Often we awake at night for a while; whether it be to turn it over in bed, or to see a dream, or to hear a voice, etc. then one completes his sleep after a temporary awakens. It was the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, who used to practice remembrance and supplication during this short awakens, and he may follows it with ablution and prayer.

‘Ubadah b. al-Samit reported the Messenger of Allah (May peace be upon him) as saying; If anyone is alarmed while asleep and he says when awakes: there is no god but Allah alone Who has no partner, to whom dominion belongs, to whom praise is due, and who has power over everything (omnipotent). Glory be to Allah, and praise be to Allah, and there is no god but Allah, and then he prays: O my Lord, forgive me. Abu Dawud said : Al-Walid’s version has; and he prays, his prayer will be answered. If he gets up, performs ablution, and prays, his prayer will be accepted.) Related by Al-Bukhari.

Accordingly, The Prophet’s supplication was to declare three things:

-          Testimony of Monotheism which overweighs anything else as indicated in the Hadith of Card.

-          Remembrance is the dearest words to Almighty Allah

-          Remembrance is a treasure in paradise

In fact, remembering this sunnah when one is alarmed at night is so difficult, except for the one indulged in remembrance all the day, day and night. 

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