How Can I Consistently Wake Up for Fajr Prayer in Winter?

Answered by Shaykh Anas al-Musa

Question

During winter, I find myself sleeping excessively, and I struggle to wake up for Fajr prayer. What should I do?

Answer

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon the Messenger sent as a mercy to the worlds, our Master and Prophet, Muhammad, and his Family and Companions.

It is natural to face some difficulty in waking up for Fajr prayer during winter due to the cold weather and longer nights. Here are some tips to help you overcome this challenge:

Reflect on the Reward of Waking Up for Prayer

Recall the hadith of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace):

“Our Lord is amazed by two men: A man who rises from his bed and blanket, leaving his beloved and family to perform prayer. Allah (Most High) says to His angels: ‘Look at My servant. He has left his bed, his blanket, and his beloved ones to pray out of desire for what is with Me and fear of what is with Me.’” [Ibn Hibban]

The phrase “rises from his bed and blanket” means that the person distances themselves from the comfort of their bed and loved ones, seeking the benefit of prayer for both this life and the hereafter—not for show or recognition, but out of the sincere desire for Allah’s Paradise, reward, and approval, and out of fear of His punishment or displeasure. This is the essence of striving for the greater jihad, as it entails worshipping Allah when most people are asleep and resting. [‘Ali Qari, Sharh Mishkat]

Remember the Virtues of Fajr Prayer

Contemplating the immense rewards of Fajr prayer can motivate you to rise, even in challenging circumstances. Some of its virtues include:

• Perfect Light on the Day of Judgment: The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “Give glad tidings to those who walk to the mosques in the dark of complete light on the Day of Judgment.” [Tirmidhi]
• Protection and Care from Allah: He (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “Whoever performs the Fajr prayer is under the protection of Allah. So, let not Allah hold you accountable for neglecting His protection, for whoever does so will be overtaken by it, and he will be thrown on his face into the Fire of Hell.” [Muslim]
• Entry into Paradise: The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “Whoever prays the two cool prayers (al-bardan) will enter Paradise. (al-bardan refers to Fajr and ‘Asr prayers.)” [Bukhari]

Practical Tips for Waking Up for Fajr

Here are some practical steps to assist you:

• Seek Help from Family or Friends: Ask a family member or a trusted friend to wake you up for Fajr.
• Enhance Sleep Quality: Sleep early in a warm and comfortable room to ensure restful sleep.
• Use Multiple Alarms: Set multiple alarms at different intervals to ensure you wake up.

Finally, waking up for Fajr prayer is a blessing and favor from Allah. Ask Him sincerely to grant you the strength and consistency to perform it. Consider reading motivational books like “al-Fada’il al-‘Ashr li Salat al-Fajr” (The Ten Virtues of Fajr Prayer) by Shaykh Na‘im Arksusi to boost your resolve.

May Allah bless the Prophet Muhammad and give him peace, and his Family and Companions.

[Shaykh] Anas al-Musa

Shaykh Anas al-Musa, born in Hama, Syria, in 1974, is an erudite scholar of notable repute. He graduated from the Engineering Institute in Damascus, where he specialized in General Construction, and Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Usul al-Din, where he specialized in Hadith.

He studied under prominent scholars in Damascus, including Shaykh Abdul Rahman al-Shaghouri and Shaykh Adib al-Kallas, among others. Shaykh Anas has memorized the Quran and is proficient in the ten Mutawatir recitations, having studied under Shaykh Bakri al-Tarabishi and Shaykh Mowfaq ‘Ayun. He also graduated from the Iraqi Hadith School.

He has taught numerous Islamic subjects at Shari‘a institutes in Syria and Turkey. Shaykh Anas has served as an Imam and preacher for over 15 years and is a teacher of the Quran in its various readings and narrations.

Currently, he works as a teacher at SeekersGuidance and is responsible for academic guidance there. He has completed his Master’s degree in Hadith and is now pursuing his Ph.D. in the same field. Shaykh Anas al-Musa is married and resides in Istanbul.