Autorentext

Abeer Arain, M.D., M.P.H., is a physician, writer, and avid gardener. Originally from Pakistan and raised in Saudi Arabia, she currently resides in the United States. Abeer writes about nature and Islam, self-care, and anything that could become a source of Sadaqa Jariyah (everlasting charity) for her. When she’s not practicing medicine or working on her next book, she enjoys spending time in her garden, exploring waterfalls, and visiting local bookstores.

Klappentext

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.

Inhalt

INTRODUCTION IX

SPIRITUAL TRAINING THROUGH TAHAJJUD 1

The highest-ranked Nafl 2

A conversation with the Almighty 3

Contemplating wudu 3

Contemplation on the beauty of night 7

Following the sunnah 9

Thinking about the Taqwa of our Prophet  12

Higher level of iman – a boost 14

More attachment with the Qur’an 15

Consciousness of the presence of angels 18

More time to study tafsir 19

Better Aqeedah 20

Guarding one’s piety 22

Self-accountability (Muhāsibah) 23

Awareness of our hidden sins 25

Learning to differentiate Ammara from Lawwama 26

The journey towards Mutma’inna 27

Waiting for the next prayer 28

Following the sunnah of the adhan 29

The beauty of solitude 30

Winter Retreat 32

The habit of the pious 33

Tasting the essence of prayer 34

Improving khushu in mandatory prayers 35

Connecting with al-Fatiha 36

Post-salah reflections 37

A domino effect 38

IBADAH AT THE TIME OF TAHAJJUD 42

A prayer with easy rules 42

The dhikr of Laa ilaha illallah in the pre-dawn hours 43

Repentance and Forgiveness 45

An opportunity to send salawat on the Prophet  48

Learning the etiquette of dua 49

Praying for others 53

Praying for the deceased 53

PERSONAL/CHARACTER BENEFITS 55

A state of submission 56

Humility 57

Gratitude 58

A cure for a hard heart 61

The divine light 62

Peace to the distressed heart 63

The level of a Muttaqi 68

Reliance on Allah I 70

Steadfastness 72

Emotional Stability for busy professionals 73

Less attachment with dunya 75

Tahajjud and stoicism 77

TAHAJJUD AND EVERYDAY LIVING 81

Better intentions in the daytime actions 82

A journey towards contentment 83

Small deeds every day 84

Increase in knowledge 85

Victory against the enemy 86

Fulfils desires and wishes 88

A special treat for women 92

Protection from Hypocrisy 94

The dhikr routine at bedtime 95

A balance in the lifestyle 99

Better organisation and planning 101

TAHAJJUD AND OUR AKHIRAH 102

Recalling death 103

Refocusing on the Akhirah 104

Contemplating Jannah 106

Jannah is not cheap 109

When Tahajjud is missed 111

TAHAJJUD AND YOUTH 113

An invitation for everyone 113

An opportunity for the youth 115

Extra benefit for students 116

Under the shade of the Throne 117

The importance of a good company 118

HEALTH BENEFITS 119

A start with positive affirmations 119

Tahajjud – an antidote to anxiety 121

A support for those with depression 122

A counselling session like no other 123

Better coping skills 124

Better physical health 125

Lower levels of chronic stress and inflammation 126

Better cortisol regulation 127

A better perspective on life 127

Modesty and simplicity 128

Mindfulness 129

The practice of slowing down 130

Better Digestion 130

Less laziness 131

Higher productivity 132

SOCIAL BENEFITS 134

Better family life 134

A society with an awakened nafs 137

Empathetic society 140

Barakah and success 141

The value of time 143

COMMUNAL BENEFITS TO THE UMMAH 144

Bringing others to Tahajjud 145

An opportunity in the current time of fitnah 147

Our purpose as the ummah 148

Worldly success as the ummah 149

APPENDIX I 151

Tips on waking up for Tahajjud 151

APPENDIX II 154

What must be avoided 154

APPENDIX III 158

Common concerns about Tahajjud 158

FURTHER READING 160