Tahajjud is a night prayer that has a very special place in Islam. Known for its calm and spiritual strength, it is a voluntary prayer performed at night. It serves many benefits for those who pray consistently.
In this blog, you will learn about the meaning of Tahajjud, its timing, how to perform it, its benefits, and its significance within the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Its importance is also depicted in the following Quranic verse.
"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."
(Surah Al-Isra, verse 79)
What is Tahajjud Prayer?
Tahajjud prayer is a night prayer, also known as nafl (voluntary prayer). It is performed after the compulsory Isha prayer and before the Fajr prayer. It is derived from the Arabic word "hajd," which implies to remain awake.
This prayer allows us to wake up in the middle of the night to seek closeness to Allah through supplication. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) depicted Tahajjud as a way to gain Allah's favor and to look for His direction. As mentioned in the Quran,
"And during the night, prostrate to Him and exalt Him a long part of the night."
(Quran 76:26)
What is the Time for Tahajjud Prayer?
Tahajjud salah can be performed anytime after Isha and before the Fajr prayer. The ideal time for Tahajjud is within the last third of the night, just before the day's break.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was granted the ability to perform it during this time, as it is when Allah descends to the lowest heaven and answers the prayers of those who call upon Him. A Hadith from Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said,
"Our Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven when one-third of the night remains, and He says, 'Who is calling upon Me that I may answer him? Who is asking of Me that I may give him? Who is seeking forgiveness of Me so that I may forgive him?"
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
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How to Perform Tahajjud Prayer?
Tahajjud prayer can be performed in three main ways.
Two by Two Rakahs: Perform two rakahs (units of prayer) at a time, repeating this as many times as desired. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to pray in this manner, with no specific limit to the number of rakahs.
Even and Odd Rakahs: Some prefer to end their Tahajjud prayer with an odd number of rakahs, typically finishing with a single rakah known as Witr. For example, one might pray six rakahs in pairs (two by two), followed by a single rakah of Witr.
Sequential Rakahs: Another method is to pray several rakahs continuously without a specific break in pairs. For instance, one might perform eight rakahs straight, followed by three rakahs of Witr.
How to Recite Tahajjud?
To perform Tahajjud prayer dua, follow these steps as per Bukhari:
Wudu: It is important to do Wudu before reciting any salah. It is important to do Wudu the right way; click to learn how to perform Wudu properly. If you want to know what breaks your wudu, click to read this.
Intention: Make a deliberate (niyyah) to perform the Tahajjud prayer.
Ruqoo and Sujood: Pray two or more rakats as you wish, reciting Surah Al-Fatihah and another Surah of your choice in each Rakat.
What are the Benefits of Tahajjud Prayer?
Tahajjud prayer offers numerous benefits. The following are some of the benefits that you get by praying Tahajjud consistently:
Helps With Everyday Problems
While performing Tahajjud salah, when you leave your worldly things and spare your time for the remembrance of Allah, He rewards you in different ways. He appreciates your trust in Him, and for that, he assists you in lifting your everyday problems.
Emotional and Mental Well-Being
Reciting Tahajjud salah gives you emotional and mental calmness and peace. It takes away your anxiety, depression, and stress. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
"The closest that the Lord is to His slave is in the latter part of the night, so if you can be one of those who remember Allah at that time, then do so."
(Al-Tirmidhi and al-Nisaa’i)
Spiritual Closeness
Tahajjud salah improves closeness to Allah and allows profound reflection and association. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
"Be vigilant in standing up [in prayer] at night, for it was the practice of the pious before you. It is a means of gaining proximity to Allah Ta’ala, expiation for transgressions, and a barrier from sins."
(Tirmidhi)
Best Time to Make Your Duas Come True
In the third part of the night, in which dua for Tahajjud is recited, the chance of getting your duas and wishes fulfiled is high. Therefore, it is considered the best time to make duas. Prophet (PBUH) said:
"During the night, there is a time when the Muslim does not ask for the good of this world and the Hereafter, but it will be given to him, and that happens every night."
(Sahih Muslim)
Forgiveness
Tahajjud salah is a means of asking Allah for forgiveness for your sins. It allows you to self-reflect, repent from your sins, and seek guidance. Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) 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 I may grant him his request? Is anyone seeking My forgiveness so that I may forgive him?"
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1145)
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Conclusion
Tahajjud is a wonderful practice in the deen of Islam and has many spiritual benefits. By understanding its importance, timing, and method, Muslims can consolidate this prayer into their daily schedule, looking for Allah's forgiveness and direction.
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Tahajjud is highly respected for its spiritual benefits and the extraordinary consideration Allah gives to those who perform it. Its special because it was a ritual that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also performed in His life.
Q2. How powerful is Tahajjud Dua?
Tahajjud prayer dua is very powerful because it is a time when Allah is closest to his servants. This quiet time allows for sincere and heartfelt prayers. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) often prayed Tahajjud and encouraged others to do the same, making it a special moment to ask for Allah's help and blessings.
Q3. How many rakats are there in Tahajjud Salah?
There is no fixed number of rakats (units of prayer) for Tahajjud Salah, and it can vary based on personal preference and ability. Usually, Tahajjud is prayed in two or four rakats. However, you can pray any number of rakats in Tahajjud salah.
Q4. How often should we perform Tahajjud?
Tahajjud prayer is a highly recommended but voluntary act of worship. There is no strict requirement on how often it should be performed, but it is encouraged to be done regularly for those who are able.
Q5. Do Tahajjud duas come true?
Yes! Tahajjud duas do come true as Allah answers to the dearest supplications of His servants. It is a special period when Allah's mercy and forgiveness are abundant, making it an opportune moment for supplications to be accepted. Therefore, many Muslims believe that duas made during Tahajjud have a greater chance of being fulfilled, provided they are made with sincerity and faith.