Unveiling the Tranquility of Tahajjud Prayer: A Spiritual Journey with Sahih Muslim
The stillness of the night holds a unique charm for the believer. It’s a time for quiet reflection, deep devotion, and a powerful connection with the Divine. In this sacred space emerges Tahajjud prayer, a voluntary night prayer that offers immense spiritual rewards.
Sahih Muslim, one of the most trusted collections of Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) sayings and teachings, sheds light on the significance and beauty of Tahajjud. Here, we embark on a journey to understand this special prayer:
The Call to Night Prayers:
The Quran itself nudges us towards the practice of Tahajjud:
“And during a part of the night, [arise and] exalt Him [with praise], and glorify Him for a long [interval] during the day.” (Quran 73:20)
Sahih Muslim narrates from Ibn `Abbas that the Prophet (ﷺ) would recite this verse and use it as a foundation for his night prayers [Sahih Muslim 1783].
A Time for Divine Descent:
Sahih Muslim emphasizes the special time for Tahajjud. Abu Huraira narrates the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, “Our Lord, the Blessed, the Superior, descends every night down to the nearest heaven to us when the last third of the night remains, saying: ‘Is there anyone to invoke Me, so that I may respond to his invocation? Is there anyone to ask Me, so that I may grant him his request? Is there anyone seeking My forgiveness, so that I may forgive him?’” [Sahih Muslim 757]
This Hadith highlights the last third of the night as a time of immense mercy and acceptance of prayers.
Beyond Obligation, A Spiritual Connection:
While not obligatory, Tahajjud holds a special place in the Prophet’s (ﷺ) practice. Sahih Muslim narrates from `Abdullah that a person was mentioned before the Prophet (ﷺ) who slept through the night prayer. The Prophet (ﷺ) remarked, “Satan urinated in his ears” [Sahih Muslim 557]. This emphasizes the importance the Prophet (ﷺ) placed on night prayers, though not imposing it as a strict obligation.
Finding Your Tahajjud:
There’s no prescribed length for Tahajjud. It can be as few as two rak’ahs (units of prayer) or even more. Sahih Muslim provides no specific guidance on the number of rak’ahs, allowing for flexibility based on individual circumstances.
Beyond the Prayer:
Tahajjud is more than just the act of praying. It’s a chance to commune with Allah (SWT) through recitation, supplication, and remembrance. Sahih Muslim doesn’t delve into specific supplications, but offers a glimpse into the Prophet’s (ﷺ) practice through other hadiths where he would recite verses of praise and forgiveness [Sahih Muslim 594].
The Rewards of Tahajjud:
The potential rewards of Tahajjud are immense. It fosters spiritual growth, brings us closer to Allah (SWT), and opens doors to His mercy. While Sahih Muslim doesn’t explicitly mention benefits, hadiths from other sources point to increased peace, guidance, and forgiveness.
Taking the First Step:
Start small. Begin with just a few rak’ahs of Tahajjud and gradually increase as you feel comfortable. Embrace the quiet serenity of the night and use it as a time for sincere reflection and connection with the Divine.
Remember, consistency is key. Make Tahajjud a regular part of your spiritual practice and witness the transformative power it can bring to your life.
