Tahajjud Prayer (صلاة التهجد)
The voluntary night prayer with immense rewards. Wake up when the world sleeps to stand before Allah in the blessed last third of the night.
The Virtue of Tahajjud
"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."
Allah descends to the lowest heaven in the last third of every night and says: "Is there anyone calling upon Me that I may respond? Is there anyone asking of Me that I may give? Is there anyone seeking forgiveness that I may forgive?"
When to Pray Tahajjud
Good
Any time after Isha until Fajr
Better
After midnight
Best
Last third of the night (before Fajr)
How to Pray Tahajjud
Set Intention Before Sleeping
Before going to bed, make a sincere intention to wake up for Tahajjud prayer.
The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Whoever lies down to sleep intending to wake up and pray during the night, but is overcome by sleep until morning, what he intended will be recorded for him.' (Ibn Majah)
Wake Up in the Last Third of the Night
The best time for Tahajjud is the last third of the night, before Fajr.
Allah descends to the lowest heaven in the last third of the night and says: 'Who is calling upon Me that I may answer him? Who is asking of Me that I may give him?' (Bukhari)
Perform Wudu
Make fresh ablution (wudu) to purify yourself for prayer.
Even though you may already be in wudu, renewing it is recommended as it refreshes you and adds to the reward.
Start with Two Light Rak'ahs
Begin with two short rak'ahs to 'warm up' as was the Sunnah.
The Prophet ﷺ would begin his night prayer with two light rak'ahs. This helps you transition from sleep to focused prayer.
Pray in Pairs of Two
Pray Tahajjud in units of two rak'ahs each. You can pray 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 rak'ahs.
The Prophet ﷺ said: 'The night prayer is two by two.' (Bukhari) He himself used to pray 11 rak'ahs including Witr, but there is no fixed number.
Prolong Your Recitation
Tahajjud is an opportunity for longer recitation. Take your time with each surah.
The Prophet ﷺ would recite long surahs during night prayer, making his qiyam, ruku, and sujud lengthy. This is the beauty of Tahajjud.
Make Abundant Dua in Sujud
The Prophet ﷺ said the closest a servant is to Allah is during sujud. Make personal duas in your own language.
Ask Allah for anything - forgiveness, guidance, provision, protection. This is a special time when duas are answered.
End with Witr Prayer
Conclude your night prayers with Witr (odd number: 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9 rak'ahs).
The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Make Witr the last of your night prayer.' If you fear missing it, pray Witr before sleeping.
Duas for Tahajjud
Dua When Waking for Tahajjud
اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ نُورُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيهِنَّ، وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ قَيِّمُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيهِنَّ
Allahumma lakal-hamd. Anta nuurus-samawati wal-ardi wa man fihinn. Wa lakal-hamd, Anta qayyimus-samawati wal-ardi wa man fihinn.
O Allah, to You belongs all praise. You are the Light of the heavens and earth and all within them. To You belongs all praise, You are the Sustainer of the heavens and earth and all within them.
Source: Sahih al-Bukhari
Dua in the Last Third of the Night
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina 'azaban-nar.
Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.
Source: Surah Al-Baqarah 2:201
Tips for Establishing Tahajjud
- ✦Start small - even 2 rak'ahs is a blessing
- ✦Sleep early after Isha and set an alarm
- ✦Avoid heavy meals before sleeping
- ✦Make dua before sleeping to wake up for Tahajjud
- ✦Consistency is key - pray regularly even if brief
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Worship Guides
May Allah make us among those who stand in prayer during the night. 🌙