Urooj Niazi 
One of the most rewarding voluntary prayers in the Islamic faith is known as Tahajjud which is performed at night following the Isha and preceding the Fajr prayers. It is a question that many Muslims tend to ask whether sleep before Tahajjud is mandatory or they can perform the prayer without sleeping. This is a question that particularly comes to the minds of those who sleep late at night or people who have a problem with irregular sleep patterns. This has been addressed by Islamic scholars in detail, based on linguistic meanings, practice by Prophets and academic consensus. The knowledge of whether sleeping is compulsory or optional will enable the believers to conduct Tahajjud appropriately and make the most of the spiritual gains.
Understanding the Meaning of Tahajjud
Tahajjud is a word that has its origins in Arabic juhud which translates to effort, struggle, or exertion. In language, Tahajjud is a term that is used to describe waking up in the morning after sleeping to perform worship. This interpretation underscores the reason why numerous researchers lay stress on sleep preceding Tahajjud as one of its attributes because it is more cumbersome and earnest to awaken out of rest.
Scholarly Opinion on Sleeping Before Tahajjud
The majority of Islamic thinkers state that Tahajjud is voluntary night prayer that is conducted after the Isha and before Fajr. In this opinion, sleep prior to Tahajjud is not an obligatory one. Although an individual will be praying at night, yet he will not sleep, the prayer is counted and the reward is paid. Nevertheless, researchers explain that although the number of prayers does matter, it is the best to sleep and then wake up to say the prayers.
The Sunnah Practice of the Prophet (PBUH)
The Sunnah is a firm believer of sleeping prior to Tahajjud. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would go to sleep after Isha and wake up during the final third of the night to pray. The practice shows the superior spiritual position of Tahajjud post-sleep since it can be said to be a manifestation of discipline, devotion and sacrifice.
What If You Cannot Sleep before Tahajjud?
It is found that there are circumstances when one cannot sleep or there is no possibility to sleep. When this happens, voluntary night prayers during the hours when one is awake is very meritorious. These are prayers commonly known as Qiyam al-Layl. This is accepted by many scholars as Tahajjud, but they observe that sleep prior to Tahajjud adds value to it and is more in line with its original meaning.
Best Time to Pray Tahajjud
The third part of the night at night is the most virtuous of the time to Tahajjud. Regardless of whether a person sleeps before Tahajjud or not, praying at this time has its inexhaustible blessings because at this time the supplication is easily accepted. Visit homepage for more details.
