What is Tahajjud prayer?
 Tahajjud prayer, also known as the night prayer, is a voluntary act of worship that holds immense significance in Islam. It is performed in the last third of the night and is a time when sincere supplications are most likely to be accepted. This special prayer brings a believer closer to Allah, instilling peace, guidance, and divine mercy.

Tahajjud Meaning The word Tahajjud comes from the Arabic root hajada, which means to stay awake or to give up sleep. It refers to the prayer offered after waking up from sleep in the night. It is a highly recommended act of worship in Islam and is regarded as a way to seek closeness to Allah through sincere devotion and supplication.

The Importance of Tahajjud Allah (SWT) mentions the significance of night prayer in the Quran:

“And rise from sleep during the night as well—this is an additional prayer for you. Perhaps your Lord will raise you to a praiseworthy rank.” (Surah Al-Isra 17:79)

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also emphasized the virtue of Tahajjud, stating:

“The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer.” (Sahih Muslim)

Tahajjud is a sign of devotion and an opportunity to seek Allah’s forgiveness, guidance, and blessings.

How to Pray Tahajjud Prayer / Perform Tahajjud 

1. Time of Tahajjud: The best time to perform Tahajjud is during the last third of the night before Fajr.
2. Making Intentions (Niyyah): There is no specific declaration required, but sincerity is essential.
3. Performing Wudu: Purification is necessary before engaging in prayer.
4. Number of Rak’ahs: There is no fixed number of rak’ahs, but it is commonly performed in pairs, with at least two rak’ahs.
5. Recitation in Salah: After Surah Al-Fatiha, any portion of the Quran can be recited.
6. Dua and Supplication: After completing the prayer, make sincere dua and seek Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and blessings.
7. Witr Prayer: It is recommended to conclude Tahajjud with Witr prayer if it has not been performed earlier.

Tahajjud Dua The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to recite a special supplication during the Tahajjud prayer:

اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ قَيِّمُ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيهِنَّ، وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ مَلِكُ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيهِنَّ، وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ نُورُ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيهِنَّ، وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ الْحَقُّ، وَوَعْدُكَ الْحَقُّ، وَقَوْلُكَ الْحَقُّ، وَلِقَاؤُكَ حَقٌّ، وَالْجَنَّةُ حَقٌّ، وَالنَّارُ حَقٌّ، وَالنَّبِيُّونَ حَقٌّ، وَمُحَمَّدٌ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ 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 إِلَهِي لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ

Translation: “O Allah, all praise belongs to You; You are the Sustainer of the heavens and the earth and whatever is in them. All praise belongs to You; You are the Sovereign of the heavens and the earth and whatever is in them. All praise belongs to You; You are the Light of the heavens and the earth and whatever is in them. All praise belongs to You; You are the Truth, and Your promise is true, and Your word is true, and Your meeting is true, and Paradise is true, and Hell is true, and the Prophets are true, and Muhammad (PBUH) is true, and the Hour is true. O Allah, to You have I submitted, and in You have I believed, and upon You have I relied, and to You have I turned, and by You have I disputed, and to You have I turned for judgment. So forgive me for what I have done and what I have yet to do, and what I have concealed and what I have declared. You are my God; there is no god but You.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari & Muslim)

Tahajjud Benefits

• Strengthens the Bond with Allah: Engaging in Tahajjud brings one closer to Allah and deepens faith.
• Inner Peace and Tranquility: It alleviates stress and brings peace to the heart.
• Forgiveness of Sins: Sincere prayers at this time lead to Allah’s forgiveness and mercy.
• Acceptance of Duas: The last third of the night is the most rewarding time for supplication.
• Guidance and Clarity: It helps in making righteous decisions and seeking Allah’s wisdom.
• Spiritual and Mental Strength: It increases patience, self-discipline, and spiritual enlightenment.
• Physical and Emotional Benefits: Waking up at night for prayer instills a sense of purpose, peace, and focus in life.

Conclusion Tahajjud is not just a prayer; it is a means of spiritual elevation and personal growth. Those who consistently perform it experience immense peace and Allah’s countless blessings. By incorporating Tahajjud into our lives, we can strengthen our faith, seek divine mercy, and attain success in both this life and the Hereafter.

May Allah (SWT) grant us the ability to wake up for Tahajjud and experience its countless blessings. Ameen!