Click here to read about Tahajjud in Urdu/Hindi
Do kings allow commoners to meet them personally any time they want? Of course not. So, when you see someone frequently visit a king, you know they’re special.
This is why those who pray Tahajjud namaz aren’t ordinary people. They get to meet the King of Kings, Almighty Allah personally, without anyone’s interference.
They talk to the Almighty, tell Him their problems, seek His forgiveness, and build a strong bond with Him that helps them in this world and the hereafter.
Thankfully, any Muslim can do this.
If you want to become a special servant of Allah SWT, learn how to pray Tahajjud prayers, especially during the month of Ramadan.
In this detailed guide, I’ll tell you everything I know about Tahajjud namaz, how it changed my life, and how you can make a habit of offering it to get closer to Allah SWT.
Let’s get started.
Here’s a detailed Urdu lecture about Tahajjud
Speaker: Hazrat Mufti Abdur Rauf Sakharvi Sahab Db
Topic: Namaz e Tahajjud Ki Fazeelat aur Bay Hisab Jannat Main Janay Walay Log
What Is Tahajjud Prayer?
Tahajjud is an optional (nafl) prayer offered in the middle of the night. Although it is not mandatory (fardh), it is one of the best ways to get closer to Allah SWT.
This is why our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ always offered Tahajjud prayers and encouraged his family, companions, and Muslims, in general, to pray Tahajjud.
Tahajjud prayers allow you to connect with Allah SWT in seclusion. When you offer it in the middle of the night, there’s no one to see you except your lord. This is why it is also the best time to make dua for all your matters related to Deen and Dunya.
Syeda Ayesha رضي الله عنها , the mother of the believers, is quoted by many scholars saying, “Whoever wants closeness to Allah SWT and attain high ranks in Akhirah, must hold tight to the night prayer (Tahajjud).”
How To Pray Tahajjud Prayer | Step-by-Step Guide
Tahajjud namaz is offered like any other nafil prayer. There’s no specific method for offering tahajjud. It has the same components as any other nafl prayer.
So, once you intend to offer Tahajjud, do the following.
- Make Wuzu (ablution)
- Pick a clean place to offer Tahajjud
- Stand facing the Qibla direction
Let me describe the remaining steps in the following sections.
What Is Tahajjud Niyat In English And Arabic?
Niyat is the foundation of namaz. It means making a conscious intention to offer prayers. But there are no specific words for niyat.
So, when praying tahajjud, you can simply say
“O Allah Imake the niyat of offering 2 rakat tahajjud prayers to seek your pleasure”
You can say this in any language like Arabic, English, Urdu, or whatever language you speak.
In fact, you don’t even need to say this aloud. Simply make the intention in your heart, and that is enough because Allah SWT knows what you’re doing.
How Many Rakats In Tahajjud Prayer?
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to offer Tahajjud prayers in sets of 2 rakats.
عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ، قَالَ كَانَ النَّبِيُّ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ يُصَلِّي بِاللَّيْلِ رَكْعَتَيْنِ رَكْعَتَيْنِ
Translation: It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) used to pray the night prayer two Rak’ah by two Rak’ah.” [Muslim]
The Prophet’s ﷺ usual practice was to offer 8 rakats Tahajjud and 3 rakats Witr. However, towards the later part of his life, he used to offer 4 rakats tahajjud.
But since it’s an optional prayer, scholars say you can pray even two rakat in Tahjjud. But the better practice is to pray at least four.
Tahajjud Prayer Method
Let’s quickly look at the step-by-step method of Tahajjud namaz.
Step 1: Make Wudu (ablution)
Step 2: Make niyat for 2 rakat Tahajjud namaz for the sake of Allah SWT. You can also make the niyat for Salat ul Tauba and Salat ul Hajat in the same rakat.
Step 3: Start the Tahajjud namaz by saying Takbir e Tehreema (Allahu Akbar)
Step 4: Read Thana (Subhanaka Allahumma Wabi Hamdika, Watabara kasmuka, Wata Ala Jadduka, Wala Ilaha Ghairuk)
Step 5: Now say Auzubillah and Bismillah
Step 6: Recite Surah Fatiha
Step 7: Recite some portion of the quran (any surah)
Step 8: Say Allahu Akbar to go in Ruku
Step 9: Say Tasbeeh (Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem) 3,5 or 7 seven times.
Step 10: Stand up from Ruku, saying “Sami Allahu Liman Hamida”, “Rabbana Lakal Hamd”
Step 11: Now say Allahu Akbar to go in Sajdah
Step 12: Recite tasbeeh in Sjadah (Subhana Rabbiyal Aala) 3, 5 or 7 seven times.
Step 13: Sit in Jalsa position between the two sajdahs.
Step 14: Say tasbeeh “Allahummagh firli, war hamni, wah dini, warzuqni”
Step 15: Say Allahu Akbar to go in the second Sajda and repeat the tasbeeh from the first Sajdah. You can also recite Arabic duas in Sajdah.
Step 16: Now say Allahu Akbar to stand up for the second Rakat.
Step 17: Repeat the steps from no. 5 to 15 (but don’t read Auzubillah at the start of the second Rakat).
Step 18: After completing the second Rakat, say Allahu Akbar to sit in Tashahud
Step 19: Now recite Attahiyyat “Attahiyyatu Lillahi Wassawla watu Wat Tayyibatu Assalamualaika Ayyuhan Nabiyyu Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu, Assalamu Alaina Wa Ala Ibadillahis Sawliheen”
Step 20: Then raise the index finger of your right hand saying “Asshhadu Alla Ilaha Ilallah”. Now drop your index finger and say “Wa Asshhadu Anna Muhammadan Abduhu Wa Rasooluh”
Step 21: Now recite Durood Sharif
Step 22: Now recite any dua from hadith. For example “Rabbi Ja’alni Muqeemas Sawlati Wa Min Zurriyyati Rabbana Wataqabbal Dua, Rabbanaghfirli Wali Waalidayya Walil Mumineena Yauma Yaqoomul Hisaab”
Step 23: Now turn your head to the right with eye on your shoulder and say “Assalamualaikum Wa Rahmatullah”
Step 24: Now turn your head to the left with eyes on your shoulder saying, “Assalamualaikum Wa Rahmatullah”
Alhamdulillah you have completed 2 rakat of your Tahajjud prayer. Now repeat the same process to offer as many rakats as you want
Which Surahs To Recite In Tahajjud
The Prophet ﷺ used to pray long rakats of Tahajjud and recited large portions of the Quran. So, while there are no specific surahs to recite in Tahjjud, most scholars say you should recite the longest surahs that you remember.
Apart from Tahajjud namaz, the time of tahajjud is also perfect for reciting the Holy Quran. Again, there’s no specific surah to recite. Instead, you should read the Quran in sequence and try to recite it for at least 15 minutes every day during Tahajjud time.
Duas For Tahajjud Prayers In English
Tahajjud is the time when Duas are accepted, and wishes are granted because Allah SWT showers his special mercy on those who sacrifice their sleep to bow to him.
So, whether you’re struggling to quit an addiction, want to pay off your debts, or worried about your children’s marriage, rizq, health, or any other matter related to this world or the hereafter, Tahajjud is the best time to do it.
Again, pray in your own words and talk to Allah SWT, as he knows everything in our hearts. Cry and wail before him, accept your shortcomings, and ask His forgiveness.
Best Tahajjud Dua To Recite
When the Prophet used to get up for Tahajjud, he said the following prayer.
”اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ قَيِّمُ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيهِنَّ وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ، لَكَ مُلْكُ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيهِنَّ، وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ نُورُ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ، وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ الْحَقُّ، وَوَعْدُكَ الْحَقُّ، وَلِقَاؤُكَ حَقٌّ، وَقَوْلُكَ حَقٌّ، وَالْجَنَّةُ حَقٌّ، وَالنَّارُ حَقٌّ، وَالنَّبِيُّونَ حَقٌّ، وَمُحَمَّدٌ صلى الله عليه وسلم حَقٌّ، وَالسَّاعَةُ حَقٌّ، اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ أَسْلَمْتُ، وَبِكَ آمَنْتُ وَعَلَيْكَ تَوَكَّلْتُ، وَإِلَيْكَ أَنَبْتُ، وَبِكَ خَاصَمْتُ، وَإِلَيْكَ حَاكَمْتُ، فَاغْفِرْ لِي مَا قَدَّمْتُ وَمَا أَخَّرْتُ، وَمَا أَسْرَرْتُ وَمَا أَعْلَنْتُ، أَنْتَ الْمُقَدِّمُ وَأَنْتَ الْمُؤَخِّرُ، لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ ـ أَوْ لاَ إِلَهَ غَيْرُكَ
(Source)
O Allah! 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. All 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 is true, And the Day of Resurrection is true. O Allah ! 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 . Sufyan said that `Abdul Karim Abu Umaiya added to the above, ‘Wala haula Wala quwata illa billah’ (There is neither might nor power except with Allah).
In addition, here are a few duas from Hadith and reported by several Sahaba that you can read while making Dua in Tahajjud.
اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ رَبِّى لاَ إِلهَ إِلاَ أَنْتَ ، خَلَقْتَنِى وَ أنَا عَبْدُكَ وَ أنَا عَلَى عَهْدِكَ ما اسْتَطَعْتُ ، أعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِ مَا صَنَعْت ، أَبُوءُ لَكَ بِنِعْمَتِكَ عَلَىَّ وَ أبُوءُ بِذَنْبى فَاغْفِرْ لِى فإِنَّهُ لاَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ
Translation: O Allah! You are my Lord! None has the right to be worshipped but You. You created me, and I am Your slave, and I am faithful to my covenant and my promise as much as I can. I seek refuge with You from all the evil I have done. I acknowledge before You all the blessings You have bestowed upon me, and I confess to You all my sins. So I entreat You to forgive my sins, for nobody can forgive sins except You.
أَللّٰهُمَّ اِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّىْ
O Allah you’re merciful, you love to forgive, please forgive me.
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَافِيَةَ
O Allah I ask for Aafiyah (every goodness in this world and the hereafter).
اَللّٰهُمَّ إِنِّىْ أَسْئَلُكَ حُبَّكَ وَ حُبَّ مَنْ يُّحِبُّكَ وَ الْعَمَلَ الَّذِىْ يُبَلِّغُنِىْ حُبَّكَ
O Allah I ask for your love, and the love of those who love you, and the actions that take me closer to your love.
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا وَعَمَلاً مُتَقَبَّلاً
O Allah give me useful knowledge, pure rizq, and deeds that are accepted.
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ، وَالْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَالْجُبْنِ وَالْبُخْلِ، وَضَلَعِ الدَّيْنِ، وَغَلَبَةِ الرِّجَالِ ”
“O Allah! I seek refuge with You from worry and grief, from incapacity and laziness, from cowardice and miserliness, from being heavily in debt and from being overpowered by (other) men.”
Tahajjud Benefits In Quran & Hadith
The Quran and Hadith are filled with the merits of tahajjud prayer and describe it as the way of the rightly guided Mumineen.
Allah SWT mentions in the Holy Quran in Surah Al-Asra
وَمِنَ اللَّيْلِ فَتَهَجَّدْ بِهِ نَافِلَةً لَّكَ عَسَى أَن يَبْعَثَكَ رَبُّكَ مَقَامًا مَّحْمُودًا
Translation: And rise at ˹the last˺ part of the night, offering additional prayers (tahajjud), so your Lord may raise you to a station of praise.
Allah SWT speaks directly to the Holy Prophet in Surah Muzzammil ﷺ
يَا أَيُّهَا الْمُزَّمِّلُ (١)قُمِ اللَّيْلَ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا (٢)نِصْفَهُ أَوِ انْقُصْ مِنْهُ قَلِيلًا (٣)أَوْ زِدْ عَلَيْهِ وَرَتِّلِ الْقُرْآنَ تَرْتِيلًا (٤)
Translation: O you (Muhammadﷺ ) wrapped ˹in your clothes (1) Stand all night ˹in prayer (tahajjud) except a little (2) ˹pray˺ half the night, or a little less, (3) or a little more—and recite the Quran ˹properly˺ in a measured way. (4)
Rasulullah ﷺ is quoted by Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه
أَفْضَلُ اَلصَّلَاةِ بَعْدَ اَلْفَرِيضَةِ صَلَاةُ اَللَّيْلِ
Translation: “The most excellent prayer after that which is obligatory is the (voluntary) late night prayer.” [Muslim]
Many scholars have mentioned the following benefits of Tahajjud namaz
Tahajjud Benefit #1: Increases The Love Of Allah SWT
Tahajjud is among the best ways to increase the love of Allah SWT, the secret to all the blessings in this dunya and the hereafter.
Those who pray tahajjud regularly get the chance to connect with Allah SWT alone. This builds a strong connection and helps them stay conscious of Allah SWT in their everyday life.
Tahajjud Benefit #2: Acceptance Of Dua
Tahajjud is the best time get your prayers answered because you’re alone with the Kings of Kings. This is why scholars and the pious people from this Ummah have always used Tahajjud to solve their problems by making dua.
Tahajjud Benefit #3: Spiritual Progress
Tahajjud accelerates spiritual progress and helps you attain taqwa. By helping your soul connect with Allah SWT, tahajjud makes you conscious of Allah’s commands and gives you the spiritual strength to fight your unlawful desires and sinful surroundings.
Tahajjud Benefit #4: Elite Company
Praying tahajjud regularly puts you in the elite company of Prophets, Sahaba, Auliya, and scholars. Anyone can pray tahajjud but only the ones Allah SWT wants wake up at night to offer this blessed prayer.
How Tahajjud Changed My Life Of Stress And Sins
Like most people these days, I was always occupied with worldly thoughts, comparing myself with my friends and trying to be better than them at everything.
Shaytan and nafs had completely controlled me and I was just following their orders.
But deep down I knew I was on the wrong path and begged Allah SWT to give me the strength to follow the right path.
Alhamdulillah, I got the tawfeeq to offer tahajjud for a few days and literally changed my life.
Praying in tahajjud and crying in front of Allah SWT, accepting my shortcomings, and seeking His help, gave me immense spiritual power.
Suddenly, I was no longer attracted to the lusts of this dunya. And even when I was, my soul had the spiritual power to combat those desires.
Since then, tahajjud has become a regular part of my life. It has rescued me from drowning in the sea of hopelessness and depression and showed me the path of sukoon and contentment.
What Time Is Tahajjud (Start And End)?
Tahajjud time starts immediately after the Isha prayers and remains until Subah Sadiq (just before Fajr time starts). So, once you pray Isha, you can offer tahajjud any time until Fajr Namaz.
What Is The Best Time For Tahajjud Prayer?
Although you can pray tahajjud any time after isha, the best time for tahajjud is in the last quarter of the night (an hour before Fajr time starts).
This is the time when Prophet ﷺ used to get up for tahajjud and pray until just before Fajr.
Someone asked Syeda Aisha رضي الله عنها about when the Prophet used to offer Tahajjud, she replied:
قَالَ سَأَلْتُ عَائِشَةَ ـ رضى الله عنها ـ كَيْفَ صَلاَةُ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم بِاللَّيْلِ قَالَتْ كَانَ يَنَامُ أَوَّلَهُ وَيَقُومُ آخِرَهُ، فَيُصَلِّي ثُمَّ يَرْجِعُ إِلَى فِرَاشِهِ، فَإِذَا أَذَّنَ الْمُؤَذِّنُ وَثَبَ، فَإِنْ كَانَ بِهِ حَاجَةٌ اغْتَسَلَ، وَإِلاَّ تَوَضَّأَ وَخَرَجَ.
“He used to sleep early at night, and get up in its last part to pray (tahajjud), and then return to his bed. When the Mu’adh-dhin pronounced the Adhan, he would get up. If he was in need of a bath he would take it; otherwise he would perform ablution and then go out (for the prayer).” [Bukhari]
This time is special because most people are asleep before Fajr, and you can offer Tahajjud namaz in complete seclusion. Allah SWT frequently accepts dua at this time and grants immense rewards to those who sacrifice their sleep to gain his pleasure.
Is It Necessary To Sleep Before Tahajjud?
No, it is not. In fact, sleep has nothing to do with tahajjud. If you routinely stay till late night, you can pray tahajjud before going to sleep. However, since most people sleep after Isha, the general practice is to wake up for tahajjud.
But there’s no relation between sleep and Tahajjud. So, don’t leave this prayer just because you haven’t slept.
Can I Pray Tahajjud And Isha Together?
The best time to pray Tahajjud is just before Fajr time starts. However, it is difficult for many people to wake up so late at night.
So, the easy way to pray tahajjud it with Isha prayers. This is 100% correct, and there’s no problem in doing so.
When you offer Isha fardh and sunnahs, pray 2-4 rakats of Tahajjud before the Witr prayers. This way, you can get the benefit of tahajjud as well.
However, do make the intention to get up in the last part of the night just before Fjar time to get the reward for the best time of tahajjud as well.
How To Pray Tahajjud And Witr?
The Prophet ﷺ used to offer Isha fardh and sunnahs before going to sleep. He then used to get up in the last part of the night to offer Tahajjud prayers and Witr.
This is the best way to go.
But if you fear that you won;’t be able to get up in the last part of the night for tahajjud, offer Witr with Isha because they’re mandatory prayers (Wajib)
Dua To Wake Up For Tahajjud
The beauty of Islam is that it allows a common person to talk directly to Allah SWT in the form of Dua. So, there’s no specific Dua to wake up in hadith or narrated by any companion of the Holy Prophetﷺ .
But you should still make dua to wake up for tahajjud in your own language, in whatever words you want.
“O Allah! I know I’m not worthy of this honor, but please give me the tawfeeq to offer Tahajjud and be among your selected servants. I know I don’t deserve it, but I really need it. Please help me”
See, those are simple words like talking to someone who is merciful and close to you.
Apart from making dua for offering tahajjud, do the following to wake up on time.
- Sleep early – this is most important.
- Set an alarm.
- Make strong intention to waked up in tahajjud.
- Make dua to wake up in tahjjud in your own words
- Recite surah ikhlaas, surah falaq, surah naas, ayat ul kursi, and durood sharif before sleeping.
Insha Allah, if you do this, Allah SWT will give you the honor of praying tahajjud and Fajr namaz.
Motivating Tahjjud Quotes In English
Here are some quotes to motivate you to offer Tahhjud prayers regularly.
- Tahajjud Quote #1: Praying Tahajjud alone in the darkness of the night illuminates your heart and lightens up your grave.
- Tahajjud Quote #2: Some people use the darkness of the night to commit sins and some use it to cry at their sins, stand in qiyam al layl and earn their lord’s pleasure.
- Tahajjud Quote #3: If you don’t forget Allah when you’re alone in this dunya, Allah won’t forget you when alone in your grave and akhirah.
- Tahajjud Quote #4: Allah only lets his most beloved people meet him alone in Tahajjud. Be one of them.
- Tahajjud Quote #5: Those who taste the sweetness of weeping in Tahajjud are never drawn to the temporary lusts of the nafs
- Tahajjud Quote #6: A Muslim is the closest to Allah in the state of Sajdah.
- Tahajjud Quote #7: Dua made in Tahajjud is like a guided arrow that never misses its target.
- Tahajjud Quote #8: Settle all your matters and solve all your problems by meeting Allah SWT one on one in Tahajjud.
- Tahajjud Quote #9: Will Allah leave you helpless during the day when you meet him every night?
- Tahajjud Quote #10: Crying in tahajjud and telling Allah your problems is the best remedy for depression, anxiety, and hopelessness.
- Tahajjud Quote #11: Who can hurt you when Allah is your friend?
Are You Ready To Transform Your Life By Offering Tahajjud?
No one can stop you if you have a strong intention to make tahajjud a mandatory part of your life.
Ask Allah SWT to help you and make use of the time we still have in this world. Because as long as we’re alive, we have the opportunity to benefit from these virtuous actions. The moments our eyes close from this world, actions won’t have any benefits.
So the time to take action is now.
If you find this article beneficial, share it with your friends, it’ll be your Sadqa e Jariyah, insha Allah.