After quite a long time, I have written a new blog for you. Today’s blog is all about the Tahajjud prayer. I have put great effort into crafting this blog with care. In this blog, I have tried to cover various aspects of the Tahajjud prayer, including how to pray tahajjud prayer, the best time to perform it, the benefits, the significance of night prayer, and correcting some common misconceptions about it. I have made sure to present everything in a simple and easy-to-understand manner.

Moreover, at the very end of this blog post, I have included a FAQ section where I tried to answer some common questions about the Tahajjud prayer. I believe that this blog post will be very beneficial for you in many ways. May Allah Almighty make this post helpful for all of us, and with this prayer and in the name of our Great Lord Allah Almighty, let’s begin today’s blog.

What is the Tahajjud Prayer?

Before delving into the details of the Tahajjud prayer, I would like to clarify that the word ‘Tahajjud‘ means ‘waking up from sleep.’ Meanwhile, ‘Qiyam al-Layl‘ means ‘standing during the night’ or ‘night prayer.’ Both refer to non-obligatory prayers or you can address it as Islamic voluntary prayers, which are not mandatory for Muslims but hold great importance in Islam.

The Tahajjud prayer is such a prayer that our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) consistently performed throughout his life. He encouraged us greatly to perform it as well, making it one of the important Sunnahs known among Muslims. Typically, the Tahajjud prayer is performed by Muslims after the Isha prayer and before the Fajr prayer. It is often referred to as the ‘night prayer,’ but there is a slight difference 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 is sleep. The prayer performed after waking from sleep is called the Tahajjud prayer, whereas the one performed without sleeping is known as Qiyam al-Layl. I hope this clarifies the matter for you. Both prayers hold significant importance in Islam, but the Tahajjud prayer is slightly more virtuous because it involves sacrificing sleep. This sacrifice brings a greater reward from Allah Almighty. Now, let me explain the importance of the Tahajjud prayer, which also applies 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:

• “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. You can perform it anytime after the Isha prayer until just before the Fajr prayer. However, the best time to offer the tahajjud prayer is during the last third of the night, after two-thirds of the night has passed. This period is considered the most virtuous and follows the Sunnah method. It is also a significant time for making du’a (supplications), as it is a moment when Allah descends to the nearest heaven and calls out to His servants. 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:

• “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.

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. Number of Rak’ahs

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

In the hadith mentioned earlier, we are encouraged to offer the Witr prayer as the final prayer of the night. However, there is an exception to this rule. If someone fears that they may not wake up during the night to perform tahajjud, they are permitted to pray Witr right after Isha before going to sleep. But if a person is confident that they will wake up for tahajjud, then it is preferable to pray Witr after completing the tahajjud prayer. This is the general practice as per the 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:

The Spiritual Benefits of night prayer in islam 

Now, let’s talk about the impact that Tahajjud can have on your spiritual life. Tahajjud is more than just a prayer; it’s a time for deep personal reflection and connection with Allah. When you rise in the stillness of the night, you’re making a conscious decision to leave the comfort of your bed and stand before your Creator. This act alone is a profound demonstration of faith and devotion. And that is what Allah Almighty truly loves. Tahajjud Prayer makes us spiritually strong. It gives us a relief from worldly distraction.

The mental benefits of Tahajjud salah

By performing tahajjud, we receive Mental Clarity and Inner Peace. Which is really important in our life. We are all running after it. Many people who regularly perform Tahajjud report a sense of calmness and clarity that carries into their daily lives. The quiet of the night helps to clear the mind, reduce anxiety, and provide a sense of emotional stability. The act of prayer and meditation has been shown to lower stress levels and improve mental health.

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.

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.

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:

‏”‏ 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 ‏”‏‏

• 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. All the praises are for You; You have the possession of the Heavens and the Earth And whatever is in them. All the praises are 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. 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]

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

With this, I will conclude today’s post. Before ending, let me give you an overview of today’s post again,

Tahajjud 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 can unlock the profound benefits that come with this beautiful night prayer. Whether you’re seeking 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 it’s just two rak’ahs, let this be the beginning of a new spiritual journey for you.

I’d love to hear 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 is entirely a blessing from Allah Almighty, and any faults are due to Satan (Devil) and my own lack of knowledge. JazakAllah. (Thank you).