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Tahajjud Prayer: Importance, Benefits, How To Perform

If you want to strengthen your spiritual relationship with Allah SWT, embracing the act of Tahajjud Prayer might be the ideal way for you. This voluntary prayer, performed in the last part of the night, is crucial in building your faith.

This post will explore the significance, benefits, and correct procedures for performing Tahajjud prayer. So, keep scrolling slowly, and stay with us for a while!

This prayer offers a unique opportunity to draw closer to Allah (SWT) and experience a profound sense of connection and peace in your heart.

Understanding Tahajjud Prayer

Tahajjud prayer is a voluntary prayer performed after Isha and before Fajr, holding great significance in Islam.

Meaning and Significance

Tahajjud, also known as Qiyam-ul-lail, holds a special place as an essential voluntary night prayer. By performing this prayer, you demonstrate deep spiritual devotion and follow Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) example.

During the quiet night hours, Tahajjud allows you to stand before Allah SWT in complete surrender and supplication. This prayer can bring you closer to the Divine Presence, distancing you from worldly distractions.

Prophet Muhammad PBUH declared it as the most beloved Salah to Allah SWT after the Fard Prayers:

“‏ أَفْضَلُ الصِّيَامِ بَعْدَ رَمَضَانَ شَهْرُ اللَّهِ الْمُحَرَّمُ وَأَفْضَلُ الصَّلاَةِ بَعْدَ الْفَرِيضَةِ صَلاَةُ اللَّيْلِ ‏.‏”

The most excellent fast after Ramadan is God’s month. Al-Muharram and the most excellent prayer after what is prescribed is prayer during the night.

Sahih Muslim 1163a

Tahajjud is performed for its ability to bring peace and brightness into one’s life by aligning believers on a path guided by faithfulness, dedication, repentance, and divine mercy.

References in the Quran

The Quran holds a significant place in Islam, and it provides explicit references to Tahajjud prayer. In Surah Al-Isra (17:79), Allah SWT advises Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to perform the Tahajjud prayer to gain spiritual strength and closeness to Him.

وَمِنَ ٱلَّيْلِ فَتَهَجَّدْ بِهِۦ نَافِلَةًۭ لَّكَ عَسَىٰٓ أَن يَبْعَثَكَ رَبُّكَ مَقَامًۭا مَّحْمُودًۭا ٧٩

And rise at ˹the last˺ part of the night, offering additional prayers, so your Lord may raise you to a station of praise.

Furthermore, Surah As-Sajdah (32:16) portrays those who abandon their beds at night for prayers as seeking forgiveness from their Lord. Due to its immense spiritual benefits, the directives offer insights into how Muslims should prioritize the Tahajjud Prayer.

تَتَجَافَىٰ جُنُوبُهُمْ عَنِ ٱلْمَضَاجِعِ يَدْعُونَ رَبَّهُمْ خَوْفًۭا وَطَمَعًۭا وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَـٰهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ ١٦

They abandon their beds, invoking their Lord with hope and fear, and donate from what We have provided for them.

This is also a way to show sincere faith, devotion to Allah SWT, and an awareness of His divine presence by reciting Quran verses during a special nightly prayer ritual that makes a Muslim more spiritual.

The Importance of Tahajjud Prayer

The Tahajjud prayer is significant in Islamic practices and is frequently emphasized in Quranic verses and Hadiths. This nightly devotional is not obligatory but is highly recommended by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who regularly performed up to 13 rakats as part of his practice.

 قَالَ كَانَ صَلاَةُ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ثَلاَثَ عَشْرَةَ رَكْعَةً‏.‏ يَعْنِي بِاللَّيْلِ

The prayer of the Prophet (ﷺ) used to be of thirteen rak’at, i.e. of the night prayer. (narrated by Ibn Abbas)

Sahih al-Bukhari 1138

The Tahajjud ritual gives you a unique chance to talk to Allah SWT on a personal level in the early morning, which deepens your spiritual devotion and commitment.

Its importance includes its role as a way to make up for wrongs. Each sincere prostration makes up for past mistakes and makes the person more aware, keeping them from repeating the same mistakes.

The Ahadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) says that people who follow this routine may get closer to Allah SWT’s divine mercy and forgiveness. This gives people hope for higher ranks in Paradise, which is the ultimate goal of all faithful believers.

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ، أَفْشُوا السَّلَامَ وَصِلُوا الْأَرْحَامَ، وَأَطْعِمُوا الطَّعَامَ، وَصَلُّوا بِاللَّيْلِ وَالنَّاسُ نِيَامٌ، تَدْخُلُوا الْجَنَّةَ بِسَلَامٍ

“O people, spread the greeting of peace profusely, maintain kinship ties, feed others, and pray at night when people are asleep; you will enter Paradise in peace.” Sahih/Authentic. – [Ibn Maajah]

Furthermore, a consistent commitment to Tahajjud can improve prayer discipline and heart purification, cementing it as an essential aspect of Muslim practices.

How to Perform Tahajjud Prayer

To perform the Tahajjud prayer, one should start by waking up during the last third of the night and preparing for the blessing, such as performing Wudu (ablution) and finding a peaceful place to pray.

Ideal Time for Tahajjud

The ideal time for Tahajjud prayer is during the last third of the night. This is because it is believed that during this time, Allah SWT descends to the lowest Heaven in search of those making supplications and prayers. Sahih al-Bukhari 1145

By praying Tahajjud during this special time, you can experience a unique and intimate connection with Allah SWT.

Seeking His mercy, guidance, and blessings is a precious opportunity. Engaging in Tahajjud prayer strengthens your spiritual bond with the Divine, knowing that Allah SWT is attentive to your sincere prayers and supplications during these blessed hours.

Preparation for the Prayer

Before you go to bed, you must set your intention to wake up in the last third of the night for Tahajjud prayer. Make sure to plan and prepare for this spiritual practice.

To make it easier to wake up, try to go to bed early and get enough rest. Being well-rested will help you wake up without feeling overly tired, allowing you to approach Tahajjud prayer attentively.

By physically and mentally preparing for Tahajjud prayer, you can enter this particular worship act with focus and dedication. Setting the right intentions and making the necessary preparations will enhance your experience during this blessed time of connecting with Allah SWT.

The good news is that you will still receive the benefits if you intend to pray Tahajjud but fail to do so.

“‏ مَنْ أَتَى فِرَاشَهُ وَهُوَ يَنْوِي أَنْ يَقُومَ فَيُصَلِّيَ مِنَ اللَّيْلِ فَغَلَبَتْهُ عَيْنُهُ حَتَّى يُصْبِحَ – كُتِبَ لَهُ مَا نَوَى وَكَانَ نَوْمُهُ صَدَقَةً عَلَيْهِ مِنْ رَبِّهِ ‏”

“Whoever goes to bed intending to wake up and pray during the night but is overwhelmed by sleep until the morning comes, what he intended will be recorded for him, and his sleep is a charity given to him by his Lord.

Sunan Ibn Majah 1344

Number of Rakats

The number of rakats required for Tahajjud prayer varies, but two rakats are adequate. Tahajjud prayer does not need a specific number of rakats because it is a voluntary prayer with no set limit.

However, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) regularly performed nearly 13 rakats of Tahajjud prayer, setting an excellent example for his followers. Your emphasis should be on sincerity and devotion in performing these extra prayers at night, seeking closeness to Allah SWT and forgiveness from Him.

Begin with two and gradually increase the number as you become more comfortable. Keep in mind that the main goal should be to pray with reciting as many verses as possible, because that is what matters according to the hadith:

مَنْ قَامَ بِعَشْرِ آيَاتٍ لَمْ يُكْتَبْ مِنَ الْغَافِلِينَ وَمَنْ قَامَ بِمِائَةِ آيَةٍ كُتِبَ مِنَ الْقَانِتِينَ وَمَنْ قَامَ بِأَلْفِ آيَةٍ كُتِبَ مِنَ الْمُقَنْطَرِينَ ‏”‏ ‏.‏

If anyone prays at night regularly reciting ten verses, he will not be recorded among the negligent; if anyone prays at night and recites a hundred verses, he will be recorded among those who are obedient to Allah SWT; and if anyone prays at night reciting one thousand verses, he will be recorded among those who receive huge rewards.

Sunan Abi Dawud 1398

The Method of Prayer

To engage in Tahajjud prayer, you should declare your intention first to participate in this voluntary act of worship. It is advised to awaken in the last third of the night and cleanse oneself through ablution (wudu).

Find a quiet, clean place to concentrate on your relationship with Allah SWT. Begin by offering two rakats (units of prayer), then add more rakats if desired. Recite Quran verses during each rakat, making sure to bow (ruku) and prostrate (sujood) with complete devotion.

The prayer method should be done with sincerity and humility, seeking closeness to Allah SWT and forgiveness for past sins.

Tahajjud Prayer Niyat and Dua

Having a clear intention or niyat is essential when performing the Tahajjud prayer. The niyat should be made in the heart to wake up in the middle of the night and offer this voluntary prayer solely for pleasing Allah SWT and seeking His forgiveness.

There is no need to recite specific words for the niyat because it is an internal commitment between you and Allah SWT.

There is no specific dua that you have to recite during Tahajjud prayer. You can make personal supplications or duas to Allah SWT, asking for guidance, blessings, forgiveness, or any other wishes.

It is also advised to recite Quranic verses during this time. You can select verses that are personally meaningful and impactful to them, or you can seek guidance from Islamic scholars on recommended prayers or duas for various purposes.

Through sincere devotion and heartfelt prayers, Tahajjud prayer allows you to connect with your Creator on a deeper level. This practice strengthens your faith and is a powerful tool for spiritual growth.

The Tahajjud Practice of the Prophet

• Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to perform Tahajjud prayer regularly.
• He would wake up in the last third of the night, considered the best time for this prayer.
• The Prophet would take ablution (wudu) before starting his Tahajjud prayer.
• Prophet Muhammad PBUH also used the ToothStick (miswak). Sunan Ibn Majah 286
• Prophet Muhammad PBUH used to pray the witr prayer after performing the tahajjud prayer. Sahih al-Bukhari 996
• He would pray a minimum of 8 rakats and a maximum of 13 rakats during Tahajjud.
• Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would recite long portions of the Quran during his Tahajjud prayer. His Qiyam (standing) was so long that his feet would become swollen. Sahih al-Bukhari 6471
• His devotion and sincerity in performing Tahajjud were exemplary for all Muslims.

Benefits of Tahajjud Prayer

Tahajjud prayer offers numerous benefits, including spiritual elevation, disease protection, elimination of laziness, prevention of sins, increased faith, and physical well-being.

Read on to discover the transformative power of Tahajjud prayer in your life.

Spiritual Elevation

Tahajjud prayer is essential for spiritual development. You can experience a deep connection with Allah SWT and seek His divine presence by waking up during the last third of the night and dedicating yourself to this voluntary prayer.

This spiritual elevation promotes inner peace, strengthens faith, and provides opportunities for self-reflection and repentance.

Furthermore, Tahajjud prayer allows you to disconnect from worldly distractions and focus solely on seeking Allah SWT’s closeness, resulting in greater devotion and commitment to living a righteous life.

Tahajjud brings you to the pinnacle of spirituality and love for Allah SWT because no one is watching you now. It’s a special meeting between you and Allah SWT, and it’s the perfect time to ask him for anything you want and grow closer to him.

By engaging in this practice, you can embark on a spiritual growth journey and strengthen your bond with your Creator.

Protection against Diseases

If you want to pray Tahajjud, you must wake up in the third part of the night, and you know that to wake up at that time, you must sleep earlier, after Isha. We all know that science shows that sleeping and waking up early in the morning benefits your health and protects you from various diseases.

Furthermore, during this time of devotion, you can seek Allah SWT’s blessings and mercy, including protection from physical ailments. Tahajjud prayer not only provides spiritual benefits but also improves your physical well-being, ensuring that you live a healthy and disease-free life.

Elimination of Laziness

Tahajjud prayer is very effective in removing laziness from your life. You demonstrate commitment and dedication to Allah SWT by waking up during the last third of the night to engage in this voluntary prayer.

Getting out of bed and performing the Tahajjud prayer requires effort and discipline, which helps you develop a sense of responsibility. This early morning devotion energizes the body and strengthens the mind, preparing us for the day ahead with renewed energy and focus.

You gradually develop a mindset of diligence as you consistently make it a habit to wake up for Tahajjud prayer, leaving no room for lethargy or procrastination in your daily activities.

Prevention from Sins

Tahajjud prayer can keep you from committing sins. You can strengthen your faith and build a stronger connection with your Creator by waking up in the last third of the night and dedicating this time to worshipping Allah SWT.

Allah SWT says in the Quran “…for Prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds” (69:29). Unlike other prayers, In Tahajjud, no worldly concern distracts you. That’s why you can focus solely on your salah, which takes you to a heightened state of spirituality.

During Tahajjud prayer, seeking forgiveness, reciting Quranic verses, and offering supplications create an atmosphere of mindfulness and self-reflection that protects against sinful thoughts or actions.

Furthermore, the rewards and blessings associated with this voluntary prayer instill gratitude towards Allah SWT, making it easier to refrain from sinful behavior out of fear or love for Him.

Increase in Faith

The Tahajjud prayer has the potential to boost your faith significantly. This extra act of worship at night allows you to show your devotion and commitment to Allah SWT, strengthening your spiritual connection with Him.

You can experience a deep sense of spirituality and intimate conversations with Allah SWT by waking up early and dedicating time solely to prayer.

Your faith grows stronger due to this consistent practice as you feel closer to Allah SWT and find solace in His presence. The Tahajjud prayer serves as a reminder of Allah SWT’s love and mercy, reinforcing your faith in Him and Islam.

Salvation from Hell’s Punishment

Tahajjud prayer has the potential to save people from Hell’s punishment. One seeks forgiveness and redemption for past sins by participating in this voluntary prayer.

It is a powerful act of devotion that enables you to turn to Allah SWT and seek His mercy. The sincerity and commitment demonstrated during Tahajjud prayer can aid salvation by establishing a solid faith and repentance for previous mistakes.

Through this unique form of worship, you can seek Allah SWT’s mercy and, ultimately, a place in Paradise.

Allah SWT Accepts Your Du’a

Abu Huraira narrated that :

 “‏ يَنْزِلُ رَبُّنَا تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى كُلَّ لَيْلَةٍ إِلَى السَّمَاءِ الدُّنْيَا حِينَ يَبْقَى ثُلُثُ اللَّيْلِ الآخِرُ يَقُولُ مَنْ يَدْعُونِي فَأَسْتَجِيبَ لَهُ مَنْ يَسْأَلُنِي فَأُعْطِيَهُ مَنْ يَسْتَغْفِرُنِي فَأَغْفِرَ لَهُ ‏”‏‏.‏

“Our Lord, the Blessed, the Superior, comes every night down on the nearest Heaven to us when the last third of the night remains, saying: “Is there anyone to invoke Me, so that I may respond to invocation? Is there anyone to ask Me so I may grant him his request? Is there anyone seeking My forgiveness so that I may forgive him?”

Sahih al-Bukhari 1145

So, if you have completed Tahajjud, take your time and make Dua with your heart, asking for anything you want, especially forgiveness.

Enhancement of Physical Well-being

Regularly performing Tahajjud prayer has numerous physical health benefits. This voluntary night prayer promotes a disciplined sleep routine and boosts energy levels throughout the day, improving overall health and vitality.

It also helps with stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues that can harm physical well-being. Furthermore, prostration during Tahajjud prayer improves posture and increases blood circulation to the brain, which results in better spinal health.

Furthermore, this prayer instills a sense of discipline and self-control, which can aid in developing healthier habits, such as eating healthy food and exercising regularly.

Your Tahajjud Prayer Will Not Be Accepted If You Do This…

Prophet Muhammad once talked to his companions and said, “I certainly know people of my nation who will come on the Day of Resurrection with good deeds like the mountains of Tihamah, but Allah SWT will make them like scattered dust.”

A Sahabi named Thawban R.A asked the Prophet, “O Messenger of Allah SWT, describe them to us and tell us more so that we will not become of them unknowingly.”

Prophet Muhammad PBUH said: “They are your brothers and from your race, worshipping at night as you do, but they will be people who, when they are alone, transgress the sacred limits of Allah SWT.” Sunan Ibn Majah 4245

So, dear brothers and sisters, it is a clear message to all of us to be cautious when we spend time alone. Because it will reduce our actions to dust, may Allah SWT keep us from becoming one of these individuals.

Conclusion

Tahajjud prayer holds immense importance in Islam as a voluntary act of worship, offering numerous benefits to the believers. By performing Tahajjud, you can experience spiritual elevation, protection from diseases, elimination of laziness, and increased faith.

This practice strengthens your relationship with Allah SWT, seeking His forgiveness and mercy. By learning how to perform Tahajjud prayer and making it a part of your daily routine, you can reap the rewards in this world and the hereafter.

FAQs

Why is Tahajjud prayer important?

Tahajjud prayer is vital because it allows people to ask Allah SWT for forgiveness and blessings when distractions are minimal at night. A voluntary prayer shows devotion to worship.

What are the benefits of performing Tahajjud prayer?

There are several advantages to performing the Tahajjud prayer. These examples are drawing closer to Allah SWT, seeking His guidance and blessings, experiencing peace and tranquility, having sins forgiven, and sharing personal spiritual growth.

Can anyone perform the Tahajjud prayer?

Yes, any Muslim can perform the Tahajjud prayer. It is not restricted to any particular age group or gender. However, waking up during the night for worship requires discipline and dedication.