The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encourage us to pray the obligatory prayer and despair not in praying the voluntary prayer i.e nawafil in day and night,but it somehow difficult during night and more rewardable.
Night prayer, also known as Tahajjud, holds significant spiritual rewards and blessings in Islam. This voluntary prayer is performed during the night, preferably after sleeping for a portion of the night and then waking up to pray. Here are some of the benefits of performing Tahajjud:
1. Closeness to Allah: Tahajjud is a special time when the heavens are close to the earth, and Allah descends to the lowest heaven in a manner that befits His Majesty. By waking up during the night to pray, believers have the opportunity to draw closer to Allah, seek His forgiveness, and strengthen their relationship with Him.
2. Forgiveness of Sins: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "In the last third of every night, our Lord, the Blessed, the Superior, descends to the nearest heaven and says: 'Is there anyone to invoke Me, so that I may respond to 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 Bukhari, Sahih Muslim). Performing Tahajjud and seeking forgiveness during this blessed time can lead to the expiation of sins and purification of the soul.
3. Increased Spirituality: The serenity and tranquility of the night provide an ideal environment for spiritual reflection, introspection, and devotion. By dedicating time to pray Tahajjud, believers can experience a heightened sense of spirituality, mindfulness, and connection with Allah.
4. Elevation of Status: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "The best prayer after the prescribed prayers is the night prayer" (Muslim). Performing Tahajjud elevates the status of the believer in the sight of Allah and earns them His favor and blessings. It is a means of attaining spiritual excellence and drawing closer to the ranks of the righteous.
Narrated Mu'adh bin Jabal [radhi-yAllahu 'anhu]: The Prophet (Allah's Messenger ) said to him: "May I show you the gates of goodness? (They are):
1. Fasting is a screen from Hell.
2. As-Sadaqah (deeds of charity in Allah's Cause) extinguishes (removes) the sins, as the water extinguishes the fire.
3. Standing in Salat (performing of prayers) by a person during the middle (or the last third) part of a night."
Then Prophet (ï·º) recited: "Their sides forsake their beds, till as a reward for their (good) deeds.
5. Fulfillment of Needs and Desires: Tahajjud is a time when sincere supplications are more likely to be answered by Allah. Believers can use this blessed time to beseech Allah for their needs, desires, and aspirations, knowing that He is the All-Hearing and All-Responding. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "The closest that a slave comes to his Lord is during the middle of the latter portion of the night. If you can be among those who remember Allah, the Exalted One, at that time, then do so" (Tirmidhi).
6. Strengthens Faith and Resolve: Consistently performing Tahajjud strengthens faith, increases determination, and instills a sense of discipline and devotion in the believer. It serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of this world and the importance of prioritizing one's relationship with Allah.
In summary, Tahajjud is a deeply rewarding and spiritually enriching act of worship in Islam. By waking up during the night to pray, believers can experience closeness to Allah, seek His forgiveness and blessings, and fulfill their spiritual potential. It is a means of attaining spiritual elevation, purifying the soul, and drawing nearer to the mercy and guidance of Allah.