Tahajjud, the voluntary night prayer, is one of the most beloved acts of worship to Allah. It is the time when the heavens are open, duas are accepted, and the sincere believer connects with their Lord in the stillness of the night.
What is Tahajjud?
Tahajjud is a voluntary (nafl) prayer performed after Isha and before Fajr, ideally in the last third of the night. It involves waking up from sleep specifically to pray.
How to Pray Tahajjud
- Time: After Isha prayer until Fajr. The best time is the last third of the night.
- Minimum: 2 rakaat
- Maximum: No fixed limit, but the Prophet ﷺ usually prayed 8 rakaat plus 3 Witr
- Method: Pray in sets of 2 rakaat, ending with Witr (odd number)
- Recitation: Recite longer surahs if you can, taking your time in each position
Virtues of Tahajjud
Allah says in the Quran: "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." (17:79)
The Prophet ﷺ said: "The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer." (Muslim)
Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet ﷺ said: "Our Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven when the last third of the night remains, and He says: '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 & Muslim)
Tips for Waking Up
- Set an alarm 1-2 hours before Fajr
- Sleep early after Isha
- Make the intention before sleeping
- Make wudu before sleeping
- Recite the sleeping duas
- Start with just 2 rakaat and gradually increase
Dua During Tahajjud
After praying, spend time making dua. This is one of the most powerful times for supplication. Pour your heart out to Allah — He is listening.