Do You Doze Off in Waaz Mubarak?
Jannat ni hawa chaale che
It happens to the most devoted among us. As we sit in the masjid, surrounded by our brothers and sisters, listening to the blessed words of Waaz Mubarak, our eyelids grow heavy. The gentle cadence of the Moula (TUS) voice or any Waaz Karnar Saheb’s voice, the warmth of bodies gathered in devotion, and the peaceful atmosphere conspire to lull us into momentary slumber. If you've ever caught yourself nodding off during these sacred bayaans, know that you are not alone in this experience.
There is a beautiful belief that during Imam Hussain AS majlis, farishta saayo kare che ane jannat ni hawa chaale che — angels cast their shadows and the breezes of paradise flow through the gathering. This divine presence creates an atmosphere of profound peace and tranquility that naturally affects our physical beings. Our bodies, constantly in motion throughout a normal week, suddenly finds stillness. Our minds, typically racing with worldly concerns, are invited into a sacred space. Is it any wonder that in this moment of divine peace, as jannat ni hawa surrounds us, that our physical forms might surrender to rest? Yet as I reflect on my own experiences of drifting between wakefulness and sleep during these precious bayaans and riwayaats, I find myself wondering: what might we be missing in these moments of unintended rest?
The irony is not lost on me: we attend Waaz to nourish our souls with ilm, to strengthen our imaan, and to connect more deeply with our faith and community. Yet precisely when these spiritual nutrients are being offered most abundantly, our physical bodies sometimes fail us. I've watched as dedicated mumineen fight this battle with heavy eyelids, employing various tactics—shifting positions, sipping water, or quietly reaching for a mint to stay alert. We do this because we understand, on some level, that while the peace we feel is a blessing, the knowledge being imparted is an even greater one.
In order to take full advantage of the Waaz Mubarak and especially Imam Hussain AS majlis, I have developed a personal preparation routine that has significantly improved my ability to remain alert and receptive:
Prioritize proper sleep - Ensuring 7-8 hours of quality rest the night before is essential. As neuroscientist Dr. Matthew Walker explains in his groundbreaking book "Why We Sleep," adequate sleep directly impacts our cognitive function and attention span. This preparation aligns perfectly with the expectation of no work, as we are encouraged to refrain from worldly business during the 9 days of Moharram, focusing instead on the zikr of Imam Hussain AS.
Create a written morning plan - Before sleeping, I make a detailed list of morning tasks—from freshening up to fajr namaaz and breakfast—with approximate times allocated for each. This practice, similar to what productivity expert David Allen recommends in "Getting Things Done," helps create what he calls a "mind like water"—calm and prepared. Importantly, I use pen and paper rather than my phone, keeping digital distractions at bay during this sacred days. Scrolling on the phone is an excellent time waster that will also add guilt to your mood and experience.
Strategic caffeine consumption - About an hour before waaz, I consume 50-100mg of caffeine via a strong cup of tea or coffee (without milk to avoid unnecessary calories). Moderate to high caffeine consumption can enhance focus and alertness when used intentionally rather than habitually. Somedays 200mg caffeine tablets helps to stay alert and focused throughout the Waaz.
Pre-waaz exercise - Perhaps most surprisingly effective is a 30-40 minute exercise session before preparing for waaz. I aim to raise my heart rate to a target of 150 minus my age (in beats per minute) for at least 5 minutes. Aerobic exercise primes the brain for learning by increasing BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), essentially fertilizing or oiling our neural pathways. You will store more ilm, remember more and possibly for longer period.
These preparations acknowledge a simple truth: our mind and bodies require transition time. The sudden shift from our regular routine to the keeping up to the schedule of Waaz, Majlis, Talaqqi Sessions, etc. demands intentional preparation. Without this calibration period and techniques, our physical systems can feel overwhelmed, making drowsiness almost inevitable despite our spiritual enthusiasm.
Tell me what are some of your ways to beat the jhokas.
Iltemaas ud dua!