18-03-2025
Practical Advice to Take Advantage of the Power of Early Morning Worship
During Ramadhan, the fast begins with the first daily prayer, Al Fajr, before sunrise. In these moments, when our concentration and energy are at their peak, we meditate on the spiritual riches bestowed upon us as a gift from Allah. It is no surprise that the early morning feels especially unique, as we find ourselves under the care of the Creator, enveloped in the mercy of Allah's providence for the day ahead. Spending an hour each morning in His presence can transform us in ways we never imagined.
Many people struggle to wake up early, with some praying Fajr before returning to sleep. Consequently, we miss out on the spiritual treasures that the early hours provide. Staying awake after the Fajr prayer to engage in an intimate session of worship in the presence of Allah can greatly strengthen our holy relationship with Him.
The Albukoor initiative was launched by Nooralhuda Alhudaib, co-founder of the Albukoor initiative and co-author of the Albukoor book. Its aim is to provide individuals with the necessary tools to worship easily and to help them overcome the obstacles they face. To date, the initiative has benefited approximately 2,000 people.
Named Albukoor, which means "the early morning" in Arabic, the initiative seeks to facilitate ritual worship through knowledge and innovative collective support, particularly focusing on the Fajr prayer and the worship associated with it during these blessed early hours. Nooralhuda Alhudaib articulates this vision clearly: 'The idea behind the initiative is to make ritual worship more accessible through knowledge and support.'
Practical Advice to Take Advantage of the Power of Early Morning Worship
The Messenger of Allah, Mohammed, said: 'O Allah, bless my nation in its early mornings.' This highlights the importance of cherishing early morning moments filled with worship, experiencing spiritual calm and reassurance as we prepare to face the day. 'The early morning I refer to isn't about being part of a 5 AM or 4 AM club; it's about setting our intentions toward the most significant meanings in life. If I rise, pray Fajr, engage in remembrance (Dhikr), recite the Qur'an, and focus calmly on a task I love, I will receive the blessings that accompany this time, which the Prophet prayed for,' Nooralhuda shared.
The initiative outlines four stages of early morning prayer to deepen the believer's connection with the Creator. The first stage involves performing the Fajr prayer on time, along with its Sunnah Rak`ahs. Following this, the believer sits comfortably on their prayer rug, reciting and repeating the after-prayer and morning remembrances. At this initial stage, ensuring that the Fajr prayer is performed on time is crucial, laying the foundation for progressing through the rest of this enlightening journey.
'The second stage is the night prayer, Tahajjud, performed during the last sixth of the night, just before the call to the Fajr prayer. Even if it's just the Witr prayer, along with seeking forgiveness and making supplications, this virtuous prayer will help us perform the Fajr prayer on time,' Nooralhuda noted. Numerous Quranic verses extol the virtues of praying at night, such as in Surah Adh-Dhariyat (51:18): 'And in the hours before dawn, they were (found) asking (Allâh) for forgiveness.'
She emphasised, 'The third stage is the most crucial, as it ensures the continuity of morning spiritual worship: staying awake until sunrise. This was customary for the Prophet Mohammed and the noble companions, who would remain in their places of prayer until the sun rose, engaged in the remembrance of Allah and recitation of the Qur'an.'
Practical Advice to Take Advantage of the Power of Early Morning Worship
Practical Advice to Take Advantage of the Power of Early Morning Worship
Practical Advice to Take Advantage of the Power of Early Morning Worship
The fourth and final stage is about sustaining the habit of waking up at the same time throughout the year, avoiding any delays in winter, even when the sun rises later. This consistency fosters the continuation of the same acts of worship.
The changing meal schedules and social commitments during Ramadhan often disrupt sleep. Nooralhuda highlighted the significance of understanding Albukoor as a religious obligation, emphasising that waking up early is a natural human instinct rather than a burden. She remarked, 'The sun rises for us to awaken, and the night for us to sleep. How could one disregard such a vital religious duty and jeopardise their biological clock?'
She advises against drinking coffee after Iftar, suggesting that families take a break after Tarawih, and strive to wake refreshed for Tahajjud and Suhoor, while extending Tahajjud before Fajr, as this time is replete with exceptional merit and great reward. She also clarified misconceptions surrounding Albukoor, such as the belief that waking up early decreases sleep. Instead, it shifts sleep hours; for instance, one might sleep from 10:00 PM to 4:00 AM, gradually adjusting as needed. These ideas are explored in her book, Albukoor.
'Negative habits can derail our efforts; for instance, some mothers set aside the night for relaxation once the family is asleep, but this often extends due tosocial media and unhealthy eating habits, making it difficult for them to wake up for the Fajr prayer. I also recommend gathering the family during the day instead of at night and avoiding caffeine after noon, as it can disrupt sleep,' she shared.
To learn more about the Albukoor initiative and its objectives, you can follow them on Instagram @albukoor. This platform offers valuable insights and updates that can support your spiritual journey and help incorporate the principles of worship and community into your daily life, especially during the blessed month of Ramadhan. By embracing these practices, you can enrich your experience, deepen your connection to faith, and discover the numerous spiritual rewards that await you in the early hours of the morning.
