Ramadan 2019/1440: Thought of the Day 11

The quote for Day 11 of Ramadan from my box of things to think about is:

“…we only benefitted from the small units of Prayer we did late at night” ~ Imam Abu ‘l-Qasim al-Junayd al-Baghdadi

I couldn’t find much about this quote or its origin or context, i.e. we only benefitted in comparison to what other prayers or deeds? The quote does make me think of the great value of some small deeds – how some small dhikr (remembrances) said with sincerity can wipe away all of our sins.  The value of istaghfar, or sincere repentance.  The reward for each letter of the Quran recited, so that even a little is so beneficial. The impact of the small nawafil prayers with each salah that bring us closer to Allah (SWT).  The night prayer is another such deed: even if a few small rakah or units:

The Prophet (salAllahu alaihi wasallam) said: “The Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven when one-third of the night remains and says: ‘Who will call upon Me, that I may answer Him? Who will ask of Me, that I may give him? Who will seek My forgiveness, that I may forgive him?’” (Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Abu Umama al-Bahili (Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alaihi wasallam) said, “Hold tight to night prayer, for it was the way of the righteous before you, a way of drawing closer to your Lord, an expiation for wrong deeds, and a shield from sin.” (Tirmidhi)

This is the prayer that perhaps I have had the least opportunity to pray.  And perhaps one that would have endless benefits.  I am so tired from working during the day and standing in the kitchen in the evening, that the night prayer feels very difficult.  In Ramadan, I wake everyone and while they pray a few rakah of tahajjud I make breakfast (chapatti’s at 3am anyone).

A little part of me resents this and I wonder how the reward of looking after others weighs up against the benefits of the night prayer.  Perhaps Allah (SWT) knows that my strength is less in prayer (my concentration is poor) and more in serving others (I have a lot of energy) and has led me to that which is easy for me.  I suppose I can at least make intention for tahajjud before I sleep, who knows, perhaps I will be blessed with it. May Allah (SWT) make this month easy for the ladies of the house and help us get the most benefit out of it.