Answered by Mufti Muhammed Bholat
Question:
I just wanted to know if I can set my alarm clock to get up for the Tahajjud prayer, or do I just have to wake up on my own? After Tahajjud prayer, do you have to sleep and then wake up for the Fajr prayer or you can just stay awake until the Fajr prayer?
Answer:
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
وصلى الله على النبي الأمي
Thank you for contacting Mathabah for your query.
Your desire in learning to wake up for tahajjud or voluntary night prayers, is a step towards performing this most virtuous act. May Allāh grant us all the ability to inculcate this most noble act, Ᾱmīn.
A person may adopt the necessary measures in order to rise for tahajjud prayers, whether that is in the form of an alarm clock, wake-up call, or even appointing a person.
The Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) has prayed for mercy on the husband who wakes his wife up for tahajjud prayer by sprinkling water gently on her face or vice-verse.
Abu Hurayrah رضي الله عنه narrates that the Holy Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said,
“May Allāh have mercy on a man who gets up at night and prays, and awakens his wife; if she refuses, he should [gently] sprinkle water on her face. May Allāh have mercy on a woman who gets up at night and prays, and awakens her husband; if he refuses, she would [gently] sprinkle water on his face.” (Sunan Abū Dawūd)
Similarly, it was the general practice of Bilal رضي الله عنه to wake the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم up in case he fell off to sleep while resting after offering his tahajjud prayers. (See: Abū Dawūd) Although this was for the fajr pray, it proves the general permissibility.
The Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) would also appoint someone when on expeditions to awake the entire group for prayers. (Sahih al-Bukhārī)
And Allāh Ta’āla Knows Best
