How to Perform the Night Prayer (Tahajjud)?

Tahajjud (also referred to as the Night Prayer) is a spiritually enriching act of worship in Islam, performed during the late hours of the night. It has been highly praised in the Qur’an and authentic hadiths for its profound benefits. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) consistently performed Tahajjud and encouraged his followers to do the same. Praying during the final third of the night, before the dawn prayer (Fajr), provides a special opportunity for the purification of the heart, acceptance of supplications, and deep spiritual reflection. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to perform Tahajjud, including its timing, number of rak‘ahs, recommended supplications, and key points to consider.

Importance and Virtue of Tahajjud

1. Mention in the Qur’an
   The Qur’an highlights the significance of rising in the night for prayer. In Surah Al-Isra (17:79), believers are instructed to pray part of the night, emphasizing the elevated status of night worship.
2. Prophetic Practice
   Authentic hadith sources indicate that the Prophet (peace be upon him) regularly performed Tahajjud and never abandoned it (see Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim). His example underscores the value and consistency of this practice.
3. Blessings of the Final Third of the Night
   According to various narrations, the last third of the night is a time when prayers are readily answered and repentance is more likely to be accepted (see Riyad as-Salihin by Imam an-Nawawi).
4. Spiritual Depth
   Imam al-Ghazali, in his work Ihya ‘Ulum ad-Din, highlights how Tahajjud illuminates the heart, refines the soul, and deepens one’s awareness of worship. In the stillness of night, away from worldly distractions, believers find a unique space to draw closer to Allah.

Timing of Tahajjud

Tahajjud can be performed any time after the ‘Isha (night) prayer up until the time of Fajr. However, the most virtuous period is the final third of the night. This interval varies depending on one’s location and the time of dawn:

• Example: If dawn (Fajr) begins at 5:00 AM and sunrise is at 6:00 AM, the final third of the night might roughly span from around 3:00 AM to 5:00 AM. Worshippers calculate their local final third based on the official timetable for Fajr.

Intention and Preparation

1. Ablution (Wudu)
   As with all prayers, one must be in a state of ritual purity. Taking wudu ensures both physical cleanliness and spiritual readiness for worship.
2. Intention (Niyyah)
   The intention is made in the heart. It may also be verbalized for clarity, such as: “I intend to pray the Tahajjud prayer for the sake of Allah.”
3. Sleep Schedule
   Many who wish to perform Tahajjud go to bed soon after ‘Isha and plan to wake up during the night. A consistent routine and sincere intention help make Tahajjud a regular practice.

Number of Rak‘ahs

There is no fixed limit on the number of rak‘ahs for Tahajjud. It is commonly performed in sets of two rak‘ahs each. Prophetic traditions mention the Prophet (peace be upon him) praying 8, 10, or 12 rak‘ahs for Tahajjud:

• Most Common Practice: 8 rak‘ahs for Tahajjud, followed by 3 rak‘ahs of Witr (considered wājib in the Hanafi school and sunnah in others).
• Flexibility: One can perform as few as 2 rak‘ahs or as many as time and energy allow. Sincerity and consistency are paramount.

Example of Performance (in Sets of Two Rak‘ahs)

Below is a general example of how to perform Tahajjud in two-rak‘ah increments. Simply repeat the same procedure for additional sets.

1. First Rak‘ah
   • Opening Takbir: Begin by saying “Allāhu Akbar.”
   • Opening Du‘a (Subhānaka): Recite a brief opening glorification if you wish.
   • Sūrat al-Fātiḥah: Follow with any short surah (e.g., Al-Ikhlās, Al-Falaq, An-Nās).
   • Rukū‘ (Bowing): Recite “Subḥāna Rabbiyal-‘Aẓīm” at least three times.
   • Sujūd (Prostration): Recite “Subḥāna Rabbiyal-A‘lā” at least three times. Pause briefly between the two prostrations.
2. Second Rak‘ah
   • Again recite Sūrat al-Fātiḥah and a short surah.
   • Perform rukū‘ and sujūd as in the first rak‘ah.
   • In the final sitting (at the end of the two rak‘ahs), recite the Tashahhud (At-Taḥiyyāt), send blessings upon the Prophet (Salli-Barik), and make any personal supplications.
   • Conclude with salām: “As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa raḥmatullāh” to the right, then to the left.
3. Continuing Rak‘ahs
   If you plan to pray 4, 6, 8, or more rak‘ahs, each set of two rak‘ahs is completed in the same manner, each ending with salām.

Combining with Witr

In the Hanafi school, the Witr prayer is considered wājib, so many worshippers prefer to perform Witr after completing Tahajjud. In other schools, Witr is sunnah and may be prayed after ‘Isha or delayed until after any late-night prayers:

• Example: 8 rak‘ahs of Tahajjud → 3 rak‘ahs of Witr → Salām.

Supplications and Remembrances

Tahajjud is renowned as a time when prayers and repentances are especially accepted. During or after Tahajjud, worshippers may:

• Recite Āyat al-Kursī after completing their prayers for added blessing and protection.
• Engage in Dhikr (Remembrance): Repeating “Subḥānallāh,” “Alḥamdulillāh,” “Allāhu Akbar,” and other phrases helps keep the heart awake.
• Offer Personal Du‘ās: Heartfelt supplications such as “O Allah, illuminate my heart, forgive my sins, and grant mercy to me and the entire Muslim community.”

Points to Consider

1. Consistency and Sincerity
   The most crucial aspect of Tahajjud is regularity and heartfelt devotion.
2. Avoiding Riya (Showing Off)
   Since this prayer is often performed privately at night, it fosters sincerity and humility, free from public attention.
3. Health and Practicality
   Waking up at night can be challenging. Those with health constraints can pray fewer rak‘ahs or at an earlier portion of the night, based on their ability.
4. Scheduling
   Early bedtime and mindful planning can make waking for Tahajjud easier. Good sleep habits support consistent worship.

Spiritual Benefits of Tahajjud

• Purification from Sins
  Late-night worship and sincere repentance help a believer shed spiritual burdens and draw nearer to Allah.
• Acceptance of Du‘ā
  Many narrations indicate that prayers offered in the final third of the night are answered more readily.
• Inner Peace and Tranquility
  Detaching from worldly distractions to focus solely on Allah brings deep serenity and spiritual clarity.
• Following the Prophetic Example
  Observing Tahajjud follows the beloved practice of the Prophet (peace be upon him), connecting one with his blessed tradition.

Conclusion

Tahajjud occupies a unique place in a Muslim’s spiritual life. Rising in the stillness of night to commune with the Creator, seeking His mercy and forgiveness, fosters tranquility of the heart and elevation of the soul. The Prophet (peace be upon him) never neglected this prayer, consistently reminding the community of its virtues. By making Tahajjud a habit, believers can refine their worship, find deeper sincerity, and experience profound closeness to Allah. May He accept your night prayers, illuminate your nights with His grace, and include you among His devoted servants.

Āmīn.

References

• Qur’an, Surah Al-Isra (17:79)
• Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Imām al-Bukhārī
• Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, Imām Muslim
• Riyāḍ aṣ-Ṣāliḥīn, Imām an-Nawawī
• Iḥyā ‘Ulūm ad-Dīn, Imām al-Ghazālī
• Fatāwā Hindiyyah, Ḥanafī Fiqh Resource

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