Tahajjud is not only a prayer. It is a secluded dialogue between the servant and the Lord at the covert times of the night. The doors to mercy will be opened up, when the people of the world are asleep and the devout ones wake up and turn to Allah with a pure heart. It is the nature of Tahajjud a prayer with honesty, affection and desire to be close to Allah.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ consistently prayed Tahajjud and encouraged others to do so. Allah praises this act in the Holy Quran:
"And in the hours of the night, forsake sleep by offering additional prayers, so your Lord may raise you to a station of praise." (Surah Al-Isra, 17:79)
There are plenty of Muslims who feel that they want to start Tahajjud but they are not confident of its introduction in the life. They either ask what the correct time is, what is his intention, how many rakats to recite and what to say. In this paper, it is going to be simplified.
By reading this you already have the intention in your heart. Now we will look at how one can say Tahajjud Prayer step by step.
What is Tahajjud?
Tahajjud A completely voluntary prayer, intoned when the obligatory prayer Isha is completed, and prior to the Fajr. Allah does not command it, but He greatly loves it. Tahajjud is a derivation of the word hajada which entails being awake after a sleep.
This supplication is an indication of genuine piety. It is a period when Christians have to get out of their warm beds just to honor their Creator. Tahajjud can be contrasted with other prayers in that it is conducted privately. There is no audience. No applause. You and your Lord.
Benefits of Tahajjud
The benefits of praying Tahajjud are immeasurable on the spiritual and emotional aspect as it feeds the soul. It provides exclusive intimacy with Allah, when you talk to him alone when others are sleeping.
It is widely understood that the later hours of the night, where a person might only expect his/her duas (supplications) to be more likely to be accepted, are a strong time in which a person might pray.
The silence and quietness of the night also present peace of mind and the heart can vent off the stress of the day to day life. To the repentant, Tahajjud is a form of erasing sins and then beginning to live afresh.
As the Prophet ﷺ beautifully stated, “The best prayer after the obligatory ones is the night prayer.” (Sahih Muslim) If you’re looking to build your spiritual routine and learn more about Islamic practices like this, consider joining an Online Quran Academy where qualified teachers guide you step-by-step.
When is the Time for Tahajjud?
You can pray Tahajjud anytime after Isha until just before Fajr. But the best time is the last third of the night.
To find this time:
- Calculate the time between Maghrib and Fajr.
- Divide it into three parts.
- The last part is when the mercy of Allah is at its peak.
For example, if Fajr is at 5:00 AM and Maghrib is at 7:00 PM:
- Time between is 10 hours.
- One third = 3 hours and 20 minutes.
- So, the last third is from 1:40 AM to 5:00 AM.
The Prophet ﷺ used to wake up during this time to pray and seek forgiveness.
How to Prepare for Tahajjud
Praying Tahajjud is easier with the right mindset and habits. Here are some tips:
1. Make the Intention Before Sleeping
Say in your heart: “I will wake up for Tahajjud.” It counts even if you miss it.
2. Sleep Early
Avoid distractions and go to bed on time. Aim to sleep by 10:00 PM to rise at 3:00 AM.
3. Set Alarms or Ask Family to Wake You
Use a reliable alarm. Better yet, ask someone else to wake you gently.
4. Do Wudu (Ablution) Upon Waking
Purify yourself. Wudu refreshes the body and mind.
5. Choose a Quiet Place
Pick a clean, peaceful corner of your room. No distractions. Just you and your Lord.
How to Pray Tahajjud: Step-by-Step
1. Wake Up and Make Wudu
Start with ablution. It prepares you for worship physically and spiritually.
2. Offer at Least Two Rakats
Tahajjud is prayed in sets of two rakats. You can pray 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, or more, depending on your energy. The Prophet ﷺ usually prayed 8 rakats and then Witr. if you dont know how to pray witr then you must read.
3. Keep the Prayer Slow and Reflective
Recite with care. Don’t rush. Enjoy the stillness. Focus on meaning, not speed.
4. Recite Longer Surahs if You Can
Start with Surah Al-Fatiha and follow with a long or short Surah:
- Surah Al-Ikhlas
- Surah Al-Mulk
- Surah Al-Sajdah
- Surah Yaseen
If you don't know long Surahs, short ones are fine too. Sincerity matters more than length.
5. Make Duas in Sujood
The most powerful moment is in Sujood (prostration). Say:
- “Ya Allah, forgive me.”
- “Guide me.”
- “Protect my family.”
Cry if you can. Speak from your heart.
6. End with Witr Prayer
After Tahajjud, it is Sunnah to pray Witr, an odd-numbered prayer (1, 3, or 5 rakats).
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Make Witr your last prayer at night.” (Bukhari)
Sample Tahajjud Routine
Here is a simple 30-minute plan:
- 3:00 AM – Wake up and do Wudu
- 3:10 AM – Pray 2 rakats with short Surahs
- 3:20 AM – Pray 2 more rakats, slightly longer
- 3:30 AM – Pray 1 or 3 rakats of Witr
- 3:40 AM – Make heartfelt dua and dhikr
Even 10–15 minutes of sincere prayer is better than none.
Tips to Stay Consistent
Starting small is better; begin with only two rakats once a week and increase it gradually so that you are consistent with Tahajjud. Find your own reason to work hard (be it through forgiveness, consultation, or peace of mind).
Continue thinking about all the scorching awards, because those who bow in the night are guaranteed to go to Paradise.
Remember to always pray dua, imploring Allah to provide you with the strength to stir and stay on course and in your intentions.
Above all, keep in mind that Allah rewards those who make an effort. You can miss some nights but do not give up just continue to strive.
Common Questions About Tahajjud
Do I Have to Sleep Before Tahajjud?
Yes you sleep first, even briefly, as convention dictates. Yet when you sleep, after the Isha prayers, you are still beyond reproach in terms of prayer as the Qiyam al-Lail.
Is Tahajjud Only for the Pious?
No. It belongs to all of us. Even when you had sinned during the day, this is your time to come back at night.
Can Women Pray Tahajjud?
Absolutely. Men and women are also encouraged. Equal reward.
Can I Pray with English Translations?
In recitation Arabic is mandatory. However, dua can be said in any language in Sujood and after prayer.
Final Thoughts: A Secret Between You and Allah
Tahajjud has nothing to do with perfection. It is all about presence. It is a case of giving up sleep in order to get closer to the One who is never asleep.
You wake in the stillness of night-time. And you recite the Quran verses in a low voice. You bow. You weep. You smile. Your heart melts. And Surely Allah hears.
You will be lighter each time you pray Tahajjud. You shine up your day. Your mission is more comprehensible.
Don’t aim to impress. Don’t wait to become perfect. Just start. Tonight.
“Their sides forsake their beds, they call upon their Lord in fear and hope.” (Surah As-Sajdah, 32:16)