or during the final third. The Arabic term “Tahajjud” means “to stay awake,” reflecting the act of rising from sleep to engage in spiritual devotion. While not obligatory, Tahajjud prayer holds immense value, as it allows believers to draw closer to Allah, purify their hearts, and attain deeper spiritual insight. Below is a detailed discussion of the definition, historical background, jurisprudential basis, virtues, and practical aspects of Tahajjud prayer, supported by relevant sources.

Definition and Scope of Tahajjud Prayer

Tahajjud prayer is a nafl (voluntary) worship offered after the obligatory night (Isha) prayer, commonly in the final third of the night. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) strongly encouraged Tahajjud, regarding it as a means of delving into the depths of the soul, seeking closeness to Allah, and earning forgiveness for sins. By performing Tahajjud, a person disciplines their inner self and momentarily withdraws from worldly distractions, immersing themselves in divine remembrance.

Historical Background

During the Prophet’s Era

The roots of Tahajjud prayer trace back to the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace and blessings be upon him) practice of nighttime worship. Authentic narrations indicate that he would wake up during the night—outside of Ramadan as well—to perform voluntary prayers, supplicate to Allah, and recite the Qur’an. The revelation of the Qur’an also highlights the significance of night worship:

“And from [part of] the night, pray with it as additional worship for you…”
(Surah Al-Isra, 17:79)

This verse alludes to the spiritual foundation of Tahajjud as a dedicated form of night worship.

Era of the Companions and Caliphs

Night prayers maintained their importance during the caliphates of Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) and ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him). The Companions voluntarily performed Tahajjud, making it a constant part of their worship routine. ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) would urge people to stand for Tahajjud, underscoring its vital role in nurturing a deep connection with Allah.

Jurisprudential Basis and Scholarly Views

Qur’anic and Hadith Evidences

While Tahajjud is not explicitly mandated in the Qur’an as an obligatory act, several verses and Prophetic practices confirm its spiritual importance. In particular, Surah Al-Isra (17:79) highlights the elevated status of night worship.

Example of a Hadith:

“Whoever stands [in prayer] at night seeking Allah’s mercy, his sins will be forgiven.”
(Bukhari, Tahajjud, 5)

This hadith emphasizes Tahajjud’s role in attaining forgiveness of sins.

Approaches of Different Schools

• Hanafi School:
  Hanafi scholars view Tahajjud as a highly recommended voluntary prayer. It nurtures spiritual depth and brings believers closer to Allah.
• Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali Schools:
  The remaining three schools also recognize Tahajjud as an extremely virtuous act. They note no fixed number of rak’ahs; typically, one may start with 2 and increase to 4, 6, or more, according to one’s ability and desire.

Sources:

• Ibn ‘Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar, Section on Tahajjud
• Al-Nawawi, Al-Majmu‘, Chapter on Tahajjud
• Imam Malik, Al-Muwatta, Section on Night Worship

Virtues of Tahajjud Prayer

1. Forgiveness of Sins:
   Numerous hadiths indicate that those who perform Tahajjud attain forgiveness. This prayer helps atone for minor mistakes committed during the day.
   (Bukhari, Tahajjud, 5)
2. Closeness to Allah and Purity of Heart:
   Late-night worship, performed in the stillness of the night, directs the heart toward Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught, “The closest a servant is to his Lord is when he is in prostration,” illustrating the deep spiritual impact of Tahajjud.
   (Muslim, Salat, 215)
3. Spiritual Depth and Consistency:
   Observing Tahajjud regularly strengthens one’s spirituality. Rising at night to pray fosters self-reflection, cultivating patience and willpower.
4. Acceptance of Special Supplications:
   The night is considered a time when prayers and acts of worship are more readily accepted. Supplications made during Tahajjud often carry a heightened sense of sincerity and humility.
   (Bukhari, Tahajjud, 5)
5. Engagement with the Qur’an:
   Tahajjud provides an excellent opportunity for reciting and contemplating the Qur’an. Through this prayer, believers can delve deeper into the Qur’an’s meanings and apply its guidance more profoundly.

Practical Guidelines and Recommendations

Intention and Preparation

Before starting Tahajjud, one should make a clear intention (niyyah). Simply stating, “I intend to perform Tahajjud prayer for the sake of Allah,” helps foster sincerity and focus.

Timing

Tahajjud is ideally performed during the final third of the night. If one is unable to wake up at that time, it may be offered after ‘Isha. The key is to maintain consistency in night worship.

Number of Rak’ahs

There is no fixed requirement for the number of rak’ahs in Tahajjud. A person may offer 2, 4, 6, or more rak’ahs based on their capacity and devotion. What matters most is performing the prayer with humility and concentration.

Setting and Environment

Tahajjud can be performed at home or in a mosque, either individually or in congregation. Many find that praying at home fosters solitude and introspection, enhancing the personal connection with Allah.

Final Words

Tahajjud prayer holds a unique status among the night prayers, offering a profound chance for believers to draw near to Allah and seek forgiveness. Given the emphasis the Prophet (peace be upon him) placed on night worship, Tahajjud serves to deepen spiritual insight, purify the heart, and bring the worshipper into the divine mercy.

Every Muslim is encouraged to perform Tahajjud regularly, within their means. This act of worship not only provides respite from worldly distractions but also promises immense rewards in the Hereafter. In the stillness of the night, Tahajjud stands as one of the most sincere and heartfelt avenues of turning to Allah.

Bibliography

1. Bukhari, Tahajjud Section
2. Muslim, Salat (Hadith Chapters)
3. Ibn ‘Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar, Tahajjud Prayer Section
4. Al-Nawawi, Al-Majmu‘, Chapter on Tahajjud
5. Imam Malik, Al-Muwatta, Section on Night Worship
6. Tirmidhi, Sections on Tahajjud (Hadith and Theology)

These references examine the scriptural foundations, practical methods, and spiritual merits of Tahajjud prayer in detail. Through regular Tahajjud, believers grow in closeness to Allah, cultivate spiritual depth, and strengthen their resolve.

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