The Complete Guide to Tahajjud Prayer: Meaning, Steps, and Benefits

Among the many voluntary (sunnah) acts of worship in Islam, Salat al-Tahajjud (the night prayer) holds a unique and elevated status. It is widely regarded as a powerful spiritual practice that brings peace to the heart, draws one closer to Allah, opens the doors to sustenance, and becomes a means of divine forgiveness.

As a financial institution grounded in Islamic values, we wholeheartedly support initiatives that enrich the spiritual dimension of life. Embracing Tahajjud is one of the most meaningful ways for Muslims to cultivate a balanced life, one that harmonizes worldly goals with preparation for the hereafter.

What is Tahajjud and Its Ruling in Islam?

Tahajjud is a voluntary night prayer performed after a person has briefly slept. This is what sets it apart from other nighttime prayers such as Tarawih or Witr, which can be performed right after the Isha prayer without the condition of sleep.

The ruling of Tahajjud is that it is a highly recommended sunnah (sunnah mu’akkadah). Prophet Muhammad ﷺ never neglected this prayer, emphasizing its significance in the life of a practicing Muslim.

Allah ﷻ mentions in the Qur’an:

وَمِنَ اللَّيْلِ فَتَهَجَّدْ بِهِ نَافِلَةً لَكَ عَسَى أَنْ يَبْعَثَكَ رَبُّكَ مَقَامًا مَحْمُودًا

“And during a part of the night, pray Tahajjud beyond what is incumbent on you; maybe your Lord will raise you to a praised position.” (Surah Al-Isra, 17:79)

This verse highlights the elevated spiritual rank that can be attained through consistent practice of Tahajjud.

The Best Time to Pray Tahajjud

Although Tahajjud can technically be performed any time after Isha until Fajr, the most preferred and spiritually rewarding time is during the final third of the night. It is during these sacred hours that Allah ﷻ descends to the lowest heaven and readily accepts the prayers and supplications of His servants.

Here's a general breakdown of the night:

First third of the night: After Isha until around 10:00 PM
Second third: 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Final third: 1:00 AM until Fajr — This is the most blessed time to offer Tahajjud

How to Perform Tahajjud Prayer

Tahajjud can be performed in a minimum of two rak‘ahs (units of prayer) and can be extended without a specific maximum. However, it is recommended to keep the total count in odd numbers—such as 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10—followed by Witr prayer.

Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Tahajjud:

Intention (Niyyah)

Begin with a sincere intention in your heart:

أُصَلِّيْ سُنَّةَ التَهَجُّدِ رَكْعَتَيْنِ لِلّٰهِ تَعَالَى

Ushallî sunnatat tahajjudi rak‘ataini lillâhi ta‘âlâ.
"I intend to pray two rak‘ahs of Tahajjud for the sake of Allah."

Prayer Movements and Recitations

Tahajjud follows the same format as other prayers:

Begin with Takbiratul Ihram by saying "Allahu Akbar"
Optional: Recite the Opening Supplication (Dua Iftitah)
Recite Surah Al-Fatihah in each rak‘ah
Follow with any other chapter from the Qur’an (longer surahs are encouraged, but shorter ones like Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, or An-Nas are also acceptable)
Complete each rak‘ah with the usual movements: Ruku‘, Sujud, Tashahhud, and ending with Salam.

Supplication After Tahajjud

After completing the prayer, take time for personal supplication (dua) and remembrance (dhikr). One of the most beautiful duas narrated in Sahih Bukhari and Muslim that the Prophet ﷺ used to recite is:

اَللهم رَبَّنَا لَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ قَيِّمُ السَّمَوَاتِ وَاْلأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيْهِنَّ. وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ مَلِكُ السَّمَوَاتِ واْلأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيْهِنَّ. وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ نُوْرُ السَّمَوَاتِ وَاْلأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيْهِنَّ. وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ الْحَقُّ، وَوَعْدُكَ الْحَقُّ، وَلِقَاءُكَ حَقٌّ، وَقَوْلُكَ حَقٌّ، وَالْجَنَّةُ حَقٌّ، وَالنَّارُ حَقٌّ، وَالنَّبِيُّوْنَ حَقٌّ، وَمُحَمَّدٌ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ حَقٌّ، وَالسَّاعَةُ حَقٌّ. اَللهم لَكَ أَسْلَمْتُ، وَبِكَ آمَنْتُ، وَعَلَيْكَ تَوَكَّلْتُ، وَإِلَيْكَ أَنَبْتُ، وَبِكَ خَاصَمْتُ، وَإِلَيْكَ حَاكَمْتُ، فَاغْفِرْ لِيْ مَا قَدَّمْتُ وَمَا أَخَّرْتُ وَمَا أَسْرَرْتُ وَمَا أَعْلَنْتُ وَمَا أَنْتَ أَعْلَمُ بِهِ مِنِّي. أَنْتَ الْمُقَدِّمُ وَأَنْتَ الْمُؤَخِّرُ لآ اِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ. وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللهِ

Allâhumma rabbanâ lakal hamdu. Anta qayyimus samâwâti wal ardhi wa man fî hinna. Wa lakal hamdu anta mâlikus samâwâti wal ardhi wa man fî hinna. Wa lakal hamdu anta nûrus samâwâti wal ardhi wa man fî hinna. Wa lakal hamdu antal haqq. Wa wa‘dukal haqq. Wa liqâ’uka haqq. Wa qauluka haqq. Wal jannatu haqq. Wan nâru haqq. Wan nabiyyûna haqq. Wa Muhammadun shallallâhu alaihi wasallama haqq. Was sâ‘atu haqq. Allâhumma laka aslamtu. Wa bika âmantu. Wa ‘alaika tawakkaltu. Wa ilaika anabtu. Wa bika khâshamtu. Wa ilaika hâkamtu. Fagfirlî mâ qaddamtu, wa mâ akhkhartu, wa mâ asrartu, wa mâ a‘lantu, wa mâ anta a‘lamu bihi minnî. Antal muqaddimu wa antal mu’akhkhiru. Lâ ilâha illâ anta. Wa lâ haula, wa lâ quwwata illâ billâh.
“O Allah, to You belongs all praise. You are the Sustainer of the heavens and the earth and all that is within them. To You belongs all praise. You are the Sovereign of the heavens and the earth. To You belongs all praise. You are the Light of the heavens and the earth. You are the Truth; Your promise is true; the meeting with You is true; Your word is true; Paradise is true; Hell is true; the Prophets are true; Muhammad ﷺ is true; and the Hour is true. O Allah, to You I submit, in You I believe, upon You I rely, to You I turn in repentance, and by You I argue my case. Forgive me for my past and future sins, what I have hidden and what I have made public. You are the One who brings forward and the One who delays. There is no god but You. There is no power or might except with Allah.”

You may also include personal prayers related to your needs—worldly or spiritual.

Virtues and Benefits of Tahajjud Prayer

Consistently practicing Tahajjud brings a wealth of spiritual, emotional, and even physical benefits:

A Time When Prayers Are Answered: The last third of the night is one of the most powerful times to make dua, when Allah ﷻ promises to respond to His servants.
Forgiveness of Sins: Tahajjud serves as a means of seeking Allah’s mercy for past transgressions and strengthening resolve to avoid future ones.
Elevated Spiritual Status: Those who regularly observe Tahajjud are promised a special rank in the sight of Allah.
Better Physical and Mental Health: Waking up in the stillness of night and moving through prayer can contribute to calmness, better oxygen intake, reduced stress, and overall well-being.
Inner Peace and Tranquility: Night prayers help cleanse the heart and bring clarity of thought, allowing one to face daily challenges with serenity.
Increased Barakah in Sustenance: Many believers testify that consistent night prayer has brought unexpected blessings in the form of health, harmonious family life, and ease in affairs.

Reap the Blessings of Tahajjud

Tahajjud is more than a recommended act of worship, it’s a gateway to deeper faith, emotional clarity, and divine favor. By learning how to perform it and committing to its practice, every Muslim can experience the transformative power of praying in the quietest, most intimate hours of the night.

Let us all make the effort to wake up for Tahajjud, even if just two rak‘ahs at a time. May Allah ﷻ bless our nights with His mercy and fill our lives with His light and guidance. Ameen.