Tahajjud an antidote to anxiety
"Wealth is not having many possessions, but rather (true) wealth is feeling sufficiency in the soul." Saḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 6446
Stress is defined as a psychological state of mind caused by uncomfortable environmental or social situations posing challenges to one's peace of mind. In an increasingly stress overloaded and emotionally distraught world, there has been a surge in referrals to psychotherapists and counsellors. Generalised anxiety disorder is not an uncommon diagnosis anymore.
The rise in materialism leads many to unnecessary comparisons and ingratitude.
That is why many healthcare providers now look for integrative approaches to tackle anxiety disorders in their patients. Novel techniques, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, are introduced to cope with the developing challenges of modern day dissatisfaction.
The cure, however, lies in connecting with the Provider, through dua and dhikr, two powerful tools that bring instant and lasting contentment to the soul.
That is why Allah I kept the door of contentment open for all of us, through dua. The Prophet ﷺ said:
"During the night there is a time when the Muslim does not ask for the good of this world and the Hereafter, but it will be given to him, and that happens every night." Saḥīḥ Muslim 757
Dua is a connection between us and Allah I. It is the distinguishing factor which separates us from everyone else. It changes our perspective when we spend our daytime hours in heedlessness. It gives us the victory over our nafs.
A great time for erasing all worldly concerns from your body and calming yourself through dua is the time of Tahajjud.
A support for those with depression
Depression is a mood disorder that commonly involves feeling emptiness, sadness, and worthlessness. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed disorders in the modern world, despite the billion-dollar entertainment industries across the globe. No high end technology or lavish travel provides relief to the one who suffers from depression. Medications are prescribed, but oftentimes the relief is temporary.
For believers dealing with depression, free help is available, leading to deep contentment in the long run. This help is the company of Allah I at the time of Tahajjud. A regular habit of praying Tahajjud allows a person to release negative thoughts and feelings from their mind. Over time, the emptiness within is replaced by a sense of fulfilment and well-being.
"And be patient until Allah gives His judgement, and He is the best of all judges." 6:109
To stand in prayer late at night, when no human can see us, brings tranquillity to the heart. Waking up at night, leaving the bed, making ablution, and then standing up for prayer may seem like a tedious task during a mental breakdown, but it is where the nourishment of the soul begins.
There is help for mental distress and depression, when the servant of Allah I submits to Him in the last third of the night. The practice of waking up and sincerely praying Tahajjud has been scientifically shown to enhance positive perception and motivation and avert stressful reactions.
A counselling session like no other
For a believer, Tahajjud is the most effective counselling session one can attend, where there is no one who judges us for shortcomings and mistakes. It is a counselling session where we can openly talk about our problems, and the One listening to us forgives and forgoes.
Allah I is Al-Lateef, the Most Kind. He is aware of our emotions more than anyone else. Allah I says in the Qur'an:
"Whether you keep your talk secret or make it aloud, He knows well what lies in the hearts." 67:13
Allah I is aware of what we go through, and that is why He asks us to submit to Him and ask from Him.
"Is it (imaginable) that He who has created (them) will not have (such a) knowledge, while He is the Knower of the finest things, the All-Aware?" 67:14
While in other faiths a prayer may be defined by a supplication or invocation, in Islam it has a much deeper meaning, in the form of submission and complete devotion to the One who created us. Submission at the time of Tahajjud brings inner strength and mental peace.
Individuals who cure their depression through Tahajjud testify that their habit of opening up before Allah I saved them from relying on worldly sources that only claim to treat depression.
Abu Hurayrah ﷺ reported that the Prophet ﷺ said:
"Never a believer is stricken with a discomfort, an illness, an anxiety, a grief, or mental worry, or even a pricking of a thorn, but Allah will expiate his sins on account of his patience." Saḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 5641
Ibn al-Qayyim explained:
"Contentment is the calmness of the heart in what Allah has permanently chosen for the servant as being the best possible choice, and so he is pleased with it."
Tahajjud - The Divine Invitation by Abeer Arain - 9781835920374 - PB
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.
