The Tahajjud Prayer: A Night of Spiritual Connection
The Tahajjud prayer is a special act of worship in Islam, performed during the quiet hours of the night. It is a non-obligatory (nafl) prayer, yet it holds immense spiritual significance. Known as the prayer of the devout, Tahajjud is an intimate way to connect with Allah, seeking His mercy, guidance, and blessings.
Tahajjud is an Arabic term derived from Hujud, which means to wake up after sleeping, avoid sleep for worship, or remain awake in devotion. In Islamic teachings, Tahajjud refers to a voluntary prayer performed after briefly sleeping, even for a short duration. It is a highly recommended act of worship in Islam and a cherished practice of the Holy Prophet (SAW).
What is Tahajjud?
Tahajjud is a voluntary prayer offered after the obligatory Isha prayer and before the Fajr prayer. It requires waking up during the night specifically for prayer, making it an act of dedication and devotion. The Quran and Hadith emphasize its importance, encouraging believers to make it a regular practice.
Allah says in the Quran:
“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.”
(Surah Al-Isra 17:79)
Significance of Tahajjud
A Time for Forgiveness:
The night is a time of tranquility when distractions are minimal. Performing Tahajjud allows a believer to repent sincerely and seek forgiveness from Allah.The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“Our Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven when one-third of the night remains, saying: ‘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?'”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)Spiritual Elevation:
Tahajjud is a powerful way to strengthen one’s faith, purify the soul, and draw closer to Allah. It offers a chance for self-reflection and expressing gratitude for Allah’s countless blessings.Acceptance of Dua:
The quiet hours of the night are an ideal time to make heartfelt supplications (dua). Tahajjud allows believers to ask Allah for anything, from personal needs to spiritual guidance.Preparation for the Hereafter:
Engaging in night prayers demonstrates a commitment to Allah and prepares the soul for the eternal life in the Hereafter.
Reference of Tahajjud Salat in Quran
The Tahajjud prayer is referenced in the Quran in several verses, emphasizing its importance and virtue
اِنَّ نَاشِئَةَ الَّیْلِ هِیَ اَشَدُّ وَطْاً وَّ اَقْوَمُ قِیْلًا
Truly, rising by night (for prayer of tahajjud) is the most effective way to subdue (one’s base self) and to make speech more upright. (73:6)
كَانُوْا قَلِیْلًا مِّنَ الَّیْلِ مَا یَهْجَعُوْنَ
“They used to sleep little in the night” (51:16)
وَ مِنَ الَّیْلِ فَسَبِّحْهُ وَاِدْبَارَ النُّجُوْمِ
“And, in parts of night too, proclaim His purity, and at the time of setting of the stars”.(52:49)
Tahajjud Timing
The Tahajjud prayer is offered after the obligatory Isha prayer and before the Fajr prayer. It is ideally performed during the last third of the night, a time when supplications are most likely to be accepted.
Hadith References on Tahajjud Time and Virtues:
- The Last Third of the Night is the Best Time:
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:
“Our Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven when one-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?’”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1145, Sahih Muslim 758)
This hadith highlights the spiritual significance of praying Tahajjud during the last third of the night.
- Encouragement to Pray at Night:
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:
“The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer.”
(Sahih Muslim 1163)
This demonstrates the high status of Tahajjud among voluntary prayers.
- Blessings in the Middle of the Night:
Abdullah ibn Amr (RA) narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said:
“The most beloved prayer to Allah is the prayer of Dawood (AS); he used to sleep for half the night, pray for one-third of it, and sleep for a sixth of it.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 3420, Sahih Muslim 1159)
Tahajjud Dua
اٴَللّٰهُمَّ 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، لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ وَ لَا إِلٰهَ غَيْرُكَ
“(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.”
How to perform Tahajjud
The method for performing Salatul Layl is similar to the regular prayers, but the number of Rakaat varies. The minimum number of Rakaat for Tahajjud is two, although it can go up to twelve Rakaat. According to various Hadiths, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) prayed as many as thirteen Rakaat during the night prayer. Tahajjud is offered in pairs of two Rakaat, with a salutation (salam) given after each pair before starting the next.
In addition to the Tahajjud Rakaat, the Prophet (PBUH) also prayed one extra Rakat for Witr after completing the two Rakat of Tahajjud.
Hazrat Ayesha R.A. states that:
‘The Prophet (PBUH) used to offer thirteen Rakaat of the night prayer and that included the Witr and two Rakaat (Sunna) of the Fajr prayer’. (Sahih al-Bukhari 1140)
Hazrat Abdullah Bin Abbas mentions that;
I stood beside the Prophet PBUH. The Messenger of Allah (saw) put his right hand on my neck, and took hold of my right hand, and tweaked it. Then he prayed two Rakahs, then two Rakahs, then two Rakahs, then two Rakahs, then two Rakahs, then two Rakahs, then he prayed witr. Then he lay down until the Mu’adhdhin came to him and he prayed two brief rak’ahs.” (Sunan an-Nasa’i 1620)
Tips for Starting Tahajjud
- Go to bed early to ensure you can wake up rested.
- Set an alarm or ask someone to wake you.
- Start with a few rakats and gradually increase as you grow accustomed.
- Reflect on the rewards of Tahajjud to stay motivated.
Benefits of Tahajjud
There are countless benefits of prayer tahajjud in dunia also in akhira some of are;
- Strengthens one’s relationship with Allah.
- Brings peace and tranquility to the heart.
- Increases faith and humility.
- Enhances focus and discipline in daily life.
- Offers an opportunity for self-reflection and gratitude.
Conclusion
The Tahajjud prayer is a deeply rewarding practice that brings countless spiritual and emotional benefits. It strengthens one’s connection with Allah, purifies the soul, and prepares the heart for the challenges of life. By incorporating Tahajjud into our routine, we not only seek Allah’s blessings and mercy but also nurture a profound sense of peace and purpose.
Wake up for Tahajjud tonight and experience the serenity and closeness to Allah that this beautiful act of worship offers.