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Servants Of Allah: Spend Night In Worship

‘And those who spend the night in the worship of their Lord, prostrating and standing.’ (25:64)

Special mention of the night worship has been made because worshipping at the time of rest, requires a lot more effort than worshipping at other times. One of the advantages of spending the night in worship is that it rules outperforming the act of worship for show.

Abu Umamah narrates that the Holy prophet said, ‘Remain steadfast to your night prayers as this has been the practice of all the righteous people before your time and this will bring you closer to Allah and will expiate the evils and keep you away from sins.’ (Tirmizi)

Hazrat Uthmaan is reported to have observed that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) has said, ‘One who has offered Isha prayer with the congregation would be regarded as having worshipped half the night and one who has offered Fajr prayer with congregation would be regarded as having offered the other half of the night in prayers.’ (Muslim)

In early Islam, prior to the five Salah becoming obligatory, Tahajjud was Fardh on Rasulullah (PBUH) and the Ummah. Rasulullah and the Sahaba were so vigilant in executing this duty that they would remain awake most of the night performing Tahajjud. Rasulullah’s blessed feet would swell because of excessive standing in Tahajjud. “This is a time of peace and tranquillity in which the ears respond quicker and the heart is more alert and receptive to one’s devotions..”

Allah Ta’ala says, “As for the Righteous, they will be in the Gardens and fountains [of Jannah], with joy the rewards which their Lord gives them, before this (in the world) they were virtuous. They slept but little at night, and they prayed for forgiveness in the hours of early dawn.” (51:15,16,17)

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Abbas (RA) has stated that this ayah conveys glad tidings to all those who spend a portion of the night, however short it may be, in the Ibadah of Allah Ta’ala. (Ibn e Kathir)

Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Zaid relates that once a person from the Banu Tameem clan remarked to his father, “O Abu Usamah, we do not find that quality within us about which Allah Ta’ala praised the righteous. i.e. they remain awake most of the night. Our condition is such that we remain awake for a very short time only to render our Ibadah. His father replied,” Glad tidings are for those who sleep when sleep overtakes them, but they fear Allah on awakening.” (Maariful Quraan vol.5)

Although it is virtuous to perform the Tahajjud Salaah after rising up from one’s sleep, one may perform it before retiring to bed. Hadhrat Hassan said, “Any Nafl Salah performed after Isha is regarded as Tahajjud, although it is normally referred to as a Salah performed after one sleeps a portion of the night. (Maariful Quran vol.5)

Rasulullah (PBUH) said, “When Allah Ta’ala resurrects the entire mankind on the Day of Qiyamah, an announcer will announce, and his voice will be heard by the entire creation, “O you who have been resurrected, on this day you will come to know those who deserve honor and reverence, O you who have been resurrected, Stand up, those among you who possess the quality of “Their sides remained away from their beds”. A small group of people will stand up. Another narration states, “They will enter Jannah without reckoning. Thereafter the rest of mankind will be called for the reckoning. (Ibn e Kathir)

Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (RA) relates that Nabi (PBUH) said, “Allah Ta’ala has mercy on a person who stands up at night to perform Tahajjud and also awaken his wife. If she does not wake up he sprinkles water on her face. And Allah Ta’ala has mercy on a woman who stands up for Tahajjud and also awakens her husband. If he does not wake up, she sprinkles water on his face.” (Abu Dawood – Mishkaat).

In another Hadith, Rasulullah (PBUH) said, “The closest Allah Ta’ala gets to his servant is in the last portion of the night. If you possess the ability to be from among those who remember Allah, then become one of them.” (Tirmizi)

Our righteous predecessors would spend the entire night engrossed in the recitation of the Quran Shareef. At the time of Rasulullah (PBUH), in Madinah, if a person was walking outside at the time of the Tahajjud prayer, he would hear the recitation of the Quran Shareef like the buzzing of bees around their hive. Hazrat Imam Abu Hanifah used to complete one recitation of the Quraan Shareef during the day and one during the night. It is said that in the month of Ramadhaan, he would finish his recitation sixty-three times.

It is said of the daughter of Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal, recited seven chapters of the Quran during her Tahajjud prayer on her wedding night. A person remarked to Abdullah bin Abbas, “I always intend awakening in the last portion of the night to perform Salat but sleep overpowers me.” Ibne Abbas replied, “Before sleeping recite from “QUL LAW KAANAL BAHRU MIDADAL…” to the end of Surah Kahf. Allah Ta’ala will waken you at whatever time you intend rising.” (Tha’labi)

May Allah through His infinite Grace and Mercy, give us the ability to be amongst the servants who abandon their sleep to present ourselves in from of Him.

Practical Tips For Praying Qiyam Al-Layl

Qiyam means standing and Qiyam Al-Layl means standing at night. In Islamic terminology, both words refer to the voluntary night prayer, whose time extends from after the Isha prayer until dawn.

Other common names for Qiyam Al-Layl are Salat-ul-Layl (the night prayer), Tahajjud (from hajada, meaning remained one who awake at night), and Taraweeh (resting).

A widespread misconception is that Tahajjud is a different night prayer than Qiyam or Taraweeh. It is important to clarify this misunderstanding and to make clear that the voluntary night prayer is known by different names.

 

1. Ikhlas (Sincerity)
Allah’s Help is required not only for worldly affairs but also for our worship. And Allah helps those who are sincere in their hearts. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “If you are truthful with Allah, then Allah will deliver to you what you wish for.” (An-Nasa’i, Al-Hakim and Sahih Al-Jami’’)

Therefore, one should have a sincere intention to pray Qiyam Al-Layl. One should seek the pleasure of Allah alone and avoid any desire for praise or fame. Allah says: “And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allah, and worship none but Him Alone…” (Qur’an, 98:5)

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim said: “The degree to which a person is helped and aided by Allah depends on the degree of his intention, drive, aim, and hopes. Help from Allah comes to people in proportion to their drive, intention, hopes, and fears. Failure comes to them in a similar manner.”

2. Know the virtue
Knowing the virtues and rewards of worship encourages us to perform them. The virtue of praying at night during Ramadan supersedes the virtue of praying any other night during the year. Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) encouraged the people, without making it an absolute command, to perform Qiyam during Ramadan. He (peace be upon him) used to say: ‘Whoever stands (in Qiyam) in Ramadan out of faith and expectation (of Allah’s reward), all his previous sins will be forgiven.’ ” (Sahih Muslim)

3. Take a nap
Taking a nap before or after Zuhr Salah will reduce stress and give you sufficient energy to wake up late at night to stand in front of your Lord. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Take a nap, for the Shayateen (pl. of Shaytan) do not take naps.” (At-Tabarani, Al-Sahihah, no. 2647)

4. Sleep as per the Sunnah
• Sleep early! It’s a healthy habit and it was the practice of Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him). He would sleep immediately after performing the Isha prayer. Abu Barzah Al-Aslami said the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to prefer to delay Isha, and he did not like to sleep before it or talk after it.” (Al-Bukhari)

• Sleep in a state of taharah (cleanliness). Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Purify these bodies and Allah will purify you, for there is no slave who goes to sleep in a state of purity, but an Angel spends the night with him, and every time he turns over, (the Angel) says, ‘O Allah! Forgive Your slave, for he went to bed in a state of purity.’ ” (At-Tabarani, Sahih Al-Jami’, no. 3831)

• Choose a suitable bed. Extreme luxury and very soft mattresses provoke laziness. We tend to sleep more and become negligent. Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that the pillow of the Prophet (peace be upon him) was made of leather stuffed with palm fibers.” (Abu Dawood and Musnad Ahmad, Sahih Al-Jami’, no. 4714)

• Keep the bed clean and lie on your right side. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “When any one of you goes to bed, let him clear his bed by hitting it with his garment, for he does not know what may have come onto it. Then let him lie down on his right side…” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

• Recite the Adhkar (supplications) mentioned in the Sunnah before sleeping. Among the Adhkar are reciting the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah; reciting Surah Al-Falaq, Al-Nas, and Ikhlas and blowing in the palms and wiping as much of the body as possible – starting from the head, face, and then the front of the body – three times; and saying Subhan Allah 33 times, Alhamdulillah 33 times and Allahu Akbar 34 times. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

5. Don’t eat too much
Eating and drinking too much are the main obstacles that make one lazy and negligent of Qiyam Al-Layl. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Man fills no vessel worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to have a few mouthfuls to give him the strength he needs. If he has to fill his stomach, then let him leave one-third for food, one-third for drink, and one-third for air.” (Al-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah, Sahih Al-Jami’, no. 5674)

Abu Juhayfah reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said to a man who burped in his presence: “Stop your burping, for the people who eat the most in this life will be the most hungry on the Day of Resurrection.” (Al-Hakim, Sahih Al-Jami’, no. 1190)

6. Exert yourself
Exert yourself to get up and pray. Rise above your desires. Allah says in the Qur’an: “And as for those who strive hard in Our Cause, We will surely guide them to Our Paths. And verily, Allah is with the Muhsinoon (good-doers).” (Qur’an, 29:69)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The Mujahid (one who strives in the Cause of Allah) is the one who strives against his own self for the sake of Allah.” (Al-Tirmidhi, Al-Sahihah, no. 549)

He (peace be upon him) also said: “When a man from my Ummah gets up to pray at night, striving against his own self to get up and purify himself, there are knots on him. When he washes his hands in wudu, one knot is undone. When he washes his face, another knot is undone. When he wipes his head another knot is undone. When he washes his feet, another knot is undone. Then Allah says to those who are veiled (in the Unseen): ‘Look at this slave of Mine, he is striving against his own self and asking of Me. Whatever My slave asks of Me shall be his.” (Musnad Ahmad, Sahih Al-Targheeb, no. 627)

7. Regret if you missed it
Qiyam Al-Layl is a great blessing of Allah. He has kept numerous spiritual benefits and rewards for the believer in this prayer. Therefore, one should regret if he misses this great opportunity of achieving rewards and the Pleasure of Allah. Allah says in the Qur’an:

“O you who believe! Fear Allah and keep your duty to Him. And let every person look to what he has sent forth for the morrow, and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is All-Aware of what you do.” (Qur’an, 59:18)

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim said, “If the slave is responsible and accountable for everything, even his hearing, sight, and innermost thoughts, as Allah says, “…Verily, hearing, sight, and the heart of each of you will be questioned by Allah.” (Qur’an, 17:36), then he should check on himself before he is brought to account.” – As-Sunnah

Ref: ‘The Night Prayers’ by Muhammad Nasir-ud-Deen Al-Albani

Nawafil Prayers (Supererogatory Prayers)

Allah says in Hadith Qudsi: ….and My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawafil (voluntary deeds) until I love him, so I become his sense of hearing with which he hears, and his sense of sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he grips, and his leg with which he walks; and if he asks Me, I will give him, and if he asks My Protection, I will protect him…” [Bukhari]

A Source of Elevation for you
The Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) said: “Ask (anything).” Rabi’ah said: “I ask of you to be your companion in paradise.” The Prophet said: “Anything else?” Rabi’ah said: “That is it.” The Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) said to him: “Then help me by making many prostrations (i.e., supererogatory prayers).” [Muslim]

Tahajjud
Allah Most High said, “Establish worship at the going down of the sun until the dark of the night, and (the recital of) the Qur’an at dawn. Lo! (the recital of) the Qur’an at dawn is ever witnessed. And some part of the night awake for its recital, as voluntary worship for you. It may be that your Lord will raise you to a praised estate.” [Qur’an, 17: 78-79]

Abu Hurayra (Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him, his family, and companions) said, “The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer.” [Muslim]

Abu Umama al-Bahili (Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him, his family, and companions) said, “Hold fast to night prayer, for it was the way of the righteous before you, a way of drawing closer to your Lord, an expiation for wrong deeds, and a shield from sin.” [Tirmidhi, and others] In some narrations, there is an addition, “And it repels sickness from the body.”

And because night vigil time is the best of times for voluntary worship and prayer, and the closest a servant is to his Lord.

So let us make the habit of reading as many Nawafil prayers as we can for more prayers means more prostrations and one is truly the closest to Allah in prostration.

….bow down in prostration and bring yourself the closer (to Allah).” (96:19)

Hajj, The Journey Of Hearts

DURING Haj in Arafah, 10 years after the Hijrah, a man was thrown from his camel. The camel stomped him and the man’s neck was snapped. He was dead. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said,

“Bathe his body with water and sidr and bury him with both garments. Do not cover his head, nor touch him with camphor … for verily he will be returned (to Allah) on the Day of Resurrection in the state of Talbiyah.” – (Bukhari and Muslim)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said about Haj, “And there is no reward for an accepted Haj … except Jannah!” This is the ultimate reward.

The first verses of Surah Al-Haj does not speak of Arafah or the rituals, it simply says:

“O mankind! Fear your Lord and be dutiful to Him! Verily, the earthquake of the Hour (of Judgement) is a terrible thing. The Day you shall see it, every nursing mother will forget her nursling, and every pregnant one will drop her load, and you shall see mankind as in a drunken state, yet they will not be drunken, but severe will be the Torment of Allah.” (Qur’an, 22:1-2)

Haj is not a journey like a vacation to a tourist destination, it is a journey of the soul and heart. When one pays careful attention to the verses speaking of Haj, he will find that almost all verses conclude with a commandment of being conscious of Allah’s presence, or a reminder of Allah’s bounteous favor upon us, or a link between Haj and the Last Day.

The destination
In the olden days, whenever a journey was to be undertaken, proper provisions had to be prepared. The deserts were long, hot, harsh, and unmerciful. There were no gas stations to fill up with chips and refreshments, or rest stops to slurp water from a fountain. In fact, there was not a human in sight for miles upon miles of barren sand dunes, and losing the way meant losing your life. Thus, you had to have the provisions with you before you made the journey – enough food, enough water, enough everything to carry you to your destination.

In the verses that speak of Haj, Allah speaks about the provisions one should take. While everyone is focused on their journey to the Ka’ba and the material provisions, Allah turns the attention of His slaves to another journey, journey of the Hereafter, and a different kind of provision, the provision of Taqwa.

“…And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is At-Taqwa (piety, righteousness, etc.)” (Qur’an, 2:197)

On the day Buhaym Al-‘Ajlee set out with his companion for Haj, he looked toward the endless desert awaiting them both and wept, his chest soaking from the tears. “This is something,” said Buhaym, “that has made me understand the most certain journey I must one day take to Allah!”

Blessings on us
There is debate over whether someone who performs Haj should be called a Haji. The title is not something found in the Sunnah, but it has an interesting background in our cultural history. In ancient days, when someone decided to perform the journey for Haj, it was synonymous with bidding farewell to life on earth. This was due to the treacherous obstacles of traveling in the desert – trials such as sickness, starvation, and the struggles involved in the journey. An entire village might gather to bid those people farewell.

When someone would go through such a remarkable journey and return alive, he would dedicate his life to the worship and obedience of Allah. Gone was the cheating, lying, or missing Salah – he was now a “Haji.”

Today, with the jumbo jets, ocean liners, and Mercedes buses, the facilitation of performing Haj has taken away the luster of the title “Haji.” Some might complain that there are no queen-size mattress beds in Mina, or that the air conditioning motor is a tad too loud. But dear brothers and sisters, who is it that provided us with all the blessings that we are living in?

The slave of Allah can only understand the favor of Allah upon him when it is taken away.

Alhamdulillaah. Indeed the greatest blessing that Allah has favored us with is Islam, and it alone suffices as favor.

Allah knows we are going to get dusty during Haj, Allah knows it. So don’t be surprised when that dust blows, instead turn to Allah and hit back with patience and a whisper of gratitude to Allah.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever performs Haj and does not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commits sin, nor disputes unjustly (during Haj), then he returns from Haj as pure and free from sins as on the day on which his mother gave birth to him.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Getting the heart in shape
Many years ago, as the Hujjaj swept through the valley of Muzdalifah, a man remarked out loud, “My! Look at the number of Hujjaj!” A wise man replied, “Nay, the travelers are many, but the Hujjaj are few.”

In Haj, I have seen people who are patient and seek the reward of Allah during trying moments. What is the difference between them and those who spend their breath in criticism, argumentation and fights?

Some people come to Haj prepared financially, others come with a prepared heart. That is what’s essential – a prepared heart. How can we get that heart in shape for Haj? First, attend lectures and workshops dealing with Haj. Haj is one of the pillars upon which Islam is built. When someone intends to perform this rite, it is a must upon him that he learns it well. Seeking knowledge is a must on every Muslim.

Imam Bukhari writes in his Saheeh, “Knowledge comes before statements and actions.” He then quotes the verse of Allah:

“So know that La ilaha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah), and ask forgiveness for your sin…” (Qur’an, 47:19)

Secondly, establish prayers and pray Tahajjud (the late night prayers). When the Prophet (peace be upon him) was preparing his heart for the mission of conveying this Deen, Allah ordered him to prepare by praying Tahajjud.

Allah said:
“O you wrapped in garments (i.e. Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him)! Stand (to pray) all night, except a little.” (Qur’an, 73:1-2)

A student once slept over at Imam Ahmad’s house. Imam Ahmad had left a vessel of water for him. At the time of Fajr, he found the vessel still full of water and realized the student had not woken up during the night. He was shocked and remarked, “How can a person be a student of knowledge and not stand for the night prayers!”

Some people said to Ibn Mas`ood (may Allah be pleased with him), “We are unable to wake up to perform Tahajjud.”

He told them, “You are distancing yourselves from it by your sins.” And lastly, repent to Allah and make lots of Du’a.

Nafil Prayers

TAHIYATUL WUDHU
After completion of the wudhu of two Rakaats is full of blessings (sawab). It is related in the Hadith that performance of the two Rakaats of Tahiyatul wudhu Namaaz makes paradise obligatory (wajib) for the performer (ref:Muslim Sharif) There are also many other benefits.

It should not be performed during Improper (makruh) times. (When the sun rises, when it is at Zenith and when it sets.)

NAMAAZ E-ISHRAAK
After the Fajar Namaaz one should sit at the same place and recite Durood Sharif, Zikr, tasbih., Quran or listen to religious talks, etc. without participation in worldly affairs until the sun has fully risen, then perform two or four Rakaats. This is called Ishraak Namaaz.

Performance of this Namaaz brings blessings (sawab) equal to a Haj or Umrah. (Ref. Tirmizi Sharif ). Another Tradition says the performance of this Namaaz(Prayer) wipes away all one’s sins. (Ref: Abu Dawood). One can perform the Namaz even after one has indulged in worldly affairs although the swab will be much less.