Introduction
Imam al-Shāfiʿī رحمه الله said:
"The Dua made at Tahajjud is like an arrow that does not miss its target."
Tahajjud—the voluntary night prayer—is one of the most beloved acts of worship to Allah. While the world sleeps, those who rise for Tahajjud experience a special, intimate connection with their Creator that transforms their hearts, answers their prayers, and elevates their status.
What is Tahajjud?
Tahajjud (تهجد) is the voluntary night prayer performed after sleeping and before Fajr. It is prayed in sets of two rak'ahs and is considered one of the most virtuous acts of worship in Islam.
Time: After midnight until just before Fajr (the last third of the night is most blessed)
How many rak'ahs: Minimum 2, up to 8 or more (in sets of 2)
Quranic Evidence
1. Allah's Command to the Prophet ﷺ
"And from [part of] the night, pray with it as additional [worship] for you; it is expected that your Lord will resurrect you to a praised station." (Quran 17:79)
2. The Sign of True Believers
"They used to sleep but little of the night. And in the hours before dawn they would ask forgiveness." (Quran 51:17-18)
3. The Characteristic of the Righteous
"Their sides forsake their beds to invoke their Lord in fear and hope, and they spend out of what We have provided them." (Quran 32:16)
4. Allah's Direct Praise
"Is one who is devoutly obedient during periods of the night, prostrating and standing [in prayer], fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the mercy of his Lord, [like one who does not]?" (Quran 39:9)
Authentic Hadith on Tahajjud
1. The Best Prayer After Fardh
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer." (Sahih Muslim, 1163)
2. Allah Descends to the Lowest Heaven
"Our Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven when the last third of the night remains and says: 'Who will call upon Me, that I may answer him? Who will ask of Me, that I may give him? Who will seek My forgiveness, that I may forgive him?'" (Bukhari, 1145 & Muslim, 758)
3. The Honor Bestowed
"You should pray during the night, for it was the practice of the righteous before you. Night prayer brings you closer to your Lord, expiates sins, prevents wrongdoing, and keeps illness from the body." (Tirmidhi, 3549 - Hasan)
4. The Noblest Status
"The most noble position a person can have is to prostrate before Allah in the depths of the night." (Tabarani - Sahih)
The Spiritual Benefits of Tahajjud
1. Direct Connection with Allah
When the world is asleep and distractions fade, your conversation with Allah becomes deeply personal and intimate.
2. Duas Are Answered
This is the golden hour when Allah asks, "Who will call upon Me?" Your supplications at this time carry immense power.
3. Sins Are Forgiven
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever stands in prayer at night seeking reward from Allah, his previous sins will be forgiven." (Bukhari & Muslim)
4. Elevated Status in Jannah
"In Paradise, there are chambers whose outside can be seen from the inside and whose inside can be seen from the outside. Allah has prepared them for those who feed the poor, speak gently, fast regularly, and pray at night when people are asleep." (Ahmad - Sahih)
5. Protection from Shaytan
The Prophet ﷺ said: "When you go to sleep, Shaytan ties three knots at the back of your head... If you wake up and remember Allah, one knot is undone. If you perform wudu, the second knot is undone. If you pray, all knots are undone, and you wake up energetic and in good spirits." (Bukhari, 1142)
6. Inner Peace and Tranquility
Those who pray Tahajjud report feeling a unique peace that stays with them throughout the day.
7. Noor (Light) in the Face
Scholars and righteous predecessors noted that regular Tahajjud worshippers have a visible light in their faces.
The Physical and Mental Benefits
1. Discipline and Self-Control
Waking up when your body craves sleep builds incredible willpower.
2. Improved Focus
The pre-dawn hours are when the mind is clearest and most receptive.
3. Health Benefits
Early rising and light physical activity (wudu, prayer) have proven health benefits.
4. Barakah in Time
Your entire day becomes more productive and blessed.
How to Start Praying Tahajjud
Step 1: Set Your Intention (Niyyah)
Make sincere intention to wake up for Tahajjud seeking Allah's pleasure.
Step 2: Sleep Early
The Prophet ﷺ disliked staying up late without purpose. Sleep after Isha to wake refreshed.
Step 3: Set an Alarm
Calculate the last third of the night (divide time between Maghrib and Fajr by 3).
Step 4: Make Dua Before Sleeping
"O Allah, help me remember You, thank You, and worship You in the best manner."
Step 5: Upon Waking
When you wake, say the dua:
"Alhamdulillahi alladhi ahyana ba'da ma amatana wa ilayhi an-nushur" (All praise is to Allah who gave us life after death and to Him is the resurrection)
Step 6: Perform Wudu
Refresh yourself with wudu.
Step 7: Start Small
Begin with just 2 rak'ahs. Consistency is better than intensity.
Step 8: Pray with Presence
Make your prayer deep and meaningful. Recite longer Surahs. Take your time in ruku and sujood.
Step 9: Make Long Dua
After prayer, pour your heart out to Allah. This is your special time with Him.
What to Recite in Tahajjud
Recommended Surahs:
- Surah Al-Mulk (67)
- Surah Al-Waqi'ah (56)
- Surah Ar-Rahman (55)
- Surah Ya-Sin (36)
- Surah Al-Kahf (18)
- Long passages from Surah Al-Baqarah
The Prophet ﷺ would recite lengthy passages and weep during Tahajjud.
The Dua of Tahajjud
The Prophet ﷺ would say when he woke for Tahajjud:
"O Allah, to You belongs all praise; You are the Light of the heavens and the earth. To You belongs all praise; You are the Sustainer of the heavens and the earth and whoever is in them. To You belongs all praise; You are the Sovereign of the heavens and the earth and whoever is in them." (Bukhari & Muslim)
Tips for Consistency
✅ Start gradually - Don't overwhelm yourself
✅ Sleep after Isha - Avoid late-night distractions
✅ Have an accountability partner - Wake a family member
✅ Remember your goals - Write down what you're making dua for
✅ Don't give up after missing - Shaytan wants you to quit
✅ Make it a habit - It takes 21-40 days to form a habit
✅ Feel the sweetness - Reflect on how it changes your day
What If You Miss It?
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"If one of you sleeps and misses his portion of reciting the Quran at night, let him recite it between Fajr prayer and Dhuhr prayer, and it will be recorded for him as if he recited it at night." (Muslim, 747)
Don't let Shaytan discourage you. Keep trying.
The Reality of Those Who Pray Tahajjud
Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) said:
"The most beloved deeds to me are three: feeding the hungry, consoling the distressed, and standing in prayer at night while people sleep."
Hassan al-Basri (Rahimahullah) said:
"I have not found anything more difficult than standing in the night prayer, and I have not found anything more joyful than standing in the night prayer."
Ibn al-Qayyim (Rahimahullah) said:
"There is a special pleasure in the night prayer that cannot be found anywhere else."
Conclusion
Tahajjud is not just a prayer—it's a spiritual journey, a conversation with the Creator when the world is silent, a weapon against hardship, and a key to Paradise.
Imam al-Shāfiʿī رحمه الله was right: "The Dua made at Tahajjud is like an arrow that does not miss its target."
Tonight, when your alarm rings, remember:
- Allah is calling YOU by name
- Your duas will be answered
- Your sins can be wiped clean
- Your status will be elevated
- Your heart will find peace
Will you answer His call?
🌙 Start Tonight: Set your alarm for the last third of the night. Just 2 rak'ahs. See how it transforms your life.
💚 Share this reminder with someone who needs it!
"The best of prayers is the prayer of Dawud: He would sleep half the night, pray for a third of it, and sleep for a sixth of it." (Bukhari & Muslim)