Tahajjud Prayer
Tahajjud prayer is a special night prayer in Islam that is performed after the Isha prayer and before Fajr. It is not obligatory, but it is highly recommended for those who seek mental strength and peace. Tahajjud is like a personal talk with Allah Almighty where you can tell Him your worries and ask for forgiveness. The cool thing is that it is the best kind of Nafl prayer you can pray during your Qiyam ul Layl. The best time to perform the Tahajjud prayer is the last third of the night, but you pray from midnight to Fajr.
The word Tahajjud means “to give up sleep.” During this time, Allah Almighty comes to the lowest sky to see who is devotedly worshiping and leaving their sleep in the middle of the night. If you sincerely make dua after praying Tahajjud, it’s like opening the door to say sorry to Allah (SWT) and asking Him for help. In this blog, you can learn how to perform Tahajjud Prayer step-by-step.
Allah Almighty says in the Quran, Surah Al-Isra :
Narrated by Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (RA):
A man said, “O Allah’s Messenger (SAW)! How is the prayer of the night?” He said, “Two rak at followed by two rakat and so on, and when you apprehend the approaching dawn, offer one raka as witr.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 1137)
When to Perform Tahajjud Prayer
The best time to pray Tahajjud prayer is when the night is at its darkest and most peaceful, and the world is asleep. It is believed that during this time, Allah Almighty’s mercy and forgiveness are at their peak, and the angels descend from heaven to collect the prayers of the faithful. Therefore, those who perform the Tahajjud prayer are said to receive great blessings and rewards from Allah (SWT), and their sins are forgiven.
Hazrat Abu Huraira (RA) narrated that:
Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said, “Our Lord, the Blessed, the Superior, comes every night down on the nearest Heaven to us when the last third of the night remains, saying: “Is there anyone to invoke Me, so that I may respond to invocation? Is there anyone to ask Me so that I may grant him his request? Is there anyone seeking My forgiveness so that I may forgive him?”
(Sahih Al-Bukhari 1145)
Tahajjud Prayer Niyat
Niyat is the sincere desire to offer up prayers and duas to Allah Almighty. There is no verbal content or niyat for Tahajjud, but the intention to perform the Tahajjud prayer and to seek closeness to Allah Almighty is essential. For example, your intention (Niyat) for Tahajjud prayer can be something like:
Niyat
“I intend to pray Tahajjud for two Rak’ahs, seeking closeness to Allah Almighty and His pleasure. I am performing this prayer voluntarily for His sake, to seek His forgiveness and guidance.”
Remember that the sincerity of your intention is more important than the specific words you use.
How Many Rakats are in Tahajjud Prayer
There is no specific number of rakats for Tahajjud prayer, and it is generally accepted that two rakats are sufficient. However, you can pray more rakats as desired. It is crucial to keep in mind that rakats should be completed in pairs during the Tahajjud prayer.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) reportedly prayed Tahajjud in various numbers of rakats, ranging from seven to thirteen, including Witr and the two-rakat Sunnah prayer before Fajr.
How to Perform Tahajjud Prayer Step by Step
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to pray Tahajjud Prayer:
- Preparation: Wake up during the last third of the night. This can be anytime between waking for Witr prayer and Fajr (dawn) prayer. Make sure you’ve Performed Wudu (ablution) for cleanliness.
- Niyyah (Intention): Set your intention in your heart to pray Tahajjud. You can silently say something like, “I intend to pray the Sunnah prayer of Tahajjud two rakaat for Allah (SWT).”
- Takbir and Recitation: Begin the prayer with the Takbir “Allahu Akbar” (God is Great). Recite Surah Al-Fatihah (the Opening Chapter) followed by another Surah from the Quran in each of the two rak’ahs. The Prophet (PBUH) is reported to have recited Al-Kafirun in the first rakah and Al-Ikhlas in the second, but you can choose any Surahs you like.
- Ruku and Sujud (Prostration): Perform the usual bowing (Ruku) and prostration (Sujud) positions as in any regular Five Daily Prayers. Recite the designated supplications in each position.
- Complete the Rak’ahs: Sit up after each prostration and recite Tashahhud. After completing two rak’ahs, end the prayer with the final Taslim (saying Salam to the right and left).
- Supplication (Dua): After the prayer, this is the best time to offer your supplications (Dua’s) to Allah (SWT). Speak from your heart and ask for what you need.
Additional Points:
- Tahajjud can be prayed with a minimum of two rak’ahs, but you can pray more if you wish.
- If you’re new to praying, it’s good to learn the proper form for regular prayers first.
- Many resources are available online and in mosques that can visually guide you through performing Tahajjud and other prayers.
What Duas to Make After Tahajjud Prayer?
When you perform the Tahajjud prayer, it is a beautiful opportunity to connect with Allah Almighty and seek His blessings, guidance, and forgiveness through duas. It is believed to be one of the most rewarding prayers, and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to perform it consistently during his lifetime.
After performing the Tahajjud Salah, you can recite various Duas or supplications mentioned in Islamic literature. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to recite the following dua’s after Tahajjud prayer:
“Allahumma inni as’aluka bi rahmatika al-lati wasi’at kulla shay’in an taghfira li”
This dua translates to: “O Allah, I ask You by Your mercy that envelops everything, to forgive me.”
In addition to this dua, you can also make personal supplications in your language and ask Allah Almighty for your specific needs and desires. The Prophet (PBUM) also recited the following dua when praying Tahajjud salah:
“O Allah Almighty! All the praises are for you, You are the Holder of the Heavens and the Earth, And whatever is in them. All the praises are for You; You have the possession of the Heavens and the Earth And whatever is in them. The praises are for You; You are the Light of the Heavens and the Earth And all the praises are for You; You are the King of the Heavens and the Earth; And all the praises are for You; You are the Truth and Your Promise is the truth, And to meet You is true, Your Word is the truth And Paradise is true And Hell is true And all the Prophets (Peace be upon them) are true, And Muhammad (SAW) is true, And the Day of Resurrection is true. O Allah Almighty! I surrender (my will) to You; I believe in You and depend on You. And repent to You, And with Your help, I argue (with my opponents, the non-believers) And I take You as a judge (to judge between us). Please forgive me my previous And future sins; And whatever I concealed or revealed And You are the One who make (some people) forward And (some) backward. There is none to be worshipped but you.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 1120)
How to Perform Witr after Tahajjud
The Witr prayer is recommended to be the last prayer you perform at night. Witr itself is prayed with either one or three Rak’ahs, ensuring that your night prayers end with an odd number as recommended by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). There’s no specific order for performing the Tahajjud and Witr prayers. The best time to perform Witr is after the Tahajjud prayer. However, if you are unsure whether you will wake up for Tahajjud, you can also pray Witr after the Isha prayer. You can pray Witr before Tahajjud, as long as Witr remains your final prayer.
The most important thing is to have sincere intentions and to pray for Allah Almighty’s pleasure. No matter how you perform Witr, you should always make your intentions clear and pray Witr regularly.
How to Start Praying Tahajjud
If you want to start praying Tahajjud, here are some things you should know:
- Praying Tahajjud will bring you closer to Allah Almighty, and Allah (SWT) will make all your affairs easy.
- Your sustenance will increase, and Allah (SWT) will grant a cure for your illnesses.
- Almighty will immediately give solutions to your problems.
- During Tahajjud, Allah (SWT) says, “Is there anyone to invoke Me, so that I may respond to invocation? Is there anyone to ask Me so I may grant him his request? Is there anyone seeking My forgiveness so that I may forgive him?”
- Your Tahajjud duas will always come true. And if they don’t, Allah Almighty will always give you something better than you prayed for. Always!
Tahajjud Prayer Benefits
The Tahajjud (night) prayer offers numerous benefits to those who observe it. Here are some of the key benefits of Tahajjud prayer:
- Deepens Connection with Allah (SWT): The quiet hours of the night offer a special opportunity for focused prayer and communication with Allah Almighty. They foster a sense of closeness and attachment in one’s faith.
- Spiritual Growth and Inner Peace: Tahajjud allows you to reflect, seek forgiveness, and reconnect with your spiritual core. This self-analysis can lead to peace of mind, greater self-awareness, and a stronger sense of purpose.
- Increased Forgiveness and Blessings: Islamic teachings emphasize Allah’s (SWT) increased mercy during the last third of the night. Performing Tahajjud during this time is seen as an opportunity to seek forgiveness for sins and receive special blessings.
- Develops Discipline and Willpower: Waking up for Tahajjud requires dedication and determination. Regularly observing this practice strengthens your discipline and willpower, which can spill over into other aspects of your life.
- Positive Start to the Day: Praying Tahajjud can set a positive and focused tone for your day ahead. Feeling connected to your faith and offering supplications can bring calmness and clarity.
- Dua Acceptance and Problem-Solving: As Muslims, we believe that prayers offered during Tahajjud have a higher chance of being accepted by Allah (SWT). It’s a time to pour out our hearts and seek solutions to difficulties.
It’s important to remember that Tahajjud is a voluntary prayer, and even a few minutes of sincere prayer can be immensely beneficial.
Conclusion
The Tahajjud prayer is a special form of worship that allows believers to draw closer to Allah (SWT) in the last third of the night. It is a voluntary prayer that requires sincerity, devotion, and reflection. This blog post has provided a practical step-by-step guide on how to pray Tahajjud prayer. The guide also explains the flexibility and personalization of the Tahajjud prayer, as there is no fixed number of Rak’ahs. The Witr prayer is optional and can be prayed either before or after the Tahajjud prayer. The main purpose of Tahajjud prayer is to engage in sincere supplication, gratitude, and repentance, which can enhance our spiritual connection with Allah (SWT) and smooth spiritual growth.
So, will you stay asleep or get up for Tahajjud? Share this with your friends and motivate them to pray the Tahajjud prayer.
