Tahajjud prayer holds a special place in Islam as one of the most rewarding voluntary prayers. Performed in the stillness of the night, it is an act of devotion that brings a believer closer to Allah. The practice of Tahajjud is highly recommended in the Quran and Hadith, and it is an essential habit of the pious. In this blog, we will discuss the importance of the Tahajjud prayer and the correct method of performing it.
Importance of Tahajjud Prayer
1. A Special Act of Worship
Tahajjud is a voluntary (nafl) prayer that is performed in the last third of the night. It is considered one of the best ways to seek Allah’s mercy and guidance. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer.” (Muslim)
This highlights the immense spiritual significance of Tahajjud as an act of devotion that strengthens faith and purifies the soul.
2. A Source of Divine Blessings and Forgiveness
One of the greatest benefits of Tahajjud prayer is that it serves as a means of seeking forgiveness. Allah promises His mercy to those who wake up in the middle of the night to worship Him. In the Quran, Allah says:
“And those who spend part of the night prostrating and standing before their Lord.” (Surah Al-Furqan 25:64)
Regularly performing Tahajjud cleanses the heart and brings spiritual tranquility.
3. A Way to Earn Closeness to Allah
Tahajjud is a time when sincere prayers are accepted. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Our Lord descends each night to the lowest heaven when one-third of the night remains, saying: ‘Who will call upon Me, that I may answer him? Who will ask of Me, that I may give him? Who will seek My forgiveness, that I may forgive him?’” (Bukhari and Muslim)
This hadith emphasizes that Tahajjud is an opportunity to make dua (supplication) directly to Allah and have it answered.
4. Strengthens Faith and Builds Patience
Performing Tahajjud consistently requires self-discipline, sincerity, and a strong connection with Allah. It helps in developing a sense of patience and perseverance, essential qualities for a believer in overcoming challenges in life.
Method of Performing the Tahajjud Prayer
1. Preparing for Tahajjud
Before performing Tahajjud, some key preparations should be made:
- Make a sincere intention to wake up for Tahajjud.
- Sleep early to ensure you wake up before Fajr.
- Perform Wudu (Ablution) if it is broken.
- Find a quiet and clean place for prayer, preferably at home in solitude.
2. Best Time for Tahajjud
Tahajjud is performed after the Isha prayer and before the Fajr prayer. The most recommended time is the last third of the night, as this is the time when Allah’s mercy is at its peak.
A simple way to calculate the last third of the night is:
- Find the time between Maghrib and Fajr.
- Divide this duration into three equal parts.
- The last part is the best time to perform Tahajjud.
3. Number of Rak’ahs (Units of Prayer)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) would usually pray at least two rak’ahs and up to eleven rak’ahs for Tahajjud. There is no fixed limit, but it is encouraged to pray in even numbers.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“The (voluntary) night prayer is offered as two rak’ahs followed by two rak’ahs, and so on. If you fear the dawn (approaching), then pray one rak’ah of Witr.” (Bukhari)
4. How to Perform Tahajjud Prayer
Here is the step-by-step method to perform Tahajjud:
Step 1: Make Niyyah (Intention)
Begin with a sincere intention in your heart to perform the Tahajjud prayer for the sake of Allah.
Step 2: Start with Takbir
Raise your hands and say “Allahu Akbar”, beginning the prayer just like any other Salah.
Step 3: Recite Surah Al-Fatiha and Another Surah
- After reciting Surah Al-Fatiha, recite any Surah from the Quran (such as Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq, or Surah Al-Nas).
- Then perform Ruku (bowing), saying “Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem” three times.
- Rise from Ruku saying “Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah, Rabbana lakal hamd”.
- Perform Sujood (prostration) and say “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” three times.
- Sit briefly, then perform the second Sujood.
- Stand up for the second Rak’ah and repeat the process.
Step 4: Complete Your Prayer
- After two Rak’ahs, you can continue praying in sets of two.
- End with Witr prayer (either one or three Rak’ahs) if not performed after Isha.
5. Making Dua After Tahajjud
After completing Tahajjud, take time to make heartfelt supplications. The Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged long and sincere duas at this time. Some recommended duas include:
- Seeking forgiveness (Istighfar)
- Asking for guidance and sustenance
- Praying for personal needs and the well-being of the Ummah
Conclusion
Tahajjud prayer is a powerful way to strengthen one’s relationship with Allah. It is a means of attaining divine blessings, seeking forgiveness, and achieving spiritual peace. While it requires effort and commitment, the rewards of Tahajjud far outweigh the challenges.
For those who find it difficult to wake up at night, starting with just two rak’ahs and gradually increasing can help build the habit. The sincerity and consistency in performing Tahajjud will bring immense rewards in this life and the Hereafter.
May Allah grant us the ability to wake up for Tahajjud regularly and accept our prayers. Ameen.