What is Tahajjud Prayer?

Tahajjud (تهجد) refers to the voluntary night prayer that is performed after sleeping for some part of the night. The word “Tahajjud” comes from the Arabic root “h-j-d” meaning “to wake up from sleep.” This prayer is performed specifically during the last third of the night, which is considered the most blessed time for supplication and worship.

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Key Point: Tahajjud is not obligatory (fard) but is highly recommended (sunnah mu’akkadah). It was regularly performed by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and is considered one of the best ways to draw closer to Allah.

The time for Tahajjud begins after performing Isha prayer and sleeping for some time, and it continues until the start of Fajr. The most preferred time is the last third of the night, when Allah descends to the lowest heaven and asks: “Who is calling upon Me that I may answer him? Who is asking from Me that I may give him? Who is seeking My forgiveness that I may forgive him?” (Bukhari)

Quranic Verses About Tahajjud

وَمِنَ ٱلَّيْلِ فَتَهَجَّدْ بِهِۦ نَافِلَةً لَّكَ عَسَىٰٓ أَن يَبْعَثَكَ رَبُّكَ مَقَامًا مَّحْمُودًا
“And from [part of] the night, pray with it as additional [worship] for you; it is expected that your Lord will resurrect you to a praised station.”
— Surah Al-Isra (17:79)
إِنَّ نَاشِئَةَ ٱلَّيْلِ هِىَ أَشَدُّ وَطْـًٔا وَأَقْوَمُ قِيلًا
“Indeed, the hours of the night are more effective for concurrence [of heart and tongue] and more suitable for words.”
— Surah Al-Muzzammil (73:6)
تَتَجَافَىٰ جُنُوبُهُمْ عَنِ ٱلْمَضَاجِعِ يَدْعُونَ رَبَّهُمْ خَوْفًا وَطَمَعًا وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَٰهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ
“They arise from [their] beds; they supplicate their Lord in fear and aspiration, and from what We have provided them, they spend.”
— Surah As-Sajdah (32:16)

11 Spiritual Benefits of Tahajjud Prayer

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1. Elevated Status

Tahajjud elevates your status with Allah and brings you closer to Him. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer.” (Muslim)

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2. Acceptance of Dua

Supplications made during Tahajjud are more likely to be accepted. Allah descends during the last third of the night and asks who is calling upon Him.

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3. Spiritual Purification

Night prayer purifies the heart, removes sins, and brings inner peace. It’s a time for sincere repentance and spiritual cleansing.

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4. Protection from Evil

Regular Tahajjud acts as a shield against sins and protects from evil whispers of Shaytan during the day.

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5. Increased Love for Allah

Waking up solely for Allah’s pleasure increases love for Him and strengthens your relationship with your Creator.

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6. Mental Clarity

The quiet of the night provides mental clarity, better decision-making ability, and increased focus throughout the day.

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7. Special Intercession

On Judgment Day, Tahajjud will intercede for the one who performed it regularly, pleading for Allah’s mercy.

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8. Increased Provision

Allah grants barakah (blessings) in time, health, and provision to those who establish Tahajjud regularly.

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9. Peace and Tranquility

The solitude of night prayer brings profound peace that carries through to daily life, reducing stress and anxiety.

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10. Better Quran Connection

Night is the best time for Quran reflection. Combining Tahajjud with Quran recitation deepens understanding.

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11. Scales of Good Deeds

Every voluntary prayer adds weight to your good deeds on the Day of Judgment when scales are balanced.

Prophetic Example of Night Prayer

“Our Prophet (PBUH) used to offer prayer at night till his feet became swollen. Someone said to him, ‘Why do you do this while Allah has forgiven your past and future sins?’ He said, ‘Should I not be a grateful slave?'”
— Sahih al-Bukhari 1130
“The closest that the Lord is to His slave is in the last part of the night. If you can be among those who remember Allah at that time, then do so.”
— Tirmidhi 3579
“When the Prophet (PBUH) prayed at night, he would stand until his feet swelled. ‘Aisha asked: ‘Why do you do this, O Messenger of Allah, when Allah has forgiven your past and future sins?’ He replied: ‘Should I not be a thankful slave?'”
— Sahih Muslim 2820

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was so consistent in his night prayers that his feet would swell from standing so long in prayer. Despite having all his sins forgiven, he continued this practice out of gratitude to Allah, setting the ultimate example for his Ummah.

How to Perform Tahajjud – Step by Step Guide

1

Intention (Niyyah)

Make the intention in your heart to pray Tahajjud for the sake of Allah alone. The intention doesn’t need to be verbalized.

2

Sleep First

Sleep for some part of the night. Tahajjud literally means “to wake up from sleep,” so sleeping first is essential.

3

Wake Up for Tahajjud

Wake up during the last third of the night (approximately 1-1.5 hours before Fajr). Use an alarm if needed initially.

4

Perform Wudu

Make proper wudu as you would for any prayer. This helps wake you up fully and purify yourself for prayer.

5

Pray 2+ Rakats

Pray a minimum of 2 rakats. You can pray 2, 4, 6, 8, or even more rakats in multiples of 2. Take your time in each rakat.

6

Make Dua in Sujood

Make extensive dua during your prostrations. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “The nearest a servant comes to his Lord is when he is prostrating.” (Muslim)

7

Recite Quran Slowly

Recite longer surahs or verses during Tahajjud. Reflect on their meanings as you recite slowly and thoughtfully.

8

Conclude with Witr

End your night prayer with Witr prayer (odd-numbered rakat). This can be 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, or 11 rakats.

Practical Tips for Establishing Tahajjud Consistently

🌙 Start Small

Begin with just 2 rakats 2-3 times a week rather than trying to pray every night initially.

⏰ Gradual Adjustment

Adjust your bedtime gradually. Sleep earlier to ensure you get sufficient rest before waking up.

📱 Use Technology

Set multiple alarms. Use Islamic apps that calculate the last third of the night for your location.

💧 Keep Water Nearby

Keep a bottle of water by your bed to drink when you wake up – it helps with alertness.

🤝 Prayer Partners

Coordinate with family or friends to wake each other up for Tahajjud (phone calls or messages).

📝 Dua List Preparation

Prepare a list of duas you want to make during Tahajjud. This gives purpose and focus to your prayer.

🛌 Power Nap Strategy

Take a 20-minute power nap during the day if you feel tired from waking up for Tahajjud.

🎯 Specific Goals

Set specific spiritual goals for your Tahajjud (e.g., seeking forgiveness for particular sins).

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Important Reminder

If you miss Tahajjud at night, you can pray the missed rakats during the day as Qada. While it doesn’t carry the exact same reward, it’s better than leaving it completely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Tahajjud

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Rushing Through Prayer

Tahajjud should be performed with tranquility and reflection. Rushing defeats its spiritual purpose.

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Overexertion Initially

Starting with too many rakats (like 11 every night) often leads to burnout and abandonment.

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Neglecting Sleep Completely

Islam encourages balance. Don’t sacrifice necessary sleep to the point it affects health or daily obligations.

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Focusing Only on Quantity

Two rakats with proper concentration are better than eight rakats performed hastily without presence of mind.

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Forgetting Dua & Quran

Tahajjud isn’t just about rakats. The real essence is in the dua, Quran recitation, and spiritual connection.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Tahajjud prayer is a divine gift from Allah to His believing servants. It’s a private meeting between you and your Creator, away from the distractions of the world. The spiritual benefits are immense, but the greatest reward is the proximity to Allah that it brings.

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“The night prayer is two by two, then when you fear the coming of morning, pray one rakat as Witr to make what you have prayed odd-numbered.”
— Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Bukhari

Start tonight, even if it’s just two rakats. Don’t wait for the “perfect time” or until you feel “ready.” The Shaytan will always find excuses to keep you from this blessed worship. Remember that Allah appreciates even the smallest effort and will multiply your reward for your sincerity.

Ready to Begin Your Tahajjud Journey?

Set your intention tonight. Place your alarm clock away from your bed. Keep this article as a reference. May Allah make you among those who establish Tahajjud and grant you its immense rewards.

رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا ۖ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ
“Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed You are the Hearing, the Knowing.” (Quran 2:127)