What is Tahajjud Prayer?
Tahajjud (تَهَجُّد) is a voluntary night prayer offered after sleeping for some time and waking up before Fajr. It is considered one of the most virtuous acts a Muslim can do after the obligatory prayers. Allah ﷻ praises those who practice it in the Quran:
"They forsake their beds to call upon their Lord in fear and hope, and they spend out of what We have provided for them." (Quran 32:16)
The Prophet ﷺ said: "The best prayer after the obligatory ones is the night prayer (Tahajjud)." (Muslim). He himself would stand in prayer for long portions of the night, sometimes until his feet swelled. Tahajjud is not only a prayer — it is a special time when the believer has a private audience with Allah in the stillness of the night.
The Immense Virtues of Tahajjud
- Allah descends to the lowest heaven in the last third of the night, asking: "Who is calling upon Me so that I may answer him? Who is asking Me so that I may give him? Who is seeking forgiveness so that I may forgive him?" (Bukhari & Muslim)
- Forgiveness of sins – The Prophet ﷺ said that standing at night in prayer causes sins to fall away like leaves from a tree.
- Closest time for dua acceptance – The last third of the night is when supplications are most likely to be answered.
- Raising of ranks in Paradise – Special stations in Jannah are reserved for people of Tahajjud.
- Protection and barakah – Regular Tahajjud brings peace to the heart, strength to the body, and blessings in one’s provision.
The Best Time for Tahajjud
The most virtuous time is the **last third of the night** (before Fajr). This is when Allah’s mercy is closest. However, any time after Isha until Fajr is acceptable. Many companions preferred praying in the last part of the night.
How to calculate the last third: Take the time between Maghrib and Fajr, divide by 3, and the final portion is the best time for Tahajjud.
How to Pray Tahajjud – Step by Step
- Set a sincere intention before sleeping – Make the firm resolve to wake up for Allah.
- Wake up in the last third of the night
- Perform wudu – Even if you are already in wudu, renewing it brings extra reward.
- Pray in sets of 2 rak'ahs – You can pray 2, 4, 6, 8, or more.
- Recite longer portions of the Quran – Take your time and reflect on the meaning.
- Make long dua in sujood (prostration) – This is one of the best times for personal supplication.
- Conclude with Witr prayer – Always end the night prayer with an odd number (Witr).
Get Accurate Prayer Times to Plan Tahajjud →
Practical Tips to Wake Up Consistently
- Sleep early after Isha
- Avoid heavy meals at dinner
- Set multiple alarms and place your phone away from the bed
- Make sincere dua before sleeping: “O Allah, help me wake up for Tahajjud”
- Have an accountability partner (spouse, friend, or family member)
- Start small — even 2 rak'ahs is a great beginning
- Never get discouraged if you miss a night — return the next night
Our Recommended Tools for Night Worship
May Allah grant us all the ability to rise at night and stand before Him. Ameen.