The Tahajjud Prayer is a voluntary night prayer performed after Isha and before Fajr, ideally in the last third of the night. To pray Tahajjud, wake up during the night, make wudu (ablution), and pray a minimum of two rakats, followed by as many as you wish—usually prayed in pairs. You can also make heartfelt dua after completing your prayer. In this blog, you’ll learn exactly how to pray Tahajjud, its best timing, powerful benefits, and why this sacred night prayer holds such deep spiritual value. Whether you’re new to Tahajjud or looking to strengthen your connection with Allah, this complete guide is written in a clear and simple way to help you benefit immediately from this beautiful act of worship.
The Tahajjud Prayer holds immense rewards and is a sacred opportunity to draw closer to Allah when the world is silent and hearts are most sincere. In this article, I’ll walk you through its purpose, how many rakats you can pray, the ideal time to perform it, and the spiritual significance of waking up at night for prayer. I’ve also included a dedicated section with FAQs about Tahajjud, to help clear common doubts and make the practice easier for everyone—whether you’re new to night prayers or seeking to renew your habit with stronger understanding and intention.
What is the Tahajjud Prayer?
Before we delve into the details of the Tahajjud Salaah, let’s first understand its meaning. The word ‘Tahajjud’ refers to ‘waking up from sleep,’ while ‘Qiyam al-Layl’ means ‘standing during the night’ or ‘night prayer.’ Both terms describe non-obligatory prayers, also known as Islamic voluntary prayers. While these prayers are not mandatory for Muslims, they hold significant spiritual value in Islam.
The Tahajjud prayer is a special voluntary prayer that our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) consistently performed throughout his life. He strongly encouraged us to engage in this practice, making it one of the key Sunnahs for Muslims. Muslims typically perform the Tahajjud prayer after the Isha prayer and before the Fajr prayer. Though often referred to as the ‘night prayer,’ there is a slight distinction between Qiyam al-Layl and the Tahajjud prayer.
Tahajjud Prayer and Qiyam al-Layl: Are They the Same?
- Tahajjud Prayer: The Tahajjud prayer involves waking up after a short or long sleep post-Isha and performing two or more Rak’ahs of voluntary prayer before Fajr for the sake of Allah Almighty.
- Qiyam al-Layl: On the other hand, Qiyam al-Layl refers to the voluntary prayer offered after Isha and before Fajr without sleeping in between.
In summary, the key difference between Tahajjud and Qiyam al-Layl lies in sleep. The prayer performed after waking up from sleep is called the Tahajjud prayer, while the prayer performed without sleeping is known as Qiyam al-Layl. I hope this clarifies the distinction for you. Both prayers are highly significant in Islam, but the Tahajjud prayer holds slightly more virtue because it requires sacrificing sleep. This sacrifice carries a greater reward from Allah Almighty. Now, let me highlight the importance of the Tahajjud prayer, which is also applicable to Qiyam al-Layl.
Importance of the Tahajjud Prayer
The Tahajjud prayer is a special gift from Allah Almighty to the Muslim Ummah, a sign of His immense love for us. This prayer brings us closer to Allah quickly, filling our hearts with a peace that is indescribable. Moreover, it is considered the most important non-obligatory prayer after the obligatory prayers. Regarding this, our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
- أَفْضَلُ الصِّيَامِ بَعْدَ رَمَضَانَ شَهْرُ اللَّهِ الْمُحَرَّمُ وَأَفْضَلُ الصَّلاَةِ بَعْدَ الْفَرِيضَةِ صَلاَةُ اللَّيْلِ ” ” Abu Haraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: The most excellent fast after Ramadan is God’s month. al-Muharram, and the most excellent prayer after what is prescribed is prayer during the night.[¹]
In addition to the Hadith, Allah Almighty has revealed several verses in the Quran emphasizing the importance of the Tahajjud prayer. Through these verses, we can clearly understand its significance. Allah Almighty says in the Quran:
Quranic Verses on the Importance of Tahajjud
- “وَمِنَ الَّيْلِ فَتَهَجَّدْ بِهٖ نَافِلَةً لَّكَ ۖ عَسٰۤي اَنْ يَّبْعَثَكَ رَبُّكَ مَقَامًا مَّحْمُوْدًا” And during the night, wake up for Salāh of tahajjud , an additional prayer for you. It is very likely that your Lord will place you at Praised Station.[²]
- “يٰۤاَيُّهَا الْمُزَّمِّلُ ۙ قُمِ اللَّيْلَ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا نِّصْفَهُ أَوِ انقُصْ مِنْهُ قَلِيلًا أَوْ زِدْ عَلَيْهِ وَرَتِّلِ الْقُرْآنَ تَرْتِيلًا” O you, wrapped up in clothes, Stand [in prayer] through the night, except for a little; Half of it, or subtract from it a little, Or add to it, and recite the Quran with measured recitation.[³]
- “وَالَّذِيْنَ يَبِيْتُوْنَ لِرَبِّهِمْ سُجَّدًا وَّقِيَامًا” And those who pass the night prostrating themselves and standing before their Lord.[⁴]
- وَمِنَ الَّيْلِ فَسَبِّحْهُ وَاِدْبَارَ النُّجُوْمِ And, in parts of night too, proclaim His purity, and at the time of setting of the stars.[⁵]
There are several other verses in the Quran that highlight the importance of the Tahajjud prayer. Now, I will try to guide you on the best time to perform the Tahajjud prayer.
When To Pray Tahajjud prayer?
As mentioned earlier, the Tahajjud prayer is a night prayer that you perform anytime after the Isha prayer and before the Fajr prayer. However, the best time to offer the Tahajjud prayer occurs during the last third of the night, after two-thirds of the night have passed. This time is considered the most virtuous, following the Sunnah method. It is also the ideal moment to make du’a (supplications), as Allah descends to the nearest heaven and calls out to His servants, inviting them to ask for His mercy, forgiveness, and blessings. Here’s a hadith that illustrates this point:
- Narrated Abu Huraira:
Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Our Lord, the Blessed, the Superior, comes every night down on the nearest Heaven to us when the last third of the night remains, saying: “Is there anyone to invoke Me, so that I may respond to invocation? Is there anyone to ask Me, so that I may grant him his request? Is there anyone seeking My forgiveness, so that I may forgive him?”[⁶]
Moreover, several hadiths show that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) would also perform the tahajjud prayer during this time. However, this does not mean you cannot perform tahajjud at other times of the night. You can pray tahajjud anytime between Isha and Fajr, but the last third of the night is considered the best time. Additionally, worshipping at night has more favorable conditions compared to the day and rewards of praying at night also high to Allah Almighty. Allah Almighty mentions in the Qur’an:
what is the time of tahajjud? Quranic Verse on Timing Of Thajjud Prayer
- “اِنَّ نَاشِئَةَ الَّيْلِ هِيَ اَشَدُّ وَطْاً وَّاَقْوَمُ قِيْلًا ؕ اِنَّ لَكَ فِي النَّهَارِ سَبْحًا طَوِيْلًا ؕوَاذْكُرِ اسْمَ رَبِّكَ وَتَبَتَّلْ اِلَيْهِ تَبْتِيْلًا” Truly, rising by night (for prayer of tahajjud) is the most effective way to subdue (one’s base self) and to make speech more upright. Surely, in daytime, you have a lengthy work to do. And remember the name of your Lord, and devote yourself to Him with exclusive devotion.[⁷]
Calculating the last third of the night can be done by dividing the time between Isha and Fajr into three parts. The final part of this division is the last third. Here’s an example for clarity:Example for New York (USA): If Isha is at 9:00 PM and Fajr is at 5:00 AM, the last third of the night would be from around 2:00 AM to 5:00 AM. By using this method you can easily find the best timing of tahajjud prayer.
May Allah Almighty bless our nights with peace and blessings.
How to Pray Tahajjud: A Step-by-Step Guide
There is no special or unique method for the tahajjud prayer. You should perform it as you would any other voluntary (nafl) prayer. The tahajjud prayer is offered in units of two rak’ahs, and there is no set limit to the number of rak’ahs you can pray. You may offer two, four, six, eight, twenty, or even more rak’ahs. The number is not a matter of concern. However, focus more on the quality of your prayer rather than the quantity. One important thing to remember is that the Witr prayer should be your final prayer before Fajr.
For better understanding, I recommend you to watch this video.
1. Intention (Niyyah)
Like with any act of worship in Islam, your intention matters. Before you begin, make a sincere intention to perform Tahajjud solely for the pleasure of Allah. This intention doesn’t need to be verbalized—let it reside in your heart. You can read this post to know more about the importance of Niyyah.
2. Perform Wudu
Ensure that you are in a state of purity by performing Wudu (ablution). This step is essential as it prepares you for standing before Allah in prayer.
3. Find a Quiet Space
Choose a peaceful, quiet time to perform Tahajjud. The last third of the night is considered the most blessed, but any time after Isha until Fajr is acceptable. When the world is still and distractions are few, it becomes easier to focus on your connection with Allah.
4. Recite the Quran
In each rak’ah, after reciting Surah Al-Fatiha, you can choose any other Surah from the Quran. Some scholars recommend reciting Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq, and Surah An-Nas for protection and blessings. You can recite multiple Surah in every rak’ah. Try to recite very calmly and try to understand the words of Allah Almighty. Because it helps to build a connection with Allah Almighty.
5. How Many Rakats/Rak’ahs of Tahajjud?
There is no fixed number of rak’ahs for Tahajjud. You can pray in sets of two rak’ahs, continuing until you feel content. Whether you perform two rak’ahs or twenty, what matters is the sincerity of your prayer. If you don’t know how to perform 2 rak’ah of Nafl prayer, you can read this post.
6. Make Du’a
After completing your prayer, take a moment to sit and make Du’a. Pour out your heart to Allah during this blessed time when prayers are more likely to be accepted. Whether you seek forgiveness, guidance, or help in any area of your life, this is the perfect time to ask. So ask more and more to the Almighty Allah, Lord of the everything.
7. Perform Witr Prayer
This is the last thing to this step by step guide. Because we know from the Hadith that witr should be the last prayer of the night. Here’s a relative Hadith on this matter,
- Ibn ‘Umar said:
He who prayed at night should make Witr the end of his prayer, for the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) ordered this.[⁸]
Exception for the Witr Prayer
The hadith encourages us to make Witr the final prayer of the night. However, an exception exists: if someone fears they won’t wake up for tahajjud, they can pray Witr immediately after Isha before sleeping. But, if a person feels confident about waking for tahajjud, praying Witr after completing tahajjud is preferable, aligning with the general Sunnah.
Benefits of Tahajjud prayer in Islam
Benefits of Tahajjud prayer immense in Islam. It includes Spiritual benefits, Mental benefits, Physical benefits and many more. Below I well provide you these three benefits in a nutshell. You can read this post also.
The Spiritual Benefits of night prayer in islam
Now, let’s dive into how Tahajjud can transform your spiritual life. Tahajjud is more than just a prayer; it’s a profound moment for deep personal reflection and strengthening your connection with Allah. When you wake up in the stillness of the night, you make a conscious decision to leave the comfort of your bed and stand before your Creator. This simple yet powerful act demonstrates your faith and devotion, which Allah Almighty loves. Performing the Tahajjud prayer builds your spiritual strength and frees you from the distractions of worldly life. It helps you focus on what truly matters, bringing peace to your heart and drawing you closer to Allah.
The mental benefits of Tahajjud salah
Performing Tahajjud brings mental clarity and inner peace, which are essential in our lives. In today’s fast-paced world, many of us are constantly seeking peace of mind. People who regularly perform Tahajjud often experience a sense of calm and clarity that positively impacts their daily lives. The quiet of the night clears the mind, reduces anxiety, and fosters emotional stability. Additionally, the act of prayer and meditation during Tahajjud has been proven to lower stress levels and enhance mental health, helping you achieve a peaceful state of mind.
Physical Benefits of night prayer
There is also a physical aspect to Tahajjud that should not be overlooked. The gentle movements of the prayer, combined with the deep breathing and relaxation that accompanies worship, can help improve overall physical health. Regular prayer has been linked to better sleep, lower blood pressure, and reduced stress. And it’s a really good teaching for maintaining discipline in our life. It also teaches us how to manage time and many more.
Strengthening the Connection with Allah
Tahajjud is a voluntary act of worship performed during the last part of the night when the world is quiet and distractions are minimal. This intimate time fosters a deep, personal connection with Allah. It allows believers to engage in sincere supplication, reflect on their relationship with the Creator, and seek His guidance and forgiveness. This closeness nurtures a stronger sense of faith and spiritual awareness.
Increase in Divine Blessings and Mercy
Waking up for Tahajjud demonstrates a sincere commitment to Allah and a desire to draw closer to Him. This dedication often leads to an increase in divine blessings and mercy. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized that during the last third of the night, Allah descends to the lowest heaven and listens to the prayers of those who are awake, asking for His forgiveness, mercy, and provision. This special time offers an unparalleled opportunity for believers to earn Allah’s favor and have their supplications answered. Learn More..
Avoiding Common Mistakes in Tahajjud prayer
Performing Tahajjud is a deeply rewarding experience, but there are some common mistakes to avoid to ensure that your prayer is performed correctly:
- Neglecting the Intention: Don’t forget to make a sincere intention before starting your prayer. Intention should be in your heart you don’t need to verbalize the intention. And more likely in Islamic tradition there is no verbal intention for tahajjud prayer.
- Rushing Through the Prayer: Tahajjud is not a prayer to be rushed. Take your time, reflect, and be mindful of each movement. And build a connection with your beloved Lord, Allah Almighty.
- Skipping Du’a: We already know that this is a precious time for supplication. Make sure to spend time making Du’a, asking for what your heart desires, and seeking Allah’s mercy.
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Is There Any Specific Dua For Tahajjud prayer?
As we know, the time during tahajjud salah is a very special moment when du’as (supplications) have a high chance of being accepted. Therefore, we should strive to make as many du’as as possible during this time. Now, the question arises: Is there any specific du’a for tahajjud? The answer is no. You can make any du’a during tahajjud. However, there is a specific du’a related to tahajjud that we find in the Hadith of the Prophet (ﷺ), and it is:
Dua During Tahajjud in Arabic
” اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ قَيِّمُ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيهِنَّ وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ، لَكَ مُلْكُ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيهِنَّ، وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ نُورُ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ، وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ الْحَقُّ، وَوَعْدُكَ الْحَقُّ، وَلِقَاؤُكَ حَقٌّ، وَقَوْلُكَ حَقٌّ، وَالْجَنَّةُ حَقٌّ، وَالنَّارُ حَقٌّ، وَالنَّبِيُّونَ حَقٌّ، وَمُحَمَّدٌ صلى الله عليه وسلم حَقٌّ، وَالسَّاعَةُ حَقٌّ، اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ أَسْلَمْتُ، وَبِكَ آمَنْتُ وَعَلَيْكَ تَوَكَّلْتُ، وَإِلَيْكَ أَنَبْتُ، وَبِكَ خَاصَمْتُ، وَإِلَيْكَ حَاكَمْتُ، فَاغْفِرْ لِي مَا قَدَّمْتُ وَمَا أَخَّرْتُ، وَمَا أَسْرَرْتُ وَمَا أَعْلَنْتُ، أَنْتَ الْمُقَدِّمُ وَأَنْتَ الْمُؤَخِّرُ، لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ ـ أَوْ لاَ إِلَهَ غَيْرُكَ ـ— وَلاَ حَوْلَ وَلاَ قُوَّةَ إِلاَّ بِاللَّهِ ”
Meaning of this dua
Narrated Ibn `Abbas: When the Prophet (ﷺ) got up at night to offer the Tahajjud prayer, he used to say:
O Allah! All the praises are for you, You are the Holder of the Heavens and the Earth, And whatever is in them. Entire praises are for You; You have the possession of the Heavens and the Earth And whatever is in them. Every praise is for You; You are the Light of the Heavens and the Earth And all the praises are for You; You are the King of the Heavens and the Earth; And all the praises are for You; You are the Truth and Your Promise is the truth, And to meet You is true, Your Word is the truth And Paradise is true And Hell is true And all the Prophets (Peace be upon them) are true; And Muhammad is true, And the Day of Resurrection is true.
(Yaa Rabb) O Allah ! I surrender (my will) to You; I believe in You and depend on You. And repent to You, And with Your help I argue (with my opponents, the non-believers) And I take You as a judge (to judge between us). Please forgive me my previous And future sins; And whatever I concealed or revealed And You are the One who make (some people) forward And (some) backward. There is none to be worshipped but you . Sufyan said that `Abdul Karim Abu Umaiya added to the above, ‘Wala haula Wala quwata illa billah’ (There is neither might nor power except with Allah).[⁹] Learn More
Should We Recite This Dua?
Since this du’a is directly proven from the Prophet (ﷺ), we should strive to recite it as much as possible during tahajjud prayer. By doing so, we gain two significant benefits: Firstly, the du’a itself is beautiful and meaningful, asking for things that are immensely beneficial for us. Secondly, we fulfill another Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ) by supplicating in the way he taught us.
Fore more dua like this please check my dua and dhikr section. you can also check this post, importance of du’a (supplications) in islam.
Last thought on Tahajjud
The Night prayer is more than just an act of worship—it’s a chance to nurture your soul, seek peace, and build a stronger connection with Allah. By making it a regular part of your life, you unlock the profound benefits that come with this beautiful night prayer. Whether you seek forgiveness, guidance, or simply peace in your heart, Tahajjud offers a unique opportunity to find what you’re looking for. If you’ve never tried praying Tahajjud before, why not start tonight? Even if you pray just two rak’ahs, let this be the beginning of a new spiritual journey for you.
I’d love to hear about your experiences with Tahajjud. Do you find it difficult to wake up in the night? Or have you already made it part of your routine? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
As always, I seek refuge in Allah Almighty from all kinds of harm and pray that He makes my work easy. I also pray that He considers this effort a means of salvation for us in this world and the hereafter. Whatever is good in my writing comes entirely as a blessing from Allah Almighty, and any faults result from Satan (the Devil) and my own lack of knowledge. JazakAllah (Thank you).
Read more blog in My ‘Blog page‘.
Recommended
Allahumma Innaka Afuwwun: A Dua for Ultimate Forgiveness
Allahumma Inni As’alukal Huda Wat Tuqa: Dua For Taqwa
Rabbana Atmim Lana Nurana: A Powerful Dua for Guidance
Allahumma Anta Rabbi, La ilaha illa Anta, ‘Alayka Tawakkaltu Dua
Rabbi la tadharni fardan: Dua for Children and Inheritance
FAQs About Tahajjud Prayer
how many rakats of tahajjud can i pray?
There is no fixed number of rak’ahs for Tahajjud. You can pray in sets of two rak’ahs, continuing until you feel content.
Can I Pray Tahajjud Without Waking Up in the Middle of the Night?
If you find it difficult to wake up in the middle of the night, you can perform Tahajjud salah after Isha and before going to bed. However, the reward is greater for those who wake up during the last third of the night.
Is Tahajjud Prayer Compulsory?
No, Tahajjud is a voluntary prayer (nafl) and is not obligatory. However, it is highly recommended due to its immense spiritual benefits.
Do I Need to Recite Specific Surahs During Tahajjud?
There are no specific Surahs required for Tahajjud prayer. You can recite any verses from the Qur’an that you know or feel connected to during your prayer.
Can I Pray Tahajjud Sitting Down?
Yes, you can pray Tahajjud while sitting if standing is difficult for you due to illness, fatigue, or other reasons. However, standing in prayer is preferred and carries a greater reward when possible.
How Often Should We Perform Tahajjud?
Ideally, Tahajjud should be performed every night to reap its full benefits and rewards. If daily practice is challenging, aim to pray Tahajjud several times a week. Regularly performing this prayer can significantly enhance its spiritual rewards, so making it a consistent part of your worship is highly beneficial.
Footnote
1. Sahih, Sahih Muslim, 1163 a In-Book Reference: Book 13, Hadith 261 USC-MSA web (English) reference: Book 6, Hadith 2611 (deprecated numbering scheme)
2. Surah Al-Isra’ 17:79
3. Quran, Surah Al-Muzzammil 73:1-4
4. Surah Al-Furqan 25:64
5. Surah At-Tur 52:49
6. Sahih, Sahih al-Bukhari, 1145 In-Book Reference: Book 19, Hadith 26 USC-MSA web (English) reference: Vol. 2, Book 21, Hadith 246 (deprecated numbering scheme)
7. Surah Al-Muzzammil 73:6-8
8. Sahih, Sahih Muslim, 751 a
In-Book Reference: Book 6, Hadith 183
USC-MSA web (English) reference: Book 4, Hadith 1638 (deprecated numbering scheme)
9. Sahih, Sahih al-Bukhari, 1120 In-Book Reference: Book 19, Hadith 1 USC-MSA web (English) reference: Vol. 2, Book 21, Hadith 221 (deprecated numbering scheme)
