Tahajjud Prayer, How to Perform, Importance, Timing, Steps, Benefits & Hadith
Many Muslims have experienced moments when the world feels quietest at night, and the heart feels closest to Allah. In those silent hours, the beauty of Tahajjud, a nafl or voluntary prayer, shines bright. This unique act of worship is deeply regarded in Islam for its spiritual power and connection. It is not compulsory, like Farz or Wajib Salat, yet its virtue is immense. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) regularly performed it, and his teachings encouraged it as part of a disciplined life. The Sunnah traditions, both Muakkadah and Ghair, show us different types of prayers, each offering a path to peace, strength, and closeness with our Creator. Even though it is not punishable to miss it like Wajib, missing out on its benefits feels like skipping something truly powerful and known for purifying the soul.
At prayertimings.net, we often reflect on how the Five Pillars of Islam guide us and how voluntary acts like Tahajjud help deepen our connection to the core of faith. This article aims to guide you through its timing, rakat, and how it can be added to your daily practice. The best time is after Isha and before Fajr, a period often marked by deep tranquility and mental clarity. Whether you’re new or already seeking to strengthen your worship, understanding the process, the categories of Salat, and the teachings of the Prophet can lead you to something more meaningful. Your journey to understanding, discipline, and forgiveness may start in the quiet moments when the rest of the world sleeps, that is the beauty of Tahajjud namaz.
Meaning Of Tahajjud:
Tahajjud is an Arabic word that comes from the root “h-j-d”, meaning to stay awake at night. This is why it is often referred to as the night prayer. It is offered after Isha and before Fajr, which means a person needs to wake up during the night to perform it. The prayer holds great reward, as it is mentioned with honor in the Quran and emphasized by the Prophet (PBUH).
What is the Tahajjud Prayer?
The Tahajjud is a special voluntary nafl prayer that is offered in the night, usually in the last one-third of the night. In Islam, this beautiful night prayer holds deep spiritual significance. It is not compulsory like the five daily prayers, but it is highly encouraged and was regularly performed by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). At this time, the world is asleep, and a person finds fewer distractions, making it easier to form a connection with Allah.
When someone prays Tahajjud, they are showing trust in the Almighty, leaving behind their worldly worries, and seeking Allah’s forgiveness, mercy, and redemption. It is said that Allah comes to the lowest level of heaven in the third part of the night, looking for those who are dedicatedly worshipping and asking for His assistance. It’s a time when the door of repentance is open, and supplication is most powerful. Many devoted Muslims try to incorporate this habit into their lives to strengthen their relationship with Allah and to avert acts of sin. The importance of this prayer lies not just in its timing, but in the mental peace, strength, and deep reflection it brings. It helps a person grow in self-purification, focus, and inner calmness through a deeply spiritual experience. This prayer falls under the fourth category of prayers, making it non-obligatory, but deeply rewarding for those who embrace it with sincerity.
How to Perform Tahajjud Prayer Step by Step
1. Best Time to Pray Tahajjud
The Tahajjud is a special prayer offered during the night, specifically in the last third part before the commencement of Fajr. This time is described in Hadiths as when angels descend from heaven with Allah’s command to collect the duas of Allah’s servants. It is also the time when sins are forgiven, and mercy is showered upon those who have atoned for their mistakes. From personal experience, waking up in the middle of the night brings a unique peaceful feeling, a moment of devotion that strengthens your connection with Allah.
2. How Many Rakats Should Be Performed?
The minimum requirement for Tahajjud prayer is Two Rak’ah, as taught by the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH). But the number is not limited—you can pray two, four, six, eight, or even twelve rak’ahs based on your ability. The rakats should be prayed in pairs, ending each pair with salutation or salam. It is said that the Prophet Muhammad used to perform nearly 13 rakats frequently, and those were filled with long prostration and reciting of verses from the Quran.
3. Preparing for Tahajjud
To pray Tahajjud, you must wake up from sleep, preferably with an alarm or by asking your family members. Perform Wudu (ablution) by washing your face, hands up to the elbows, head, and feet to the ankles. Find a clean place and remove all worries from your mind and heart. With a clear intention (Niyyah) and pure devotion, begin the Sunnah prayers in a respectful manner. This routine, if incorporated into your everyday life, becomes an act of effort and obedience.
4. The Correct Way to Time Your Rakats
After making an intention, say the Takbir (Allahu-akbar) and begin your Salah by reciting surahs and verses of the Quran. Then go into bowing, placing your hands on your knees, followed by prostration, touching your nose, forehead, and palms to the ground with your elbows raised and feet folded. Stand again and continue in pairs, completing each set with a salam. After the last rak’at, end with Witr Salah, as it is the last prayer of the night. This sequence helps build discipline, and from my experience, it teaches respectful obedience to the Almighty.
5.Exploring the Tahajjud
Tahajjud is not a mandatory prayer but it holds a special place in the Islamic way of life. According to guidelines, it helps one get closer to Allah and brings forgiveness, gifts, and redemption. As narrated by Hazrat A`isha (R.A), the Allah’s Apostle would perform eleven Rakat and prolong his prostration to the extent that fifty verses could be recited before he rose. He would lie on his right side after praying two Sunna before Fajr, until the call-maker came. Following the footsteps of the Prophet and adding sincere dua after your rakats can help eliminate misconducts, inspire better human values, and bring inner glory.
Making Tahajjud a habit means setting a plan, sticking to it regularly, and making the effort to be appreciative even if you fail sometimes. Keep a note of your purpose to thank, glorify the supreme power, or to seek forgiveness. With time and understanding, through reading scriptures, one begins to feel truly blessed. This prayer can be a wonderful way to grow spiritually and connect deeply with your Creator.
Importance of Tahajjud Prayer
- Tahajjud is a highly virtuous night prayer and a part of the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
- It is a form of additional worship that is not obligatory, but deeply rewarding.
- Mentioned in the Quran (17:79), it can lead to a praised station in the hereafter.
- It helps a believer get closer to the Almighty, earning peace, brightness, and blessings in life.
- Hadiths from Bukhari and Muslim highlight that Allah descends to the lowest heaven in the one-third of the night to accept forgiveness, dua, and worship.
- Practicing it regularly brings spiritual growth and the chance to sincerely ask, call upon, and receive from Allah.
- It is associated with deep faith, inner tranquility, and the standing and prostrating of true worshippers mentioned in Quran (25:64).
Benefits Of Tahajjud Prayer
Tahajjud prayer is full of profound benefits that touch both the heart and soul. Waking up from sleep in the silent night, a Muslim stands up in prayer, seeking rewards from Allah Almighty. This act brings closeness to Allah, creates peace of mind, and strengthens faith in a higher power. It is the act of the pious, mentioned in the Holy Quran, where the servants of the Most Gracious are those who prostrate and stand before their Lord with sincerity. These moments not only develop spiritually but also act as a barrier against sins, mistakes, and evil, offering expiation and protection.
According to Islamic tradition, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said that the closest moment between a servant and Allah is in the last part of the night. That time is the best for making supplications, expressing desires, and leaving worldly matters to the Creator. The habit of Tahajjud builds strength, patience, and peace of mind even in difficult times. As written in Surah At-Talaq (Ch 65, V3), Allah promises that He will provide, suffice, and accomplish His purpose through measured means that we cannot even imagine. The voluntary nature of this supplication brings good not only in this world but also in the Hereafter as narrated in Tirmidhi and An-Nisa’i.
Duas for Tahajjud Prayer
- Dua for asking everything from Allah (from Hadith):
اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ الْحَمْدُ، أَنْتَ قَيِّمُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ…
“O Allah, all praise is for You. You are the Maintainer of the heavens and the earth…”
— (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1120)
This was a long dua made by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during Tahajjud, praising Allah and asking Him for guidance, forgiveness, and mercy.
- Short Powerful Dua:
رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَارْحَمْنِي وَاهْدِنِي وَعَافِنِي وَارْزُقْنِي
“My Lord, forgive me, have mercy on me, guide me, give me health, and provide for me.”
— (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2697)
You can also make personal Duas in your own language from the heart, especially in sujood (prostration) and after the prayer.
Hadiths about Tahajjud Prayer
- Hadith on its importance:
“The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer (Tahajjud).”
— (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1163)
- Hadith on when Allah responds:
“Our Lord descends to the lowest heaven in the last third of every night, saying: Who is calling upon Me so I may answer him? Who is asking Me so I may give him?”
— (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1145; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 758)
- Hadith on being close to Allah:
“The closest that a servant comes to his Lord is during the last part of the night.”
— (Tirmidhi 3579, al-Nasaa’i 1671)
People also ask
Question 1: How many rakat in Tahajjud prayer?
There is no fixed number of rak’ahs in the Tahajjud prayer. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) often prayed 8 rak’ahs, followed by 3 rak’ahs of Witr, but 2 rak’ahs is also sufficient. You can pray in pairs of two, as much as you can afford.
Question 2: How to pray Tahajjud step by step?
- After the Isha prayer, sleep for a while.
- Wake up in the last third of the night.
- Perform ablution.
- Make the intention of Tahajjud.
- Pray at least two rak’ahs, reciting the Quran after Surah Fatiha.
- End every two rak’ahs with a salutation.
- End with Witr prayer after all rak’ahs.
- Pray sincerely this is a special time for the acceptance of prayers.
Question 3: Is 4 rakat Tahajjud enough?
Yes, 4 rak’ahs of Tahajjud are perfectly acceptable and rewarding. Even two rak’ahs with sincerity are valuable to Allah. It is the intention and consistency that are most important.
Question 4: How did Prophet Muhammad pray to Tahajjud?
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to sleep after Isha, then wake up in the last third of the night. He would often pray a total of 11 or 13 rak’ahs, including Witr, reciting long sections of the Quran with deep meditation. His prayer was calm and focused.