Tahajjud, the night prayer, is an act of worship renowned for its high rewards in Islamic practices. This voluntary prayer stands in high regard with spiritual as well as physical benefits, conferred on those who seek deeper ties with Allah and have an overall well-being in their life. 

What is Tahajjud Prayer?

An optional night prayer performed at night time just after the Isha, the obligatory prayer, is known as Tahajjud. It is one of the most ardent practices of purity when a believer prays alone, recites Qur'anic verses, and makes duas to Allah.

Not making it mandatory gave it a special place in Islamic principles. Quran and Hadith emphasize the importance of nearness to Allah and forgiveness along with rewards without measure.

When to Perform Tahajjud Prayer?

Tahajjud is preferably offered towards the end of the night, as close to the last third part of the night as possible. This is a blessed time to get closer to the Creator, as the surroundings are calm and quiet.

Time Frame: After the prayer of Isha till the time of Fajr.

Ideal Time: The last third of the night, when Allah goes down to the lowest heaven and answers the prayers of His servants. To calculate the last third of the night, divide the time between Maghrib and Fajr into three equal parts. The last part of all three is the best period for Tahajjud.

How to Pray Tahajjud Prayer?

There is nothing difficult about praying Tahajjud, and its rewards are high. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Make the Intention: Make sincere intention before sleeping that you will wake up for Tahajjud.

Wake Up: Set an alarm to wake up in the last third of the night.

Perform Ablution: Purification before praying.

Offer two or more rakats: Tahajjud can be prayed in a two rakats unit. You can pray as many rakats as you want.

Read Quran verses and make Dua: Use this time reading Quranic verses, making heartfelt duas, and seeking forgiveness from Allah.

End with Witr prayer: If you haven't prayed Witr after Isha, you can end the Tahajjud with Witr.

Benefits of Tahajjud Prayer in Islam

1. Spiritual Gains

Tahajjud creates such a direct link with Allah that it deepens emotional ties for the person with the Lord. Though sitting for prayer at night, the prayer satisfies and cools the person within. It is a means to attain mercy and forgiveness through Allah with Tahajjud.

2. Mental-health Advantages

The soothing effects of this prayer under dark and silent conditions reduce anxiety. A sharper focus is developed through the recitation of Quranic verses and reflection during submission. Prayers and worship early on in the morning before the hustle and stress of the day usually bring gratitude and positivity.

3. Physical Health Benefits

Waking up for prayer improves sleeping schedules and increases sleep quality. The act of praying involves physical motion, which, along the way, leads to blood circulation and overall body health. 

4. Social Benefits

Tahajjud prayer develops emotional intelligence and humbleness and will affect your relations with others. The practice of Tahajjud will encourage family and friends to adopt this good habit from you.

The Importance of Tahajjud Prayer in Islam

Tahajjud prayer represents a significant milestone of the devotion shown by a Muslim to Allah. It is not one of the obligations, yet its importance derives not only from the Quran but also from the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

In the Quran, Allah says:

(وَأَقُمِ اللَّيْلَ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا . نِصْفَهُ أَوِ انقُصْ مِنْهُ قَلِيلًا. أَوْ زِدْ عَلَيْهِ وَرَتِّلِ الْقُرْآنَ تَرْتِيلًا." (سورة الإسراء:79”

“And during the night, wake up and pray with it as an additional prayer for you; it is expected that your Lord will resurrect you to a praised station.” (Surah Al-Isra: 79)

The prayer of Tahajjud is a prayer of humility and faith, a reliance on Allah at the most serene hours of the night. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged this in the clearest of terms as a means of seeking Allah's mercy and blessing. 

How to Make Time for Tahajjud in a Busy Life?

Finding the timing for acts of worship like Tahajjud in this fast-paced world can get difficult. Tahajjud becomes a habitual thing once you make up your mind and have devotion inside your heart.

One way to start Tahajjud is to sleep early after Isha. Avoid distractions, such as excessive use of gadgets, at bedtime so that you can have enough sleep. Set a simple alarm to wake you up during the last third of the night. You can start with just two rakats but slowly build up your ibadah. Of course, it is not the number of rakats in Tahajjud but the sincerity of heart and devotion. 

“May Allah give us all the hidayah to pray Tahajjud and become close to Him.” (Ameen)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it obligatory to perform Tahajjud?

Tahajjud is not a compulsory prayer but a very highly commended prayer that one may offer if he wishes to draw closer to Allah in blessings. 

2. Can one pray without sleeping for Tahajjud?

One may pray Tahajjud without sleeping before the prayer, but sleeping and waking for this prayer is the superior way of doing this.

3. How many rakats do I have to pray for Tahajjud?

There is no specific number for rakats in Tahajjud. Rather, one may pray 2 or as many rakats as one wishes to offer. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) usually performed 8 rakats in Talhajjud.

4. Can I pray Tahajjud if I have already missed Isha? 

You should offer Tahajjud after the obligatory Isha prayer has been performed.