Forgotten Sunnah: Wake Up at Night, Recite Dhikr & Seek Forgiveness in Islam

Reviving the Forgotten Sunnah: Wake Up at Night, Recite Dhikr, and Seek Allah’s Forgiveness

Forgotten Sunnah: Wake Up at Night, Recite This Dhikr, and Seek Forgiveness

In the life of a Muslim, seeking forgiveness from Allah and engaging in acts of worship are integral parts of spiritual growth. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us numerous ways to connect with Allah, and one of the most beautiful and rewarding ways is through the practice of waking up at night to engage in prayer and supplication. In the following post, we will explore the profound significance of this act, the powerful supplications to recite during this blessed time, and the immense rewards it brings.

The Sunnah of Night Prayer (Tahajjud)

The night is a special time for seeking closeness to Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) made it a regular practice to pray at night, even during the most challenging times. This act of worship, known as Tahajjud, holds a unique status in Islam. Allah Himself has mentioned the significance of the night in the Qur’an:

"And during the night, prostrate to Him and glorify Him a long night through."
(Qur'an 76:26)

The night, especially in the final third, is a time when Allah’s mercy descends upon the earth, and He is closest to His servants. This time is marked by Allah’s call to His believers: “Is there anyone who will supplicate to Me, that I may answer him? Is there anyone who will ask of Me, that I may grant him?” (Sahih Muslim). This special time offers an unmatched opportunity for the Muslim to seek Allah’s forgiveness, ask for His mercy, and make supplications that are answered.

The Power of Dhikr at Night

One of the most powerful forms of worship during the night is the recitation of dhikr (remembrance of Allah). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught his companions several supplications to recite at night that would bring them peace, forgiveness, and reward. The following is a dhikr that is highly recommended to recite when waking up during the night:

“لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَ لَهُ الْحَمْدُ، وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ، سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ، وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ، وَ لَا إِلَاهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ”

Translation:
“There is none worthy of worship in truth except Allaah Alone, He has no partners, He has the Dominion and for Him is all praise, and He is capable of all things. Praise is for Him, and Far is Allaah from imperfection, and there is none worthy of worship in truth except Allaah, and Allaah is the Greatest, there is no capability nor is there any power except with Allaah.”

The Rewards of This Dhikr

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that whoever wakes up at night and recites this powerful dhikr, followed by a request for forgiveness (making the supplication اللهمَ اغْفِرْلي – “O Allah, forgive me”), will find that their supplication is answered. Additionally, if the person performs wudu (ablution) and prays after reciting this dhikr, then their prayer will be accepted.

This simple yet profound act carries immense reward. Not only does the recitation of this dhikr bring one closer to Allah, but it is also a means of having their sins forgiven and their supplications answered. Waking up at night to make this dhikr is an act of sincerity and devotion, demonstrating a Muslim’s commitment to their Creator.

Why Waking Up at Night is So Important

The night holds a special place in Islam. Allah has provided us with the night as a time for rest, but it is also an opportunity for those who seek closeness to Him to engage in worship. It is during these peaceful hours, when most people are asleep, that the servant of Allah can connect with their Lord in solitude, free from distractions.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was known to wake up for the Tahajjud prayer, despite the heavy responsibilities he carried as the final Messenger. His devotion to Allah in the stillness of the night serves as an inspiration for Muslims to follow in his footsteps. Waking up at night for worship is not just a physical act; it is a profound spiritual journey that helps purify the heart, strengthen one’s faith, and earn Allah’s pleasure.

The Effect of Waking Up at Night on the Soul

The spiritual benefits of waking up at night for prayer and dhikr are far-reaching. Engaging in worship during the night helps to purify the soul, cleanse it of the burdens of sin, and strengthen one’s connection to Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“The most beloved prayer to Allah is the prayer of Dawood (peace be upon him), and the most beloved fast to Allah is the fast of Dawood. He used to sleep half the night, stand for prayer for a third of it, and sleep for a sixth of it. He used to fast one day and break his fast the next.”
(Sahih Bukhari)

This practice of worshiping at night, even in small amounts, leads to immense spiritual purification. It is a time when a person can seek forgiveness for their sins, renew their commitment to Allah, and make sincere supplications for their needs and desires.

Practical Tips for Waking Up at Night

While waking up at night for Tahajjud prayer and dhikr is a rewarding Sunnah, it can sometimes be difficult to maintain, especially for those who are not used to waking up during the night. Here are a few practical tips to help you establish this practice in your life:

1. Make Du’a for Assistance: Ask Allah to grant you the strength to wake up at night for His worship. Allah is the One who facilitates all actions, and seeking His help is the first step.
2. Go to Bed Early: Try to go to bed early so that you can wake up for the last part of the night. Ensuring that you have enough rest is important for being able to wake up for Tahajjud.
3. Set an Alarm: If you are new to waking up at night, setting an alarm can help you gradually adjust to waking up for prayer.
4. Start with Small Steps: If you are not used to waking up in the middle of the night, start by waking up a little earlier each night and praying a few rak’ahs of Tahajjud or reciting dhikr.
5. Keep a Clean Heart: Before going to bed, make sure to ask Allah for forgiveness and have a pure heart. This will make it easier to engage in worship and supplication when you wake up.

The Psychological and Physical Benefits of Night Worship

Besides the spiritual benefits, there are also psychological and physical advantages to waking up at night for worship. Engaging in worship and dhikr brings tranquility to the heart and mind, reducing stress and anxiety. The quiet and calm of the night provides a peaceful environment where the mind can focus on connecting with Allah, and the act of worship itself offers a sense of inner peace.

Moreover, the habit of waking up early for prayer and dhikr can have positive effects on your overall health, as it leads to a disciplined and mindful lifestyle. The energy that comes from the peace and blessings of the night worship can last throughout the day, making it easier to carry out daily tasks with focus and strength.

Conclusion: The Importance of Reviving the Sunnah of Night Worship

The practice of waking up at night, reciting the dhikr, and seeking forgiveness is a forgotten Sunnah that holds immense blessings and rewards. Through this act, Muslims can purify their hearts, strengthen their faith, and seek Allah’s mercy and forgiveness. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged us to wake up in the night and make dhikr, as it brings us closer to Allah and leads to spiritual elevation.

May Allah grant us the ability to revive this Sunnah in our lives, allow us to wake up for the night prayer with sincerity, and forgive our sins. Ameen.

اللهم اجعلنا من أهل الليل و القائمين في الليل.
“O Allah, make us among those who are devoted to the night, and those who stand in prayer during the night.”