(Series on Nafl Salaahs – #1 Introduction)
As human beings, Allah Ta‘ala has created us with feelings and emotions. As we progress through life, we experience moments of happiness and excitement, and we also undergo occasions of anxiety and sadness.
Different people have different responses and reactions to occasions of excitement and anxiety. When we examine the disbelievers, we find that on occasions of excitement and happiness, their response is to throw a party, blast music and burn fireworks. As for occasions of anxiety and difficulty, then they respond by running helter-skelter, seeking some person or means to bail them out of their predicament, and when the anxiety begins to overwhelm them, they seek solace in antidepressant medication or alcohol.
In stark contrast to this is the beautiful and perfect example of Islam. On happy occasions, Muslims remember Allah Ta‘ala, as He is the One Who blessed them with happiness. Thus, on the occasions of the two ‘Eids, instead of setting off fireworks, the Muslims congregate and engage in additional salaah.
Similarly, in times of difficulty and distress, Muslims turn to Allah Ta‘ala, as He is the only One who can alleviate our difficulties and grant us relief from our distress. Hence, whenever Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) faced any difficulty or worry, he (immediately) resorted to salaah. (Sunan Abi Dawood #1319) In fact, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) himself said, “The coolness of my eye is in salaah (i.e. performing salaah is a means of gaining solace and comfort).” (Sunan Nasaai #3939)
In various ahaadeeth, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) explained the great and important role of salaah in the life of a believer. In one hadeeth, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) even resembled the position of salaah to be like that of the head in the body! (Majma‘uz Zawaaid #1637) We thus understand that throughout our lives, we must continue making an effort on our salaah, until salaah becomes as integral to our lives as eating, breathing and sleeping.
In this regard, the first priority is for one to safeguard the five daily fardh salaah (including the Witr Salaah) by ensuring that the salaah is performed on time (and in the case of males, in the masjid with jamaat). If we have any qadhaa (outstanding) salaah then these should be performed as well. However, we should not suffice on performing just the fardh salaah. Rather, we must ensure that we perform the various sunnah muakkadah salaah as well. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) showed great importance to the sunnah muakkadah salaah and promised great reward for the one who is punctual in performing them.
After we gain steadfastness on the sunnah muakkadah salaah, the next effort will be to commence performing the various nafl salaahs mentioned in the blessed ahaadeeth, such as the Tahajjud Salaah, Ishraaq Salaah, Chaasht Salaah (also known as Salaatud Dhuha), and Awwaabeen Salaah. In a hadeeth, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) explains that Allah Ta‘ala has mentioned that it is through engaging in nafl ‘ibaadaat that one will acquire the special love of Allah Ta‘ala. (Saheeh Bukhaari #6502) Furthermore, each of these nafl salaahs contains special rewards and benefits that will be acquired by the one who performs them, seeking the special pleasure and proximity of Allah Ta‘ala.
The month of Ramadhaan is the ideal period for us to commence performing these salaahs, as carrying out a nafl action in Ramadhaan will earn one the immense reward of carrying out a fardh action. (Saheeh Ibni Khuzaimah #1887)
Insha-Allah, in the parts to come, we will discuss some of the great virtues of performing these various nafl salaahs. May Allah Ta‘ala assist us all to gain steadfastness on salaah, aameen.