Bismillah.
We all know that we should pray tahajjud, aka qiyaam-ul-layl. It’s well established in the deen that this is a very, very rewarding thing to do (but it’s not fard, so don’t sweat it if you’re not doing it). Some motivational factors for this include:
- The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) used to pray Qiyaam-ul-Layl until his legs swelled. When asked why–since Allah has forgiven all his past and future sins, he said: Should I not be a grateful slave? [Agreed Upon]
- Do you have goals you’re trying to achieve? Is there something you really, really want? Are you willing to pray Qiyam and cry in front of Allah for it? Because nothing will turbo-charge your success like Qiyam.
- On the day of Judgment, Allah will ask about YOUR salah. If it’s not 100% perfect, He will not even LOOK at your other deeds. BUT! If your Fard salaah is not perfect, Allah will patch it up with your nafl and sunnah prayers–including Qiyaam-ul-Layl. [There's a hadith related to this recorded in the collection of At-Tabari]
So what are some creative, unorthodox, unusual timers you use to wake you up? Share it in the comments! Some of the one’s I’ve seen (that are effective) are:
- Crying Babies: If there’s a young child in your family (under two years), chances are they wake up crying in the night. Take advantage of this–get up and pray!
- Bad Dreams: In one narration, the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) said that if you have a bad dream, you should wake up and pray. Shaytan will get discouraged from sending you more bad dreams–because it’s resulting in you doing MORE good deeds!
- Drink Water: Drink lots of water–about a liter. You will FOR SURE have to wake up to use the washroom in the night. Make wudoo’ while you’re at it!
What are some other creative, useful, effective methods you use to wake up for Qiyaam?
JazakumAllahu Khayran.. I have so much trouble getting up for Qiyamul Layl.. will give point #3 a try!
Inshaa Allah
How about trying to get up an hour earlier before fajr and once you get a hang of that, try another hour earlier and etc inshaa Allaah. May Allaah make our efforts easy, ameen.
Assalamu ‘Alaykum.
here are my tips:
1. try to sleep at noon (between Dhuhur and ‘Asr) for at least one hour.
2.go to sleep at least 7 hours befor Fajr time.(this is basicly for all of you who can’t implement #1)
3.go to sleep in a state of ablution, and befor that say all the Dhikirs of the night and make Du’a that Allah will wake you up to pray Qiyam. allways remind yourself that in somepoint of the night, you will wake up to pray.
4. from my experience, waking up using Du’a is stronger then waking up using alarm clock. it even works if you mention the exact time in the Du’a, like 3:45 or something. just be sincere in your Du’a and your intention.
5. and yeah, the “drink water” allways work. you can also add to that- “not eating 2 hours befor sleep”.
6.and last but not least Inshallah , make a habit of Qiyam layl. say for example, every monday night i will wake up to pray (or any other day for that matter) and try to keep on it for one month, and then just change the night to other night of the week. and so on…
Inshallah we will be among thouse who perfect their Salah and add to it with Nawafil and Qiyam.
and Inshallah, Allah will reward us in our times of sleep, as much as He is rewarding us in our times of Qiyam. Ameen.
As Salaam alaikkum…
I think you have probably made a typographical error in this sentence..
“[QUOTE] On the day of Judgment, Allah will ask about YOUR salah. If it’s not 100% perfect, he will not even LOOK at your other deeds. [END OF QUOTE]“
as salaam alikuim
Excellent post. Informative and straight to the point. May Allah bless you for it
I fwded it to my family
[...] Seeker summarizes the benefits of the night prayer and offers/solicits creative tips for waking up for tahajjud. Do you have goals you’re trying [...]
i liv in hostel n none of my roomates pray tahajjud when i wake up for it somtym’s i feel scared so i sleep again without praying……..wat can i do for it?
Recite the du’a for fear: http://www.makedua.com/display_dua.php?sectionid=114
Face your fear. If you always run, you’ll always be afraid. Shaytan knows that this small fear will prevent you from a great act; so ask Allah to help you and just DO it!
Wallahu ‘alam.