The following are some helpful points for waking up for Tahajjud and transitioning into an early morning routine:
Intention: A sincere intention is the foremost requirement if one desires to wake up for Tahajjud.
Pre-bedtime rituals: Merely an intention for Tahajjud is not enough. One must also actively make changes in their bedtime routine. It includes sleeping in a state of wudu and reciting the sunnah supplications before sleeping.
Avoiding blue light: The light emitted by our phone screens can disrupt our sleep cycle when our eyes are exposed to it before bedtime, regardless of blue light filters. Additionally, our phone can also become a distracting gadget when we wake up for Tahajjud. That is why it is recommended to get the old-school analogue alarm clock and use it for the Tahajjud alarm.
Gradual changes: Sudden abruptions in sleep routine can disturb the circadian rhythm. Setting a new sleep schedule is difficult and that is why sleep experts recommend doing it gradually. For example, if one wakes up on the adhan of Fajr, then it is best to set the alarm fifteen minutes before Fajr time. It will require extra effort to quickly pray Tahajjud, but if the practice continues, one can establish the routine of waking up an hour before Fajr, especially in the autumn and winter. One must also retire to bed early at night to get an ample amount of rest.
Shake off sleepiness: Feeling sleepy at the time of Tahajjud and turning off the alarm and going back to bed are natural and may happen to anyone. A few strategies help here. One may ask help from friends or family members who wake up for Tahajjud, or those who work night shifts, to call and wake us up. Another trick is to turn on the light as soon as one wakes up, as the bright room makes one shake off sleepiness. It is also recommended to say the morning dhikr upon waking up, as speaking will prevent dozing off. Even though using the phone is not recommended just after waking up, when too sleepy, we may use our phone for a few minutes, as the blue lights tends to wake up our mind.
Reminder for the self: Another helpful tip that comes from the scholars is to have a small pep-talk with the inner self at the time of Tahajjud, especially when the nafs is forcing us to go back to sleep. One must remind oneself that Allah has given us another chance to repent for our sins by waking us up from overnight sleep. It is the time when Allah is asking who among us needs health and forgiveness. Allah has praised those who wake up at night for His remembrance, supplication, and seeking forgiveness. Recalling death is also helpful, and one should remember that today could be the last Tahajjud for us.
Defeating the enemy: Recalling the hadith about the three knots tied by the Shaytan also encourages people to wake up for Tahajjud. One feels victorious defeating our worst enemy by rising from bed, making wudu, and standing up before Allah for prayer.
If nothing works and one still finds difficulty waking up for Tahajjud, then one should try to sleep on the floor, even if it is for one night. Sleeping on hard surfaces such as the floor prevents us from going into deep sleep. It also makes it easier for us to get up and leave the floor bed. For someone who sincerely wants to wake up for Tahajjud, sleeping on the floor would display dedication and sincerity and one may receive the blessing of Allah and wake up for the prayer.
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.
