The Blessings of the Early Morning in Islam: Virtues, Benefits, and Practices

Understanding the Virtue and Blessings of the Early Morning in Islam

The Virtue of the Early Morning and Its Blessings in Islam

In Islam, the early morning holds a special place, and the time following the Fajr prayer is considered one of the most blessed periods of the day. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) emphasized this time and its virtues in his supplications and actions. One of the most famous supplications of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) regarding the early morning is:

"O Allah, bless my people in their early mornings."
(Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith Number 2606, Declared Authentic by Imam Albani)

This beautiful supplication encapsulates the essence of how significant the early morning is in terms of its blessings, barakah, and potential for productivity. In this post, we will explore the importance of the early morning in Islam, the benefits it holds, and how the companions and early generations of Muslims (the Salaf) revered this time for its virtues.

1. The Prophet’s Guidance on Early Morning Activities

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) not only made du’a (supplication) for blessings in the early morning but also demonstrated through his actions how one should utilize this time. It is narrated that when he (peace be upon him) would send out expeditions or delegations, he would do so at the early part of the day, in the morning hours. This is a direct indication that the early morning hours are ideal for starting important tasks, whether in matters of religion or worldly affairs.

The Prophet’s practice of dispatching armies early in the day highlights a strategic and blessed timing—one where success and barakah (blessing) are promised. It reflects the importance of beginning the day with purposeful action and relying on Allah’s blessings during these early moments.

2. Sakhr, the Merchant, and His Success

A beautiful example of the blessings of the early morning can be seen in the story of Sakhr, a merchant during the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him). It is narrated that he would send out his merchandise at the beginning of the day, and because of this practice, he became extremely wealthy. His success was not coincidental, but rather a direct result of the Prophet’s supplication and the natural barakah of the early morning hours.

This story serves as a reminder for Muslims to engage in beneficial activities at the beginning of the day, whether it is work, study, or worship. Allah’s blessings descend in these moments, and it is a time for a person to seek goodness in their endeavors, trusting that the early morning is a time of great potential.

3. The Importance of Fajr and the Early Morning in Islam

The time between Fajr and sunrise is highly significant in Islam. The early morning is a period where provision (rizq) is decreed for every person. Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah (rahimahullah) mentions that the Salaf (the early generations of Muslims) held this time in high regard and would avoid sleeping during this period. They understood that this was a time for great benefit and blessings, a time when Allah’s mercy and provisions are abundant.

The Salaf disliked wasting this time in laziness or unnecessary sleep, even if they had stayed up late the night before in worship. They knew that after Fajr until sunrise was a special time, and they strove to remain awake, using it to engage in acts of worship or productive work. The early morning hours are considered a time when Allah’s blessings descend, and therefore, it is an opportunity to start the day with a positive, spiritually uplifting, and productive mindset.

4. The Blessing of Early Morning Work and Effort

It is not only worship that receives blessings during the early morning hours but also one’s worldly affairs, such as work and trade. In Islam, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged engaging in good work early in the day. This is illustrated in his saying:

"The early morning is blessed for my ummah."
(Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith 2606)

This hadith encapsulates the essence of early morning work. Whether you are a student, a worker, or a businessman, beginning your work early in the morning ensures that you receive the barakah of Allah in your efforts. When a person starts their day early, they are able to accomplish tasks efficiently and with a sense of barakah that may not be present if they delay their start.

5. The Spiritual Importance of the Early Morning

The early morning hours, particularly between Fajr and sunrise, are also a prime time for worship. After the Fajr prayer, Muslims are encouraged to engage in acts of remembrance (dhikr), recitation of the Qur’an, and supplication. These acts of worship performed at this blessed time are endowed with special rewards.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) mentioned:

"Whoever prays Fajr in congregation is in the protection of Allah."
(Sahih Muslim)

This highlights the importance of beginning the day with prayer, especially Fajr, which is the first prayer of the day. After performing Fajr, one can engage in further worship, such as dhikr, supplication, or even seeking knowledge. The quiet and peaceful nature of the early morning makes it an ideal time for reflection, gratitude, and connecting with Allah. It is also a time when one can seek forgiveness and make du’a for success in their daily endeavors.

6. The Psychological and Health Benefits of Waking Early

In addition to the spiritual and worldly benefits, waking up early and utilizing the early morning hours has been shown to have psychological and health benefits. Scientific studies have shown that waking up early can enhance focus, increase productivity, and improve overall mental health. It allows the mind to be fresh and alert, which can lead to better decision-making and time management throughout the day.

The practice of waking up early is not just a religious benefit but also a physical and psychological one. The Qur’an mentions the morning time as a period for reflection, and by waking up early, one can reap both spiritual and worldly rewards.

7. The Salaf’s Attitude Towards Early Morning

The early generations of Muslims—particularly the Salaf—valued the time between Fajr and sunrise. Many of them would avoid sleeping during this time, and even those who engaged in nightly worship would make sure to stay up after Fajr, as they knew the importance of the morning hours. Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah (rahimahullah) elaborated on this by saying that even if the Salaf stayed up late for worship, they would still remain awake after Fajr to make the most of this blessed time.

The Salaf understood that this was a time of receiving Allah’s mercy and provisions. They viewed it as a time to seek Allah’s blessings, work on self-improvement, and engage in productive activities. In this, they provide a model for Muslims today on how to value the early morning hours.

8. How to Benefit from the Early Morning

To truly benefit from the early morning, it is essential for Muslims to:

• Wake up for Fajr: The first step in benefiting from the early morning is to wake up for the Fajr prayer. This is the key to starting the day with Allah’s blessings and protection.
• Engage in Dhikr and Qur’an recitation: After the Fajr prayer, engage in acts of remembrance and Qur’an recitation. This will not only bring spiritual benefits but also set a peaceful tone for the day.
• Set goals for the day: The early morning is a perfect time to plan and set goals for the day. Taking time to reflect on what needs to be done can help bring about efficiency and success.
• Avoid laziness: Resist the temptation to sleep after Fajr, as it is a time for action, reflection, and work. As the Salaf demonstrated, avoiding laziness during these hours can bring about immense benefit.

Conclusion

The early morning hours, from the time of Fajr until sunrise, are truly a blessed time in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recognized the importance of this time, and his supplication for blessings in the early morning reflects the profound potential it holds for both spiritual and worldly success. The Salaf cherished this time, utilizing it for worship, reflection, and productive activities. By waking up early, engaging in worship, and being proactive in our daily endeavors, we can reap the immense benefits of the early morning and seek Allah’s blessings throughout the day.

May Allah grant us the ability to utilize the early morning hours in the best way possible, and may He bless our time, efforts, and endeavors with barakah. Ameen.