Understanding TAS̤WĪB (تثويب): ‘Prayer is Better Than Sleep’ 🔊
Definition
Tas̤wīb (تثويب) is the act of repeating the phrase “Aṣ-ṣalātu k͟hairun mina ʾn-nāum” during the aẕān (call to prayer) for the early morning prayer (Fajr). The phrase translates to “Prayer is better than sleep” and serves as a unique call for the faithful, encouraging them to rise for worship at dawn.
Etymology
The term tas̤wīb comes from the Arabic root word ثوب (th-w-b), meaning “to return” or “to repeat.” In the context of the aẕān, tas̤wīb refers to the repetition of the phrase “Aṣ-ṣalātu k͟hairun mina ʾn-nāum.”
Background
The aẕān is the Islamic call to prayer, announced by the muezzin five times a day. The Fajr prayer, performed at dawn, includes tas̤wīb to emphasize the spiritual benefits of prayer over the physical comfort of sleep. This tradition traces back to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who instructed Bilal, his companion, to include the phrase in the morning aẕān.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
In various Islamic cultures, tas̤wīb is universally respected and recited during the Fajr aẕān. However, slight variations in pronunciation, and additional expressions of piety, may be observed in different regions, reflecting diverse local traditions.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms:
- Early Morning Admonition
- Dawn Call
- Fajr Alert
Antonyms:
- Silence
- Inactivity
- Night’s Sleep
Related Terms
- Aẕān (أذان): The Islamic call to prayer.
- Fajr (فجر): The dawn prayer, one of the five obligatory salah (prayers) in Islam.
- Muezzin (مؤذن): The person who calls the aẕān from the minaret of a mosque.
Exciting Facts
- Historical Significance: The inclusion of tas̤wīb in the Fajr aẕān traces back to early Islam, demonstrating continuity from the time of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
- Spiritual Incentive: It serves as a gentle yet impactful reminder of the spiritual superiority of prayer over the temporal pleasures of sleep.
- Universal Practice: Despite differences in sects, this practice is widely accepted and observed across the Muslim world.
Quotations
“You who believe, seek help through patience and prayer; surely Allah is with the patient.” – Surah Al-Baqarah 2:153
Suggested Literature for Further Studies:
- “The Call to Prayer and Its Significance in Islam” by Fatima Al-Tamimi, 2018.
- “Islamic Rituals and Their Meanings” by Dr. Faisal Ahmad, 2020.
- “Spiritual Spaces: Echoes of Faith” by Zaid Salim, 2019.
Quizzes
Farewell Thought
“Understanding and embracing the rituals that connect us to our faith fosters not just routine but spiritual enlightenment. Rise for prayer; let it illuminate the dawn of your soul.”
Zainab Al-Habib October 3, 2023
