By Dr. Abdul Wadud Nafis, LC., MEI
Tahajud prayer is a Sunnah practice full of virtues, yet it is often overlooked by many. As a night prayer performed after sleep, tahajud teaches sincerity in drawing closer to Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) himself always emphasized the importance of tahajud as a means to attain happiness in this world and the Hereafter.
Despite its Sunnah nature, the benefits of tahajud should not be underestimated. Besides earning great rewards, tahajud also has a very positive impact on physical, mental, and spiritual health. In an increasingly busy and stressful world, tahajud can be a solution for achieving inner peace and physical well-being naturally.
Why does tahajud prayer have such extraordinary benefits? How can praying in the middle of the night affect our physical and psychological well-being? In this discussion, we will explore the definition of tahajud prayer, how this worship impacts psychological conditions, and various benefits for physical health. By understanding these benefits, we can be more motivated to incorporate tahajud into our daily routines.
Tahajud is a Sunnah prayer performed at night after sleep, especially in the last third of the night (between 2 to 4 AM). In the Quran, Allah commands the Prophet Muhammad to perform tahajud as an additional act of worship (QS Al-Isra: 79), with a promise of great rewards. This prayer is one of the most special forms of worship because it requires a strong effort to rise in the middle of the night, demonstrating commitment and love for Allah.
Here are broader explanations of the benefits of tahajud prayer for psychological and physical health:
- Psychological Benefits
a. Enhancing Piety and Relationship with Allah: Through tahajud, an individual strengthens their relationship with Allah. In a quiet and serene atmosphere, this night worship provides an opportunity for supplication, prayer, and pouring one’s heart out to Allah. This helps increase faith and piety and gives a sense of comfort from feeling closer to the Creator.
b. Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Tahajud is performed when the atmosphere is very calm, which naturally helps relieve tension and stress. The dhikr and prayers performed at night can calm the heart and mind. With a calmer mindset, one can be better prepared to face daily challenges.
c. Improving Concentration and Focus: The discipline of waking up at night to perform tahajud trains the mind to be more focused. In the long term, this habit can also enhance a person’s concentration and ability to complete daily tasks more effectively.
d. Cultivating Patience and Mental Strength: Maintaining consistency in waking up at night for tahajud builds patience and resolve. This prayer also helps strengthen mental and emotional resilience by teaching the importance of overcoming laziness and the desire to sleep.
e. Increasing Inner Peace and Happiness: Based on several psychological studies, spiritual practices such as tahajud can produce hormones like dopamine and serotonin, which play a role in creating feelings of happiness and peace. Therefore, tahajud can be a natural solution for calming the heart and balancing emotions.
- Benefits for Physical Health
a. Improving Sleep Quality: Tahajud is performed after sleep and provides a more balanced night’s rest. Waking up at night regularly helps the body experience a more effective sleep pattern, especially in deep sleep phases. Research shows that those who regularly wake up at night for worship enjoy better sleep quality and wake up feeling fresher.
b. Enhancing Blood Circulation: The movements in prayer, such as bowing, prostrating, and standing, are similar to light exercise. These movements help improve blood flow throughout the body, especially to the brain, which can reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. Deep prostration helps stretch the body’s muscles and relaxes the nervous system.
c. Boosting Immune Function: Consistent tahajud is known to enhance immune system function. The sincere worship performed at night stimulates the release of endorphins, which improve mood and help the body maintain a strong immune system.
d. Improving Metabolism and Hormonal Regulation: Tahajud helps the body balance the circadian (biological) rhythm, which is crucial for regulating body metabolism and hormone production. When the body and mind are calm, the production of stress hormones like cortisol decreases. This also aids in insulin regulation, thereby lowering the risk of diabetes.
e. Maintaining Heart Health: Although light, tahajud activities positively affect heart health. The regular movements and controlled breathing during prayer promote heart health by improving blood circulation and reducing levels of bad cholesterol.
f. Maintaining Weight and Physical Fitness: Consistency in waking up at night and engaging in worship activities helps keep the body’s metabolism active. Additionally, the movements in prayer involve almost all muscle groups, which helps maintain fitness and regulate weight.
- Effects on Mental and Spiritual Health
a. Overcoming Depression and Anxiety: In psychological studies, spiritual habits like tahajud help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Individuals who regularly perform tahajud experience greater inner peace, which fosters feelings of optimism and happiness in life.
b. Increasing Gratitude and Self-Confidence: When someone rises at night and seeks Allah’s help, feelings of gratitude are easier to cultivate. Continuous gratitude can alleviate mental burdens and boost self-confidence, as individuals feel more empowered and hopeful.
Conclusion
Tahajud is not just a recommended night prayer; it is also a means to achieve inner peace, physical health, and mental strength. Through tahajud, we not only deepen our spiritual connection with Allah but also gain significant benefits for our daily well-being. In a world filled with hustle and pressure, tahajud serves as an oasis that offers tranquility and calmness.
With all the virtues and benefits it presents, tahajud is a call to realign our lives, balancing worldly demands with spiritual needs. There is no doubt that consistency in performing tahajud will bring positive changes, mentally, emotionally, and physically.
Therefore, let us make tahajud a noble habit, for behind the struggle of waking in the middle of the night lies spiritual pleasures and invaluable blessings. Tahajud prayer is the key, and by unlocking it, we can find the path to true happiness and success, both in this world and the Hereafter.
References
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