Surah As-Sajdah — Verse 16

Word Meanings:

• Tatajāfā (تَتَجَافَىٰ): Their sides rise and separate themselves from something, meaning they lift away and do not rest upon it.
• Junūbuhum (جُنُوبُهُمْ): Their sides or flanks (the sides of the body).
• Al-Maḍāji‘ (الْمَضَاجِعِ): The places of lying down, i.e., beds and sleeping places.
• Khawfan (خَوْفًا): Fear of Allah’s punishment and His wrath.
• Ṭama‘an (طَمَعًا): Hope and longing for Allah’s mercy, reward, and Paradise.
• Yunfiqūn (يُنفِقُونَ): They spend from their wealth in the cause of Allah, whether obligatory or voluntary charity.

Explanation of the Verse:

This verse paints a breathtaking picture of the true believers—those whose hearts are alive with faith and whose bodies yearn for worship. Allah describes them as people whose sides rise away from their beds at night. They do not cling to the comfort of their sleep; rather, when the darkness of the night falls and the world grows quiet, they leave their soft mattresses and warm blankets to stand before their Lord in prayer. This is the essence of *Tahajjud*—the voluntary night prayer that draws a servant closer to Allah.

They call upon their Lord out of fear and hope—fear of His punishment and displeasure, and hope in His mercy, forgiveness, and the eternal bliss of Paradise. Their worship is not a mere ritual; it is a heartfelt conversation with their Creator, filled with humility, longing, and sincerity. They are not like those who pray only when it is convenient or when others see them. Rather, their devotion is a secret between them and Allah, offered in the stillness of the night when no one but Allah witnesses them.

Furthermore, these believers are not only devoted in worship but also generous in charity. From what Allah has provided them, they spend—giving freely in the cause of Allah, helping the needy, supporting the poor, and contributing to the good of society. Their wealth does not make them stingy or arrogant; instead, they recognize that it is a trust from Allah, and they use it to please Him.

This verse teaches us that true faith is not a claim made by the tongue alone. It is a reality that transforms the body, the heart, and the wealth. The believer’s body is active in worship, the heart is connected to Allah in supplication, and the wealth is spent in His path. These are the people whose reward is described in the following verses—a reward no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human mind can imagine.

A Call to Action:

Dear reader, reflect on your own life: How often do you leave your bed at night to stand before Allah? How much of your wealth do you spend for His sake? The doors of Paradise are open, and the path to Allah’s pleasure is clear. Start small—pray two units of night prayer, give even a small amount in charity, and call upon your Lord with fear and hope. Allah is near, He hears, and He rewards beyond measure. Do not let the comfort of this world deprive you of the eternal comfort of the Hereafter. Rise from your bed, and let your heart rise with you toward your Lord.