Tahajjud prayer holds a significant place in the lives of Muslims. It is a voluntary prayer offered during the night, after the Isha prayer and before the Fajr prayer. Known for its powerful spiritual benefits, performing the Tahajjud prayer can bring tranquility, forgiveness, and closeness to Allah. At Madrasat El Quran, one of the core teachings revolves around incorporating such practices into daily life to strengthen one’s connection to faith and discipline.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of performing the Tahajjud prayer, its benefits, and the correct timing. Whether you are a beginner or seeking to deepen your understanding, this comprehensive guide will answer your questions about how to perform Tahajjud prayer, how many rakats to pray, what time is best, and more.

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ToggleWhat is Tahajjud Prayer?
Tahajjud prayer is a voluntary, non-obligatory prayer that is offered in the middle of the night. It is not compulsory like the five daily prayers, but it is highly encouraged in Islam. The word “Tahajjud” comes from the Arabic root “hajada,” meaning to stay awake. The prayer is designed to be performed when a person wakes up from their sleep during the night, typically in the last one-third of the night.
The significance of the Tahajjud prayer is immense. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized its importance, stating that the best time to make supplication to Allah is during the night, especially when the rest of the world is asleep. It is a time of spiritual reflection, self-purification, and connection with Allah, free from distractions.
Many Muslims seek to establish a consistent habit of performing the Tahajjud prayer to strengthen their relationship with Allah, seek forgiveness, and invoke His mercy.
How to Perform Tahajjud Prayer
The Tahajjud prayer is simple in its structure, but it requires dedication and sincerity. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to perform Tahajjud prayer effectively:
1. Prepare for the Prayer
Before performing the Tahajjud prayer, ensure that you are in a state of physical and spiritual purity. Here’s what you need to do:
- Make Wudu (Ablution): Just like with other prayers, ensure that you are in a state of physical purity. Perform wudu (ablution) if necessary.
- Set an Intention (Niyyah): Have a clear intention in your heart that you are performing the prayer for the sake of Allah. Your Niyyah (intention) is crucial for any act of worship in Islam.
- Choose a Quiet Place: Find a quiet and peaceful place for your prayer where you will not be disturbed. This allows you to concentrate better on your prayer.
2. Timing the Prayer
One of the most frequently asked questions regarding how to perform Tahajjud prayer is about its timing. The ideal time for performing Tahajjud prayer is during the last third of the night. The time of Tahajjud begins after the Isha prayer and continues until the Fajr (dawn) prayer.
- When to Start: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The night is divided into three parts: the first part, the middle part, and the last part. The best time for Tahajjud prayer is the last part of the night.”
- How to Calculate the Last Third of the Night: To calculate the last third of the night, divide the time from sunset to sunrise into three parts. The last portion is the time during which you should aim to pray Tahajjud.
If you are unsure of the exact time, you can use online prayer time calculators or apps to help determine when the last third of the night occurs in your location.
3. Performing the Two Rakats of Tahajjud
Tahajjud prayer is performed in rakats, with a minimum of two rakats. However, it is common to pray more than two rakats, up to a total of eight or more. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged the Muslims to pray as much as they can in the night, but two rakats is the minimum.
Here’s how to pray the two rakats of Tahajjud:
- Start with Takbir al-Ihram: Begin by saying “Allahu Akbar” to start the prayer.
- Recite Surah Al-Fatiha: After the Takbir, recite Surah Al-Fatiha, followed by any other Surah of your choice (commonly, Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq, or Surah An-Nas).
- Ruku: After the recitation, perform ruku (bowing) and say “Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem” three times.
- Sujood: After standing up from ruku, go into sujood (prostration) and say “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” three times.
- Standing and Performing the Second Rakat: After the first sujood, sit and then rise for the second rakat. Perform the same steps for the second rakat as you did for the first one.
- Tashahhud and Salaam: After completing the two rakats, sit for the final tashahhud (testification of faith). Conclude the prayer by turning your head to the right and left, saying “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” on each side.
If you want to pray more than two rakats, you can continue by performing additional rakats, two by two, ending with the tasleem after the final rakat.
4. Reciting Duas and Asking for Forgiveness
After completing the Tahajjud prayer, it is highly recommended to engage in supplications (duas). The time after Tahajjud is considered one of the most auspicious times for making supplications, as Allah is especially merciful at this time.
You can ask for forgiveness, make dua for yourself, your family, and the Muslim Ummah, and seek Allah’s guidance in all aspects of your life.
How Many Rakats of Tahajjud Should You Pray?
A common question among Muslims is, how many rakats of Tahajjud should be performed? While the minimum number of rakats for Tahajjud is two, it is recommended to pray more if possible.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to pray Tahajjud in sets of two rakats, but there are no fixed limits. It’s common to pray four, six, or even eight rakats. In fact, it is reported that Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said, “The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to pray 11 rakats of night prayer: four rakats, then four rakats, then three rakats.”
It’s important to note that the number of rakats is flexible and should be based on your capacity and devotion. The key is consistency and sincerity in your worship.
What is the Time of Tahajjud?
The ideal time for performing the Tahajjud prayer is during the last third of the night, as mentioned earlier. The time for Tahajjud starts after Isha prayer and ends just before Fajr.
Many people struggle with waking up during the night, but the rewards of Tahajjud are immense. It is said that during the last part of the night, Allah descends to the lowest heaven and asks, “Is there anyone seeking forgiveness, so I may forgive him?” This is a moment of mercy and grace that every Muslim should seek to benefit from.

Conclusion
Performing the Tahajjud prayer is a beautiful way to increase one’s closeness to Allah, seek forgiveness, and purify the soul. Whether you choose to pray two rakats or more, the most important thing is consistency and sincerity in your worship. Through this voluntary prayer, a person can enhance their connection to Allah and strengthen their faith.
At Madrasat El Quran, the encouragement to perform Tahajjud is central to the curriculum. It is through such practices that we aim to build a stronger, more dedicated Muslim community, helping individuals align their actions with their spiritual goals.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can learn how to perform Tahajjud prayer, the best time to offer it, and the benefits that come with this beautiful act of worship. Whether you are just starting or seeking to improve your practice, always remember that consistency, sincerity, and devotion are key.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tahajjud Prayer
Can I Pray Tahajjud Prayer Alone?
Yes, the Tahajjud prayer is typically offered individually. While congregational prayers are important for the five obligatory prayers, Tahajjud is a voluntary prayer that you can perform on your own, at any time during the night, as long as you wake up and make the effort.
Do I Have to Wake Up for Tahajjud?
Yes, to offer Tahajjud prayer, you must wake up during the night, especially during the last third of the night. However, it is not obligatory to pray Tahajjud. If you are unable to wake up, it is still a virtue to try and establish the habit gradually.
What are the Benefits of Tahajjud Prayer?
The benefits of Tahajjud prayer are immense:
- It brings you closer to Allah and strengthens your faith.
- It is a time for asking for forgiveness, making supplications, and seeking Allah’s mercy.
- It provides spiritual peace and tranquility.
- Tahajjud is a means of gaining rewards and blessings from Allah.
- It purifies the heart and strengthens self-discipline.
Can I Recite Any Surah in Tahajjud Prayer?
Yes, after reciting Surah Al-Fatiha, you can recite any Surah from the Quran in the Tahajjud prayer. It is common to recite short Surahs like Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq, and Surah An-Nas, but you can choose any Surah you are comfortable with. The key is to recite it with sincerity and focus.