Praying Tahajjud is one of the most spiritually uplifting acts of worship a Muslim can perform. It is a voluntary (Nafl) prayer offered during the peaceful hours of the night, allowing you to seek closeness to Allah (SWT), reflect deeply, and make heartfelt supplications.
In this guide, we’ll explore the importance of Tahajjud, the best time to pray, and a step-by-step guide on how to perform it — along with its incredible spiritual benefits.
The Spiritual Power of Tahajjud
Tahajjud, also known as Qiyam-ul-Layl or the night prayer, is performed after Isha and before Fajr (dawn). While not obligatory, it carries immense reward and spiritual elevation.
Allah commands in the Qur’an:
“And during a part of the night, pray Tahajjud beyond what is incumbent on you; maybe your Lord will raise you to a position of great glory.”
[Surah Al-Isra | 17:79]
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his family and companions) consistently prayed Tahajjud and encouraged believers to do the same:
“Hold firmly to the night prayer, for it was the practice of the righteous before you. It brings you closer to your Lord, erases sins, prevents wrongdoing, and repels disease from the body.”
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Best Time to Pray Tahajjud
Tahajjud can be prayed anytime after Isha and before Fajr, but the last third of the night is the most virtuous.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“Our Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven when the last third of the night remains, saying: ‘Who will call upon Me so that I may answer him? Who will ask of Me so that I may grant him? Who will seek My forgiveness so that I may forgive him?’”
[Sahih Bukhari, 1145 | Sahih Muslim, 758]
To calculate this, divide the night (from Maghrib to Fajr) into three equal parts. The final portion is when Tahajjud holds the highest rewards.
How to Pray Tahajjud – Step-by-Step Guide
There is no fixed number of Rak’ahs for Tahajjud, but it is usually prayed in sets of two Rak’ahs. The Prophet (peace be upon him) would often pray eight Rak’ahs or more, followed by Witr.
Preparation
- Make Wudu (ablution): Begin with purification.
- Find a quiet space: Choose a clean, peaceful spot for focused worship.
- Make intention (Niyyah): Sincerely intend to pray Tahajjud seeking Allah’s pleasure.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start the Prayer – Stand facing the Qibla and say “Allahu Akbar.”
- Recite Surahs – Begin with Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by any Surah or at least three verses.
- Bow (Rukoo’) – Say “Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem” three times.
- Rise from Rukoo’ – Say “Sami’Allahu liman hamidah,” followed by “Rabbana lakal hamd.”
- Sujood (Prostration) – Say “Subhana Rabbiyal A’laa” three times.
- Sit briefly, then perform a second Sujood.
- Complete the Rak’ah – Stand again for the next Rak’ah.
- After two Rak’ahs, recite the Tashahhud and Salawat.
- End with Tasleem – Turn your head right and left saying, “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah.”
- Make Du’a – Pour your heart out to Allah. The last third of the night is the time when He is most responsive.
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The Incredible Benefits of Tahajjud
1. Strengthens Your Connection with Allah
Praying Tahajjud shows deep devotion, sincerity, and yearning for closeness to your Creator.
2. Acceptance of Du’a
The last portion of the night is a time when prayers are most likely answered.
3. Forgiveness and Mercy
Tahajjud is a door to repentance. It renews faith and washes away sins.
4. Inner Peace and Emotional Calm
Standing before Allah in silence brings tranquillity, strength, and mental clarity.
“The most beloved deeds to Allah are those done consistently, even if they are small.”
[Sahih Bukhari, 6464 | Sahih Muslim, 2818]
Tahajjud During Ramadan
During Ramadan, Tahajjud becomes even more powerful. Many Muslims pray Taraweeh or Qiyam-ul-Layl at night.
The last ten nights, when Laylatul Qadr may occur, are the most blessed time for Tahajjud. Worship on this night is better than a thousand months.
As you connect with Allah during these sacred hours, remember the countless families in Kashmir and Pakistan who rise in the same darkness — not from comfort, but from hardship.
🌙 Let your night prayers inspire action.
Donate your Zakat, Sadaqah, or Regular Giving to uplift those in need through the Kashmir Welfare Foundation.
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Your donation can help a widow afford food for Suhoor or give an orphan child warmth during the cold nights of Azad Kashmir
Praying Tahajjud is more than a prayer; it’s a spiritual conversation with Allah (SWT).
Start small, with just two Rak’ahs, and be consistent. Each moment you spend in prayer adds light to your heart and forgiveness to your record.
FAQs About Tahajjud Prayer
1. Can I pray Tahajjud without sleeping first?
Yes, although it is preferred to sleep and then wake up. However, you will still receive reward if prayed before sleeping. Some scholars may differ on opinion, so speak to the scholars you follow for more information, This is a general guide.
2. How many Rak’ahs should I pray?
The minimum is two Rak’ahs, and you may pray as many as you wish, ending with Witr.
3. Do I have to recite specific Surahs in Tahajjud?
No specific Surahs are required. Recite from any part of the Qur’an that brings you closer to Allah.
4. Is Tahajjud the same as Taraweeh?
Taraweeh is the night prayer performed in Ramadan, while Tahajjud can be prayed throughout the year.
5. What if I miss Tahajjud?
Tahajjud is a Nawafil prayer, you if you miss it but had the intention, you will still get rewarded. There is no punishment for missing it. You can make up your night prayer later in the morning or the next night.
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