How to Pray Tahajjud Prayer Step by Step

Posted inMUSLIM

Performing the Tahajjud Prayer is a sacred act of worship that deepens the spiritual connection between a believer and Allah. Known as one of the most virtuous Sunnah prayers, Tahajjud offers a unique opportunity for reflection, dua, and seeking forgiveness during the calm and peaceful hours of the night.

This detailed guide will walk you through the steps of performing the Tahajjud prayer, its prerequisites, the best time to perform it in Singapore (GMT+8), and practical tips to maximize its spiritual rewards.

How to Pray Tahajjud Prayer Step by Step

A. What is Tahajjud?

  1. Definition:
    • The term “Tahajjud” derives from the Arabic word “hajada,” meaning to wake up after sleeping.
    • It is a voluntary prayer performed after Isyak and a brief sleep.
  2. Difference Between Tahajjud and Qiyamullail:
    • Tahajjud: Requires sleeping beforehand, even briefly.
    • Qiyamullail: Refers to any night worship, including prayers, dhikr, and Quran recitation, without the requirement of prior sleep.
AspectTahajjudQiyamullail
Sleep RequiredYesNo
Type of WorshipSpecific Sunnah PrayerAny act of night worship

B. Importance and Rewards of Tahajjud

  1. Quranic Evidence:
    • Allah says in Surah Al-Isra (17:79):
      “And during the night, wake up and pray, as an extra offering of your own, so that your Lord may raise you to a (highly) praised status.”
  2. Hadith Narrations:
    • The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:
      “Hold fast to Qiyamullail, for it is the practice of the righteous before you. It brings you closer to your Lord, expiates sins, and prevents evil deeds.” (Sunan At-Tirmidhi)
  3. Personal Benefits:
    • Strengthens sincerity as it is done in solitude.
    • Provides an opportunity for heartfelt supplication (dua).
    • Builds a closer relationship with Allah.

C. Preparing for Tahajjud

  1. Timing in Singapore (GMT+8):
    • The ideal time is during the last third of the night, based on local prayer times.
    • Calculate the duration from Isyak to Subuh and divide it into three parts to identify the last third.
Night DurationLast Third Timing
7:45 PM – 5:45 AM2:15 AM – 5:45 AM
8:00 PM – 6:00 AM2:30 AM – 6:00 AM
  1. Physical Preparation:
    • Sleep early to wake up refreshed.
    • Set an alarm or ask someone to wake you up.
    • Perform ablution (wudu) before starting the prayer.
  2. Mental and Spiritual Readiness:
    • Clear your heart and mind from distractions.
    • Make a sincere intention to seek Allah’s pleasure through this prayer.

D. Steps to Perform Tahajjud

  1. Step 1: Make Intention (Niyyah):
    • Intend in your heart to perform the Tahajjud prayer.
  2. Step 2: Start with Takbir:
    • Begin the prayer by raising your hands and saying “Allahu Akbar.”
  3. Step 3: Perform Two Raka’at:
    • In each raka’at:
      • Recite Surah Al-Fatihah.
      • Follow it with any other Surah (e.g., Surah Al-Ikhlas).
      • Complete the Ruku (bowing) and Sujud (prostration).
  4. Step 4: Continue in Sets of Two Raka’at:
    • Repeat the prayer in pairs.
    • No specific limit to the number of raka’at.
Number of Raka’atRecommendation
2 Raka’atMinimum
8 Raka’atCommon Practice
UnlimitedAs desired
  1. Step 5: Make Heartfelt Dua:
    • Use this special time to make dua, asking Allah for guidance, forgiveness, and blessings.
    • It is said that Allah descends to the lowest heaven during the last third of the night, asking:
      “Is there anyone to invoke Me, so that I may respond to the invocation?” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
  2. Step 6: Conclude with Witr Prayer:
    • End the Tahajjud with Witr prayer, performed in odd raka’at (e.g., 1 or 3).

E. Tips to Enhance Tahajjud

  1. Recite the Quran:
    • Recite longer Surahs like Surah Al-Mulk or Surah Al-Waqi’ah for deeper reflection.
  2. Incorporate Dhikr:
    • Engage in remembrance of Allah, such as SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, and Allahu Akbar.
  3. Seek Forgiveness:
    • Emphasize Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) during your dua.
  4. Start Small:
    • Begin with two raka’at and increase gradually as you build the habit.
  5. Maintain Consistency:
    • Perform Tahajjud regularly, even if only briefly.

The Tahajjud Prayer is a remarkable act of devotion that strengthens our bond with Allah and provides unparalleled spiritual benefits. Its timing in the serene last third of the night makes it a powerful opportunity to seek Allah’s mercy, guidance, and blessings. May this guide inspire us to embrace the practice of Tahajjud and integrate it into our lives as a means of attaining Allah’s pleasure and fostering inner peace.