Tahajjud Prayer: The Night Prayer That Awakens the Soul

Most of us long for peace, yet our hearts stay restless even after endless prayers and efforts.

We wake up burdened, chase comfort in people and things, and still feel spiritually dry and disconnected. The noise of the world silences our souls, and our duas feel unanswered, leaving us yearning for something deeper.

The key to serenity lies in those sacred moments before dawn, in Tahajjud, where souls speak and Allah responds.

Let’s explore what Tahajjud truly is, its time, method, rulings, and the countless blessings it brings.

Meaning of Tahajjud

The word Tahajjud comes from the Arabic root hajada, meaning to stay awake after sleep. It refers to a voluntary night prayer performed after sleeping for a portion of the night. This act of worship is a symbol of dedication and love for Allah, one that reflects the believer’s deep desire to connect beyond obligation.

What Is Tahajjud Prayer?

In the silence of the night, when the world rests and distractions fade, Allah opens a special door for those who truly seek Him. This sacred time is known as Tahajjud, the prayer of the night, a hidden moment of connection between the Creator and His servant.

Unlike any other worship, Tahajjud prayer brings peace to the heart, clarity to the mind, and forgiveness to the soul. It’s a time when whispered duas travel directly to the heavens and when sincerity shines brighter than the moonlight itself.

Importance of Tahajjud in Qur’an and Sunnah

Allah (SWT) highlights the excellence of this prayer in the Qur’an:

“They arise from their beds; they supplicate their Lord in fear and hope, and they spend from what We have provided them.”

(Surah As-Sajdah 32:16)

Another verse describes the unique reward for this act:

“And during the night, wake up and pray Tahajjud, as an additional prayer for you; perhaps your Lord will raise you to a praised station.”

(Surah Al-Isra 17:79)

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) consistently prayed Tahajjud and encouraged his companions to do the same. 

He (ﷺ) said:

“The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer.”

(Sahih Muslim)

Thus, the Tahajjud prayer is one of the most beloved voluntary acts in Islam, a gift for those who wish to draw near to their Lord.

Is Tahajjud Obligatory or Sunnah?

No, Tahajjud is not an obligatory (fard) salah, but an important pillar of Islam. It is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah, a highly recommended act of worship. The Prophet (ﷺ) performed it regularly and praised those who do, but he never made it compulsory. However, neglecting it completely despite the ability to pray is considered a missed opportunity for immense reward.

For those seeking Allah’s closeness, Tahajjud prayer is a mark of sincerity and love, not duty. It is an invitation, not an obligation, to stand in His presence when most are asleep.

Tahajjud Prayer Time

The Tahajjud prayer time starts after the Isha prayer and lasts until the break of dawn (Fajr).

The best time for Tahajjud is the last third of the night, when the world is quiet and hearts are most humble.

During this time, Allah (SWT) descends to the lowest heaven and says:

“Is there anyone asking so I may give? Is there anyone seeking forgiveness so I may forgive?”

(Sahih Muslim)

This is the best time to perform Tahajjud, a period marked by divine mercy and the acceptance of supplication.

Correct Time to Pray Tahajjud

To find the correct time of Tahajjud, divide the night between Maghrib and Fajr into three parts.

The final third, just before the azan for Tahajjud (Fajr), is the best time to read Tahajjud and make heartfelt duas.

How to Pray Tahajjud

The best way to perform Tahajjud is with simplicity and sincerity.

• Make intention (niyyah): Intend to pray for the sake of Allah.
• Perform ablution (wudu): Stay in a state of purity.
• Find a quiet place: Pray in solitude and focus on your connection with Allah.
• Pray at least two rakʿahs: The minimum is two units of Tahajjud prayer rakat, though the Prophet (ﷺ) often prayed eight or more.
• End with Witr: It is Sunnah to conclude night prayers with the Witr prayer.

There is no fixed best surah to read in Tahajjud, but the Prophet (ﷺ) would recite long chapters, reflecting deeply. You can recite Surah Al-Mulk, Surah As-Sajdah, or Surah Al-Ikhlas, or whichever Surah brings you reflection and closeness to Allah.

Dua After Tahajjud Prayer

After completing the prayer, lift your hands and speak to your Lord. The dua after Tahajjud prayer holds special power because it is made in the most blessed time.

The best dua for Tahajjud prayer is one made from the heart, asking Allah for forgiveness, guidance, ease, or gratitude.

Some also recite the best dua after Tahajjud, taught by the Prophet (ﷺ):

“O Allah, all praise is due to You; You are the Light of the heavens and the earth… O Allah, forgive me, accept my repentance, and guide my heart.”

(Sahih Bukhari)

At this hour, Allah listens and responds, so pour your soul into your after Tahajjud dua with faith and humility.

Difference Between Qiyam al-Layl and Tahajjud

Many wonder about the difference between Qiyam al-Layl and Tahajjud.

Qiyam al-Layl literally means “standing during the night” and includes any form of night worship,  such as reciting Qur’an, making dhikr, or praying before sleep.

Tahajjud, however, is more specific; it is prayed after sleeping for a portion of the night and then waking up again.

Thus, every Tahajjud is Qiyam al-Layl, but not every Qiyam al-Layl is Tahajjud. Both hold immense virtue, but Tahajjud carries an extra degree of sincerity because it involves rising from rest solely for the sake of Allah.

Benefits of Tahajjud

The blessings of Tahajjud prayer are not limited to the moments of worship alone. They overflow into every part of life, shaping the believer’s body, mind, and soul. From bringing calm in chaos to earning eternal peace in the Hereafter, Tahajjud is a source of light in every realm.

Worldly Benefits of Tahajjud

The blessings of Tahajjud extend far beyond the prayer mat. Its worldly benefits touch the believer’s emotional, physical, and mental well-being.

• Improved focus and clarity: The peaceful solitude of night salah sharpens the mind and reduces stress.
• Emotional healing: Speaking to Allah during times of distress brings comfort and release from anxiety.
• Productivity and balance: Waking early for Tahajjud builds discipline and helps manage one’s day with calm purpose.
• Answered prayers: Many believers witness their heartfelt duas made at Tahajjud time being answered in beautiful ways.
• Strength in trials: It fills the heart with resilience and hope, making life’s burdens lighter.

Tahajjud offers serenity that no worldly remedy can match, a secret strength known only to those who taste its sweetness.

Spiritual Benefits of Tahajjud

Spiritually, Tahajjud is like a mirror for the heart. It cleanses, strengthens, and illuminates the soul.

• Deepens connection with Allah: It’s the most intimate conversation with the Divine, uniting heart and mind in remembrance.
• Purifies intentions: It realigns the believer’s focus from worldly distractions to divine purpose.
• Increases taqwa (God-consciousness): Standing before Allah in solitude fosters humility, sincerity, and accountability.
• Revives inner peace: The stillness of the night allows reflection and spiritual healing, washing away sins and regret.
• Brings divine light: The Prophet (ﷺ) said that those who pray at night will have light on their faces and hearts during the day.

Tahajjud transforms worship from duty into devotion, a prayer of love performed solely for Allah’s pleasure.

Rewards of Tahajjud in the Hereafter

Beyond its worldly and spiritual rewards, the Hereafter benefits of Tahajjud are eternal and profound.

• High ranks in Paradise: Allah promises those who perform it a “praised station”, a place of honor and closeness to Him.
• Forgiveness of sins: Every prostration in Tahajjud wipes away past faults and earns divine mercy.
• Recognition on the Day of Judgment: The people of the night will be distinguished for their devotion when others were asleep.
• Peace in the grave: The light of night prayers will illuminate their resting place with tranquility.
• Eternal closeness to Allah: Those who regularly wake for Tahajjud will be among the most beloved servants of the Merciful.

As the Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“Keep up the night prayer, for it was the practice of the righteous before you, a means of nearness to Allah and a protection from sin.”

(Tirmidhi)

Tips to Build the Habit of Tahajjud

• Sleep early and avoid distractions after Isha.
• Set a sincere intention before bed. Even if you wake just before Fajr, your effort counts.
• Start small. Two rakʿahs consistently are better than eight occasionally.
• Ask Allah for help to wake up; your sincerity will be rewarded.
• Avoid heavy meals before sleep and keep your phone away to make waking easier.
• Building the habit takes patience, but once you experience its sweetness, you’ll long for it each night.

Ruling of Tahajjud and Witr Prayer

Both Tahajjud and Witr are night prayers that hold a special place in Islamic worship. While they differ in ruling and timing, each carries deep spiritual value and has been emphasized by the Prophet (ﷺ). Below is a clear breakdown of their rulings, based on Qur’an, Hadith, and scholarly consensus.

Tahajjud Prayer Ruling

The ruling of Tahajjud prayer is that it is Sunnah Mu’akkadah (a highly encouraged Sunnah), not obligatory. It was a compulsory act only for the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) himself, as mentioned in the Qur’an:

“And in the night, pray Tahajjud as an extra prayer for you; perhaps your Lord will raise you to a praised station.”

(Surah Al-Isra 17:79)

For the rest of the Ummah, it remains voluntary but highly recommended. Scholars from all four schools of thought, Hanafi, Shafi‘i, Maliki, and Hanbali, agree that Tahajjud is among the greatest forms of nafl (optional) worship.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“You should pray Qiyam al-Layl, for it is the habit of the righteous before you, a means of nearness to Allah, and a shield from sins.”

(Tirmidhi)

So while Tahajjud is not obligatory, its regular performance reflects a heart that loves Allah deeply and desires His nearness beyond what is required.

Witr Prayer Ruling

The Witr prayer, offered after Isha and before Fajr, has a slightly different ruling depending on the school of thought:

• Hanafi school: Witr is Wājib, a necessary act, below the level of fard but above a sunnah. Deliberately missing it without excuse is blameworthy.
• Shafi‘i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools: Witr is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah, strongly recommended but not obligatory.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“Make Witr your last prayer of the night.”

(Bukhari & Muslim)

This hadith shows its emphasis and importance as the final seal of nightly worship. It is also narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) never left the Witr prayer, whether at home or while traveling.

Relationship Between Tahajjud and Witr

While Witr can be prayed immediately after Isha, it is best to delay it if you plan to wake up for Tahajjud.

The Prophet (ﷺ) advised:

“Whoever fears he will not get up in the last part of the night, let him pray Witr before sleeping. But whoever hopes to get up at the end of the night, let him pray Witr then, for prayer at that time is witnessed (by the angels).”

(Muslim)

Thus, the ideal practice is to pray Tahajjud first, then conclude your night with Witr, sealing your conversation with Allah in beauty and completion.

To wrap up, Tahajjud is not merely a night prayer; it is a journey of love and renewal. It transforms sleepless hours into moments of divine closeness, turning tears into strength and silence into serenity.

The Prophet (ﷺ) called it the best prayer after the obligatory ones, a secret between you and Allah that no one else knows. And praying it is simple, wake up after some sleep, perform wudu, and offer your prayer in pairs of two Rak’ah before ending with Witr.

If you’re seeking peace, forgiveness, or change in your life, the door of Tahajjud is always open. Rise, whisper your dua, and find your heart illuminated in the darkness, for that is where true light begins.

Support Orphans While You Pray

While you rise for Tahajjud seeking mercy, remember those who cannot sleep peacefully, orphans who await your kindness. Supporting an orphanage in Pakistan multiplies your blessings, combining worship with compassion. Your Tahajjud and your charity both open the same door, the door of mercy, both in this world and the next.

Be Their Answered Prayer Tonight

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