30. Tahajjud -The Most Superior Of All Non-Obligatory Acts Of Worship

Tahajjud is the most superior of all non-obligatory acts of worship.

The literal meaning of Tahajjud ~
The word Tahajjud is derived from ‘tahajjada’ which means ‘being awake at night with the Quran’. So any act of worship done in the third half of night is regarded as Tahajjud and it is one of the noblest acts a Muslim can do. 

Since this prayer is offered after Namaz-e-Isha, it is also called ‘Salat-ul-Lail’ and ‘Qiyam-ul-Lail’. 

Prophet Muhammad salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam had a habit of waking up in the middle of every night to bow down before his Creator and offer the night prayer. 

Thus it is a Sunnah and every Muslim brother should at least try to follow it once in a while if not on a daily basis. 

Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala in Holy Quran describes the characteristics of true believers in these words;
“They were in the habit of sleeping but little by night, and in the hours of early dawn, they (were found) praying for Forgiveness.”

And in part of the night time, offer Tahajjud further than what is present on you; perhaps your Lord will host you to a place of immense magnificence.” [Surah Al-Isra, verse 79]

The dua made at Tahajjud is like an arrow which does not miss its target.”

The following acts are Sunnah (recommended) for the one who wishes to perform the night prayers. Upon going to sleep, one should make the intention to perform the prayers. 

Abu Ad-Dardaa'  may  Allah  be  pleased  with  him related that the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam (may  Allah exalt his mention ) said: 
"Whoever goes to his bed with the intention of getting up and praying during the night, and sleep overcomes him until the morning comes, he will have recorded for him what he had intended, and his sleep will be a charity for him from his Lord."[An-Nasaa'i and Ibn Maajah]

Allah praises those who forsake their beds for His sake, and prepares for them what no eye has ever seen and what no ear has ever heard. There is no peace like the peace found in the sujood of Tahajjud!

The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam encouraged us: 
"You should pray qiyaam al-layl, for it is the custom of the righteous who came before you and it brings you closer to your Lord, and expiates sins and prevents misdeeds" [Sunan at-Tirmidhi 3549; Hasan]

Additionally, your du’ā is readily heard:
 "The Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven (in a manner that He pleases) when one-third of the night remains and says: Who will call upon Me, that I may answer Him? Who will ask of Me, that I may give him? Who will seek My forgiveness, that I may forgive him?" [Muslim 1261]

Get up for tahajjud and ask from the Lord of the worlds. Leave your worries in His hands and let Him handle everything for you. Tell Him what you want and have conversation with Him. Honestly, one of the best time to have.

May Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala make us all amongst those who wake up at night and pray Qiyam-ul Layl and be steadfast on it until our last breath.