Full Description
In the quiet hours of the night, when the sky is dark, most people are lost in deep slumber or consumed by their desires; however, some individuals choose to rise from their sleep. They leave the comfort of their beds to seek a moment of conversation with their Beloved Creator and perform Tahajjud. During this time, Allah descends to the lowest heaven, offering mercy and forgiveness. Those who rise for Tahajjud find a direct and uninterrupted path to establish a profound connection with Allah SWT.
Tahajjud—The Divine Invitation is a humble effort to revive the Sunnah of Tahajjud prayer. This book aims to highlight numerous spiritual, health, and social benefits of Tahajjud, which are valuable for both youth and adults, as well as scholars and laypersons alike. Let us explore this blessed nafl ibadah, which surpasses other forms of voluntary worship in deepening our bond with our Creator.
Contents
INTRODUCTION IX
SPIRITUAL TRAINING THROUGH TAHAJJUD 1
The highest-ranked Nafl 2
A conversation with the Almighty 3
Contemplating wudu 3
Contemplation on the beauty of night 7
Following the sunnah 9
Thinking about the Taqwa of our Prophet 12
Higher level of iman - a boost 14
More attachment with the Qur'an 15
Consciousness of the presence of angels 18
More time to study tafsir 19
Better Aqeedah 20
Guarding one's piety 22
Self-accountability (Muhāsibah) 23
Awareness of our hidden sins 25
Learning to differentiate Ammara from Lawwama 26
The journey towards Mutma'inna 27
Waiting for the next prayer 28
Following the sunnah of the adhan 29
The beauty of solitude 30
Winter Retreat 32
The habit of the pious 33
Tasting the essence of prayer 34
Improving khushu in mandatory prayers 35
Connecting with al-Fatiha 36
Post-salah reflections 37
A domino effect 38
IBADAH AT THE TIME OF TAHAJJUD 42
A prayer with easy rules 42
The dhikr of Laa ilaha illallah in the pre-dawn hours 43
Repentance and Forgiveness 45
An opportunity to send salawat on the Prophet 48
Learning the etiquette of dua 49
Praying for others 53
Praying for the deceased 53
PERSONAL/CHARACTER BENEFITS 55
A state of submission 56
Humility 57
Gratitude 58
A cure for a hard heart 61
The divine light 62
Peace to the distressed heart 63
The level of a Muttaqi 68
Reliance on Allah I 70
Steadfastness 72
Emotional Stability for busy professionals 73
Less attachment with dunya 75
Tahajjud and stoicism 77
TAHAJJUD AND EVERYDAY LIVING 81
Better intentions in the daytime actions 82
A journey towards contentment 83
Small deeds every day 84
Increase in knowledge 85
Victory against the enemy 86
Fulfils desires and wishes 88
A special treat for women 92
Protection from Hypocrisy 94
The dhikr routine at bedtime 95
A balance in the lifestyle 99
Better organisation and planning 101
TAHAJJUD AND OUR AKHIRAH 102
Recalling death 103
Refocusing on the Akhirah 104
Contemplating Jannah 106
Jannah is not cheap 109
When Tahajjud is missed 111
TAHAJJUD AND YOUTH 113
An invitation for everyone 113
An opportunity for the youth 115
Extra benefit for students 116
Under the shade of the Throne 117
The importance of a good company 118
HEALTH BENEFITS 119
A start with positive affirmations 119
Tahajjud - an antidote to anxiety 121
A support for those with depression 122
A counselling session like no other 123
Better coping skills 124
Better physical health 125
Lower levels of chronic stress and inflammation 126
Better cortisol regulation 127
A better perspective on life 127
Modesty and simplicity 128
Mindfulness 129
The practice of slowing down 130
Better Digestion 130
Less laziness 131
Higher productivity 132
SOCIAL BENEFITS 134
Better family life 134
A society with an awakened nafs 137
Empathetic society 140
Barakah and success 141
The value of time 143
COMMUNAL BENEFITS TO THE UMMAH 144
Bringing others to Tahajjud 145
An opportunity in the current time of fitnah 147
Our purpose as the ummah 148
Worldly success as the ummah 149
APPENDIX I 151
Tips on waking up for Tahajjud 151
APPENDIX II 154
What must be avoided 154
APPENDIX III 158
Common concerns about Tahajjud 158
FURTHER READING 160
