ALLAH'S MERCY AT THE TIME OF TAHAJJUD
Rasulullah [salallahu alaihi wasallam] said, "At night there is such a
moment in which a Muslim supplicates Allah Ta'ala for the good of this world
or the Hereafter, Allah Ta'ala will grant him his request, and this moment
appears every night." [Muslim]
Note: This Hadith bears the good fortune of acceptance of ones Duas at
night. However, mention is not made of the specific moment of acceptance.
Some Ulama are of the opinion that this period is not known like that of
Lailatul Qadr and the special moment of acceptance on Jumua, while others
opine that it is at midnight. [Mazahir]
In another Hadith, Rasulullah [salallahu alaihi wasallam] 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." [Tirmidhi]
Note: "The closeness of Allah" refers to Allah's pleasure and mercy showered
upon his servants who sacrifice their sleep and strive in His worship.
[Mazahir]
Rasulullah [salallahu alaihi wasallam] said, "When one third of the night
remains our Rabb [Lord], Most High, Most Exalted, descends to the first sky
and announces, "Who is there to beseech Me that I may answer his prayer and
who is there to seek forgiveness that I may forgive him.' Then He spreads
out His hands [of kindness and mercy] and proclaims, "Who will grant a loan
to the One who is neither a destitute or an oppressor." [Muslim]
Note: 1. Allah Ta'ala is free from bodily form and shape. He is Omnipresent
and He is not confined to space. Hafiz Ibne Hajar and Imaam Malik
[rahmatullah alaihimal have stated that "Allah Ta'ala descending to the
first sky" signifies His special Mercy through which He accepts Duas and
forgives sins. [Lam'aat]
2. The loan mentioned in the Hadith refers to bodily and financial devotions
offered to Allah Ta'ala with the hope of attaining rewards.[Mazahir]
THE CORRECT TIME FOR TAHAJJUD
The time of Tahajjud extends from the time of Isha until SUBHE SADIQ [true
dawn]. Ahadith related from Hadhrat Aa'isha [radhiyallahu anha] state that
Nabie [salallahu alaihi wasallam] sometimes performed Tahajjud in the early
portion of the night and on occasions when half the night had passed.
However, towards the latter part of his life he frequently performed it in
the last portion of the night. As the night progresses, Allah Ta'ala's Mercy
and Blessings increase. Hence, the last sixth of the night is most
preferred. [Maktoobat Shaikh ul Islaam 77 p 202 - Fatawa Rahimiya vol 2 p
376]
DUA TO ASSIST ONE IN AWAKENING FOR TAHAJJUD
A person remarked to Abdullah bin Abbas [radhiyallahu anhu], "I always
intend awakening in the last portion of the night to perform Salaat but
sleep overpowers me." Ibne Abbas [radhiyallahu anhu] 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-Ma'ariful Quraan vol 5]
NUMBER OF RAKAATS IN TAHAJJUD
The number of rakaats performed by Nabie [salailahu alaihi wasallam] varied
according to the prevailing circumstances. Although on certain occasions
sufficient time was available, Nabie [salailahu alaihi wasallam] would
perform less rakaats reciting lengthy Qiraat.[Khasa'ile Nabawee p 156]
Deducing from the various narrations four to twelve rakaats in units of two
or four have been recommended. [Imdaadul Fatawa vol 1 -Baab finnawaafil /
Maraqiyul Falah], However if two rakaats are performed in the prescribed
time it will be regarded as Tahajjud.[Raddul Mukhtaar vol 1 p 715]
OCCASIONS WHEN ONE IS UNABLE TO AWAKEN FOR TAHAJJUD
Hadhrat Aa'isha [radhiyallahu anhal relates, "If for some reason Rasulullah
[salallahu alaihi wasallam] was unable to perform Tahajjud, he would perform
twelve rakaats during the day [at the time of Chaast - before midday".
[Shamail Baab fi Ibadah]
Note: Hadhrat Umar [radhiyallahu anhu] relates that Rasulullah [salallahu
alaihi wasallam] said, "Whoever was unable to complete his devotions at
night should complete it in the morning before noon. It will be regarded as
though he had completed it at night." [Muslim]. One should not overlook it
because of the time passing by, otherwise the nafs will become accustomed to
omitting it. [Khasail p 156]
by Moulana AS Chohan
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