After tahajjud prayer, participants attempt to rest on the hard floor, fully clothed in their abayas and hijabs, without blankets or cushions. This period of uncomfortable sleep is a crucial element of the Trials & Tribulations experience.
The refugee parallel
This uncomfortable rest represents the reality of displaced people who sleep rough – on cold ground, in makeshift shelters, in transit centres, or hidden in unsafe places. They rest fully clothed, always ready to move at a moment’s notice, without the comfort of proper bedding, often cold and unable to truly relax due to fear and uncertainty.
Your role as leader
Setting the scene After tahajjud, guide participants into this experience:
- “We rest now as best we can – the floor is our bed tonight”
- “Keep your abayas on – we may need to move quickly if danger comes”
- “There are no blankets where we’re going – we learn to sleep without comfort”
- “Use your rucksack as a pillow – it’s all we have”
Leading by example
- Lie down on the floor first, in your abaya and hijab
- Show acceptance of the discomfort without complaint
- Demonstrate how to position yourself and your rucksack
- Rest quietly, modelling patience with the conditions
- Avoid making adjustments that increase comfort beyond what’s allowed
Supporting your group During the rest period:
- Speak quietly if guidance is needed: “Try lying on your side with your rucksack supporting your head”
- Acknowledge the difficulty softly: “I know the floor is hard – this is part of our journey”
- Provide perspective in whispers: “Think of those who sleep like this every night with no hope of a soft bed tomorrow”
- Encourage acceptance: “Let the discomfort teach you – don’t fight against it”
Maintaining the experience
Build understanding through shared hardship
- “We’re all facing this hard floor together”
- “This discomfort connects us to millions who have no choice”
- “Tomorrow we return to comfort – they do not”
Handle complaints and discomfort When someone struggles with the hard floor or cold:
- Validate quietly: “Yes, it’s uncomfortable – that’s exactly the point”
- Provide perspective: “Imagine doing this every night, not knowing if tomorrow brings safety”
- Encourage patience: “Your body will find a way to rest – trust it”
- Connect to purpose: “This discomfort is temporary, but the empathy it builds is lasting”
During the night
- Maintain the atmosphere of quiet acceptance
- If anyone is genuinely in pain (not just discomfort), speak with them privately
- Keep the lights low or off to encourage rest
- Model stillness and patience
Working with the venue
Before the rest period
- Ensure the floor is clean and safe for sleeping
- Check the room temperature – cold is part of the experience, but not dangerously so
- Have drinking water accessible for those who need it
- Ensure bathroom access is clear and safe in low light
Safety considerations
- Monitor for anyone experiencing genuine health issues versus normal discomfort
- Be aware of anyone with existing back or joint problems who may need modification
- Know where first aid supplies are if needed
- Have a plan for emergencies that might require quick movement
Managing different needs
For those who struggle physically
- Allow them to adjust position as needed while maintaining the spirit of the challenge
- Encourage them to focus on mental and spiritual growth rather than perfect adherence
- Remind them that their willingness to try is what matters
For those who fall asleep easily
- Encourage them to spend time in reflection even if they cannot sleep
- Suggest they make dua for those who face this reality every night
- Use the time for contemplation of blessings
For those who cannot sleep at all
- Reassure them that the experience of trying to rest is valuable even without sleep
- Encourage quiet reflection, dhikr, or dua
- Remind them that exhaustion is part of understanding the refugee experience
Building spiritual connection
Frame the discomfort spiritually
- “Use this discomfort to draw closer to Allah in dua”
- “Think of the Prophet’s (PBUH) simple life – he knew hardship too”
- “This floor reminds us that comfort is a blessing we too often take for granted”
- “In this stillness, despite discomfort, we can find closeness to Allah”
Encourage reflection
- “As you lie here unable to sleep, think of mothers sleeping rough while protecting their children”
- “Feel the hard floor and remember that comfort is not guaranteed in this life”
- “This small sacrifice helps us understand what ‘home’ means to those who have lost theirs”
Connect to gratitude
- “Tomorrow we return to soft beds – how precious they will feel”
- “This one night teaches us to value what we normally ignore”
- “Discomfort makes us grateful in ways comfort never can”
Morning transition
As sahoor time approaches
- Wake everyone gently about half an hour before fajr
- Acknowledge the difficult night: “You rested as refugees rest – without true comfort or safety”
- Build momentum: “Rise now – we have a long journey ahead and we need strength”
- Maintain dignity: “Straighten your hijabs and gather yourselves – we face this day together”
After rising
- Don’t immediately discuss the discomfort – let it settle into their consciousness
- Focus on the coming meal and prayer
- Allow participants to stretch and move after the hard floor
- Keep the atmosphere purposeful rather than complaining
Key reminders for leaders
Model acceptance
- Your attitude toward the discomfort sets the tone for everyone
- Show that hardship can be faced with grace and patience
- Demonstrate that discomfort doesn’t diminish dignity
Maintain perspective
- This is one night – refugees face this indefinitely
- The discomfort is real but temporary
- The learning is what matters, not perfect adherence
Balance challenge with safety
- Discomfort is intentional; harm is not
- Know the difference between meaningful challenge and genuine medical concern
- Be prepared to make reasonable accommodations for health needs
Build community through shared experience
- This difficult night creates powerful bonds
- Suffering together builds lasting sisterhood
- The shared memory will strengthen your group long after
Connect to the bigger picture
- This uncomfortable rest is preparation for the physical challenges ahead
- Exhaustion is part of the refugee experience you’re embodying
- The lack of comfort teaches gratitude and builds resilience
- Every moment of difficulty deepens empathy and understanding
Remember: you’re not putting participants through unnecessary suffering – you’re creating a controlled experience that builds genuine empathy, strengthens community bonds, and teaches profound lessons about gratitude, resilience, and the human capacity to endure hardship with dignity. This uncomfortable night becomes a powerful teacher that participants will remember and learn from for years to come.