Tahajjud Prayer- How to pray tahajjud

There are various types of prayers or religious acts in Islam, depending on situation. Some are mandatory like Namaz (Salah) 5 times a day, or Umrah (visiting Khana Ka’aba) which can be done anytime in year, some are yearly like Ramadan, fasting or Hajj which is done once a year but its for those who have not done it before else once Hajj is sufficient for a life if you can afford it as per Sunnah. You can do multiple Hajj if you fulfil the conditions but it is also better to help the people around you because Allah considers all factors when considering your deeds, even the good deeds. Since many prayers or religious acts aren’t time bound, like praying to God, being grateful or doing repentance, many are time bound although they aren’t essential and it is one of them and also among the most favorite for Allah. Some of the reasons is that you have to get up from the sleeping in order to perform this as per sunnah, its not necessary but as its Sunnah, so offering this after sleep is better. This is what makes it special and it is often said that dua (prayers) made after it are often accepted by the Lord.

Tahajjud prayer time

its proper time or it can be offered after anytime of Isha and before Fajr but the best time or the most rewarding time to perform is to offer it in during the last third of night as that time is when most of the mankind or God’s creation is sleeping. As said by our beloved Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:

“Our Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven when the last third of the night remains, and says:
‘Who is calling upon Me, that I may answer him? Who is asking from Me, that I may give him? Who is seeking My forgiveness, that I may forgive him?’“
— Narrated by Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

During this time, there is more peace or silence in the environment, so the one praying or offering it can have more focus and almost free form other distractions.

How to calculate the exact time?

Here’s how:

1. Note the time between Maghrib and Fajr.
2. Divide that time into three equal parts.
3. The final third is the best time for it.

📌 Example:

• Maghrib: 7:30 PM
• Fajr: 4:30 AM
• Total night: 9 hours → Each third = 3 hours
• Last third = 1:30 AM to 4:30 AM

Is Tahajjud 2 rakat sunnah or nafl?

It is a voluntary prayer or nafl means it not obligation, rather an act of utmost devotion.

what exactly is tahajjud?

It a voluntary prayer (Salah) performed often by individuals at night to seek, repentance or make prayers regarding needs, desires, repentance or just seeking the closeness to God.

How to pray tahajjud? Step by Step Guide

The stated timings of this are after Isha and before Fajr. Best time to offer it as mentioned before is the last third of the night. Traditionally, it is called only if you have slept and then you wake up to pray while if you pray before sleeping, it is still nafl qiyam but not technically the prayer.

First Step
Make intention or Niyah for it in your heart silently: “I intend to pray Tahajjud for the sake of Allah.” In Urdu “”میں اللہ کے لیے تہجد کی نماز کا ارادہ رکھتا ہوں۔”

Second Step
You can pray 2 rakats at a time
You can pray as many as you want in pairs (2 rakats at a time), just like any other nafl salah.
Minimum: 2 Rakats
Preferred: 4, 6, or 8 Rakats (in pairs of two)

You have to recite slowly with calm, peace and humility as if you are actually standing in front of Allah.

Making Dua or Prayer

Doing prayers after any Salah is a necessary act of submission, you can pray for any legitimate or halal thing. Usually people pray for wealth, health, happiness, parents or family.

Praying Witr, if not prayed already

Witr is the last prayer of the night. You can pray it after Tahajjud if you haven’t prayed it after Isha.

Example of 2 Rakat Tahajjud

Rakat 1:

• Surah Al-Fatiha
• Another Surah (e.g., Surah Al-Ikhlas)

Rakat 2:

• Surah Al-Fatiha
• Another Surah (e.g., Surah Al-Falaq)

Complete with tashahhud and tasleem.

Recommended Duas for Tahajjud

During sujood and after prayer:

اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي، وَارْحَمْنِي، وَاهْدِنِي، وَعَافِنِي، وَارْزُقْنِي
“O Allah, forgive me, have mercy on me, guide me, grant me health, and provide for me.”

Final Words

Praying or offering Salah is utmost act of devotion specially at the middle of night, hidden from the world shows your sincerity with the religious acts. It shows that you are actually submissive to Allah and consider him the ultimate decision maker of thy life. Allah descends in the last third of the night and asks:
“Is there anyone asking so I may give? Anyone seeking forgiveness so I may forgive?” (Sahih Muslim)
May God accepts all our prayers and religious acts and bless us with whatever we desire. Aameen. For more knowledge or courses regarding Islam or Quran, do visit our website at Ayrah Academy! Thankyou, stay blessed!