Muslims consider Tahajjud one of the most beloved acts of worship in Islam, as it brings the believer closer to Allah. They offer this voluntary (nafl) prayer during the night, and Islamic teachings deeply emphasize its importance. Tahajjud is known as the prayer of devotion, humility, and reflection. Tahajjud prayer captures unique spiritual status. In this blog, I will talk you through the process of how to pray Tahajjud by detailing its best time, essential duas, and the proper intentions (Niyyah). The guide will be relevant for a beginner trying to develop an understanding as well as those looking to deepen their engagement with Allah – either way, there is an effective means to include this powerful worship in your life.
What is Tahajjud Prayer?
Muslims perform Tahajjud as an optional night prayer, using it as a special opportunity to connect more deeply with Allah.
Meaning of Tahajjud
The term “Tahajjud” comes from the Arabic stem hajada, to mean keeping watch or staying awake. It is a rest prayer done after waking from sleep during the night.
Quranic and Hadith References
The Quran and Hadith mention the Tahajjud prayer, highlighting its importance in strengthening a believer’s spirituality.
- Surah Al-Isra (17:79): “And keep awake during a part of the night for prayers. It is expected that your God will resurrect you to a praiseworthy position.”
- Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: ““The best prayer after obligatory prayers is the night prayer” (Sahih Muslim).
Islam encourages Muslims to pray Tahajjud regularly as a way to strengthen their closeness with Allah, even though it is not mandatory.
The Best Time to Pray Tahajjud
Incredible blessings and accessibility to Allah make the last third of the night the most spiritual time to pray Tahajjud.
Dividing the Night into Thirds
Tahajjud prayers are most effectively performed when the night is divided into three segments. It is most efficient to perform prayers in the last segment of the night, as it is the fastest way to attain enlightenment.
The Last Third of the Night
He (Peace and Blessings on Him) said: “Our Lord descends every night to the lowest heavens during the last third of the night, when He asks: ‘Who is seeking something from me? So I can respond to them. Who is trying to get forgiveness ? To which I reply: ‘I can grant you.’” (Sahih al Bukhari,Sahih Muslim)
How to Calculate the Best Time for Tahajjud
The best time for performing Tahajjud is the last one twird of the night. When trying to calculate it, begin with figuring out the duration between Fajr and Maghrib, then divide that time by three.
For example:
- If Maghrib, otherwise referred to as sunset, starts at 6 PM and Fajr starts at 5 AM, the time duration of the night is 11 hours.
- In this case, divide 11 by three, which equals 4 hours.
- Around 1:20 AM and ends is when the final third of the night begins and it ends at Fajr.
It is advisable to stick to the same routine for maximum efficiency.
How to Pray Tahajjud – Step-by-Step Guide
To pray Tahajjud, one must wake up at least an hour before Fajr. This is done to achieve divine nearness. This prayer is optional, but it is highly recommended.
Step 1: Make a Sincere Intention (Niyyah)
Sincerity is crucial so ensure that the intention for the night prayer which involves the heart is dedicated for Allah. Be aware that the aim of executing Tahajjud is purely to please Allah. As a result, one must be sincere.
Step 2: Wake Up for Tahajjud Prayer
Hopping out of bed this time might be difficult, but the payoff is certainly worth it. Here’s how you can do it:
- Sleep Early: Hopping out of bed this time might be difficult, but the payoff is certainly worth it. Here’s how you can do it:
- Set an Alarm: Make sure to set your alarm app with a time you need to wake up.
- Ask Allah for Help: Make appropriate Dua before bed to make sure you are able to wake up for Tahajjud.
Remember, practice makes perfect, so consistency will help you form this habit.
Step 3: Perform Wudu (Ablution)
All other Sulah and Tahajjud prayers require that there should be cleanliness, so see to it that you are clean first. These acts need Wudu (ablution) as a prerequisite for all Salah, as achievement of mental clarity for focused worship is also exuded.
Step 4: Find a Quiet Place to Pray
To ensure that one achieves focus and devotion, select a peaceful and private spot. Cut down on distractions in order to be able to fully focus on communicating with Allah.
Step 5: Start with Two Rakats
You should offer at least 2 rakats for Tahajjud, as praying fewer is considered inadequate. Ideally, you can pray it in units of two.
Prophet Muhammad would pray up to eight rakats for Tahajjud, often doing so.
Step 6: Recite Quranic Verses and Make Duas
Pour your heart out in dua after the recitations of the Quran. Pray for mercy, guidance and assistance from Allah during this life and the next.
When you are in the state of Tahajjud, be sure to take your time with the recitation of the Quranic verses while clear pronunciation of each word is essential. Consider the following surahs:
- Surah Al-Fatihah
- Surah Al-Ikhlas
After reciting the Quran, engage in heartfelt supplications (duas). Ask for Allah’s forgiveness, guidance, and blessings for this life and the Hereafter.
Duas to Recite During Tahajjud
Tahajjud is a voluntary night prayer that allows Muslims to strengthen their connection with Allah through meditation, Quranic recitation, and supplication.
Powerful Tahajjud Duas
Here are a few duas to consider:
- Seeking Forgiveness:
“Rabbi inni zalamtu nafsi faghfir li.”
(My Lord, I have wronged myself, so forgive me.)
- Seeking Guidance:
“Ihdinas-siratal mustaqeem.”
(Guide us on the straight path.)
How to Ask for Forgiveness and Guidance
During Tahajjud, pour your heart out to Allah. Pray for personal needs, the well-being of loved ones, and strength in faith. Prolong your sujood (prostration), as it is the closest a servant can be to their Creator.
The Intention (Niyyah) for Tahajjud
Making a proper Niyyah is essential to bring the required focus to your prayer. You don’t need to verbally announce it; a sincere intention in the heart is sufficient.
The intention should be simple and clear, such as, “I intend to pray Tahajjud for the sake of Allah.”
Benefits of Praying Tahajjud
While praying Tahajjud, one experiences spiritual as well as psychological tranquility and emotionally nourishes the soul. Such a method brings an individual close to Allah.
Strengthening Faith and Connection with Allah
This method encourages the development of a personal relationship with Allah. The uninterrupted time can be harnessed to ponder and have real communication with the Almighty.
Emotional and Spiritual Benefits
Some people, after praying Tahajjud, find respite, healing, and rediscovered meaning. The reminder that remains Allah is always present to assist and guide further strengthens the belief.
Rewards in the Hereafter
Tahajjud prayers have merit that is both latent and manifest. Not only on this earth but afterlife is gifted for those pious.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Tahajjud
- Rushing Through the Prayer: Enjoy every finer detail of the experience.
- Not Maintaining Sincerity: Make sure the single target is Allah and not media coverage.
- Skipping Tahajjud After Missing Fajr: Not being able to make it on time for Fajr makes Tahajjud impossible for some. Whatever the case may be, consistency should be the driving goal.
Strengthen Your Faith with the Beauty of Tahajjud
Every Muslim has a reason to shift their focus towards the menaal- Allah invites the Muslims to deepen their engagement with him through Tahajjud prayer. It is more than just an opportunity to bask in the beauty of Allah, it is a splendid blessing to transform and shift your relationship and serve innumerable nercies.
Begin with two rakats and gradually raise them over time.
Make sure your effort is sincere. May Allah give strength to remain punctual in this beautiful supplication from Allah, make its observance beautifully rewarding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You may try going to bed earlier, setting several alarms, or even having a family member wake you up. You can also make a dua to assist you.
You may have to offer night prayers voluntarily even if you did not sleep, although ideally you should rest a bit beforehand.
As a start, you can pray at least two rakats of Salah and if you have the energy and time go as high as 8 or 12.
