How to Pray Tahajjud

For many Muslims, Tahajjud (also known as Qiyam-ul-Layl – standing in the night) is a cherished practice, a source of immense peace, solace, and spiritual elevation. But perhaps you’re new to it, or seeking to rekindle the habit. Over my years of writing and observing the human condition, I’ve seen how seeking guidance on such intimate spiritual practices requires clarity, gentleness, and encouragement. So, let’s walk through how to pray Tahajjud, not just as a set of steps, but as an embrace of tranquility.

What Exactly is Tahajjud?

Tahajjud is a special, non-obligatory prayer performed during the night after Isha (the night prayer) and before Fajr (the dawn prayer), ideally after having slept for some portion of the night. It’s mentioned in the Quran and numerous Hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him) as a practice of the righteous, a means of drawing closer to Allah, seeking forgiveness, and having one’s supplications (Dua) answered.

Think of it as a private audience with the Creator when He is nearest, metaphorically speaking, listening intently to the whispers of your heart.

When is the Best Time for Tahajjud?

While any time between Isha and Fajr is permissible (after waking from sleep), the most recommended and virtuous time is the last third of the night.

How do you calculate this? Divide the time between the end of Isha prayer and the beginning of Fajr prayer into three parts. The final part is the prime time for Tahajjud. Why? It’s stated in authentic narrations that Allah descends to the lowest heaven during this time, asking, “Who is calling upon Me, that I may answer him? Who is asking Me for something, that I may give it to him? Who is seeking My forgiveness, that I may forgive him?” (Bukhari, Muslim).

This timing requires sacrifice – trading precious sleep for devotion. And therein lies part of its beauty and reward.

Preparing Your Heart and Body

1. Sincere Intention (Niyyah): Before anything, make a clear intention in your heart. You are waking and praying solely for the sake of Allah, seeking His pleasure, forgiveness, and closeness. This intention is the foundation.

2. Waking Up: This can be the biggest hurdle. Set an alarm, ask a family member to wake you, or make a sincere Dua before sleeping, asking Allah to help you wake up for Tahajjud. Start small if needed – even waking 15-20 minutes before Fajr is a wonderful beginning.

3. Perform Wudu (Ablution): Perform Wudu thoroughly, washing away the remnants of sleep and purifying yourself physically and spiritually for the prayer. Feel the water refresh you and prepare you for worship.

4. Find a Quiet Spot: Choose a clean, peaceful place where you are unlikely to be disturbed.

How to Perform the Tahajjud Prayer

Tahajjud prayer is performed in units of two Raka’at (cycles of prayer), similar to other Sunnah (voluntary) prayers.

1. Minimum Raka’at: The minimum is two Raka’at.

2. Recommended Practice: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) most commonly prayed eight Raka’at of Tahajjud (in sets of two) followed by three Raka’at of Witr. However, you can pray two, four, six, eight, or more Raka’at, according to your ability and time. Consistency with even two Raka’at is better than praying many occasionally and then stopping.

3. The Prayer Itself (per two Raka’at):

   • Stand and Make Takbeer: Raise your hands and say “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is Greatest) to begin.

   • Recite Surah Al-Fatihah: Recite the opening chapter of the Quran.

   • Recite Another Surah/Verses: After Al-Fatihah, recite another portion of the Quran. It’s recommended to recite longer Surahs if you are able, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) did, but recite whatever is easy for you. The quality of your focus matters more than the quantity.

   • Ruku (Bowing): Bow down, saying “Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem” (Glory be to my Lord, the Magnificent) at least three times.

   • Stand Up Straight: Rise from bowing, saying “Sami’Allahu liman hamidah” (Allah hears those who praise Him), followed by “Rabbana wa lakal hamd” (Our Lord, and to You belongs all praise).

   • Sujud (Prostration): Go down into prostration, placing your forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes on the ground. Say “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High) at least three times. This is a position of immense closeness to Allah – pour your heart out here if you wish, making Dua even within the prostration (in Arabic or your own language, according to scholarly opinion).

   • Sit Briefly: Sit up from the first prostration.

   • Second Sujud: Perform a second prostration just like the first.

   • Stand Up for Second Raka’ah: Rise for the second Raka’ah and repeat the steps (Al-Fatihah, another Surah, Ruku, standing, Sujud x2).

   • Tashahhud: After the second prostration of the second Raka’ah, sit for the Tashahhud (reciting the prescribed supplications).

   • Tasleem: Conclude the two Raka’at by turning your head to the right and then the left, saying “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” (Peace and Mercy of Allah be upon you).

4. Repeat: If you intend to pray more than two Raka’at, repeat the process in sets of two.

5. Witr Prayer: It is Sunnah to make the Witr prayer the last prayer of the night. If you pray Tahajjud, you can pray Witr (usually one or three Raka’at) after completing your desired number of Tahajjud Raka’at. If you are unsure whether you will wake up for Tahajjud, it’s permissible to pray Witr after Isha. If you then do wake up for Tahajjud, you can pray your Tahajjud Raka’at without repeating Witr.

The Power of Dua After Tahajjud

After completing your prayer, remain seated. This quiet, pre-dawn hour is one of the most potent times for making Tahajud Dua (supplication).

• Raise your hands.

• Praise Allah and send blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

• Ask for forgiveness with sincerity.

• Pour out your heart – ask for your needs, your hopes, your fears, for guidance, for strength, for relief from difficulties. Pray for yourself, your family, your friends, the Muslim Ummah, and all of humanity.

• Use Duas from the Quran and Sunnah, or speak to Allah in your own words, from the depths of your soul.

• Be persistent and have firm faith that Allah hears and responds in the way that is best.

Tips for Consistency

• Start Small: Don’t overwhelm yourself. Begin with two Raka’at a few times a week.

• Regulate Sleep: Try to sleep earlier. A short nap (Qailulah) during the day, if possible, can also help.

• Sincerity (Ikhlas): Constantly renew your intention. Pray for Allah’s sake alone.

• Seek Allah’s Help: Make Dua asking Allah to grant you the ability to wake up and pray Tahajjud.

• Patience and Persistence: Don’t be discouraged if you miss it sometimes. Just keep trying.

The Fruits of Tahajjud

Praying Tahajud isn’t just about the physical act; it’s about the spiritual connection. It cultivates discipline, deepens faith, brings tranquility to the heart, illuminates the soul, and serves as a powerful shield against sin. It is, truly, a treasure hidden in the night, waiting to be discovered.

May Allah grant us all the strength and sincerity to embrace the beauty of Tahajjud and find light in the stillness of the night. Ameen.