Tahajjud prayer is the voluntary night prayer that the Quran and Sunnah describe as the practice of the righteous—a quiet meeting with Allah while the world sleeps. This guide explains the best Tahajjud time, how many rakahs to pray, the step-by-step method, and the authentic duas, all with sources.
Quick Facts About Tahajjud Prayer
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Type of Prayer | Voluntary (Nafl) night prayer |
| Quran Reference | Surah Al-Isra 17:79 |
| Time | After Isha until just before Fajr |
| Best Time | The last third of the night |
| Rakahs | Prayed in sets of 2; the Prophet ﷺ commonly prayed up to 8 plus Witr (11 in total). |
| Also Called | Qiyam al-Layl |
| Ruling | Sunnah Mu’akkadah (strongly recommended), not obligatory |
What Is Tahajjud Prayer?
The word “Tahajjud” comes from the Arabic root meaning to wake from sleep. Tahajjud is the prayer offered in the night after waking up, and it is part of what Muslims call Qiyam al-Layl (standing in the night). Allah commands His Prophet ﷺ in the Quran:
وَمِنَ اللَّيْلِ فَتَهَجَّدْ بِهِ نَافِلَةً لَكَ عَسَىٰ أَنْ يَبْعَثَكَ رَبُّكَ مَقَامًا مَحْمُودًا.
Translation: “And from part of the night, pray with it as additional (voluntary) worship for you; perhaps your Lord will raise you to a praised station.” (Surah Al-Isra 17:79)
Allah also describes the believers: “They arise from their beds; they supplicate their Lord in fear and hope and spend from what We have provided them.” (Surah As-Sajdah 32:16)
Virtue of Tahajjud Prayer: What the Hadith Say
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the prayer in the middle of the night.” (Sahih Muslim 1163)
He ﷺ also said that Allah descends to the lowest heaven in the last third of every night and says, “Who is calling upon Me that I may answer him? Who is asking of Me that I may give him? Who is seeking My forgiveness that I may forgive him?” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1145, Sahih Muslim 758)
This is why the last third of the night is considered the most powerful time for dua.
Tahajjud Prayer Time: When to Pray
| Part of the Night | Ruling / Merit |
|---|---|
| After Isha, before sleeping | Counts as night prayer (Qiyam al-Layl); many scholars note Tahajjud in the strict sense follows waking from sleep. |
| Middle of the night | Highly rewarded |
| Last third of the night | The best time—the time of Allah’s descent mentioned in the hadith |
| Just before Fajr | Valid until the Fajr time begins |
How to calculate the last third: Subtract the Maghrib time from the next day’s Fajr time, and divide the night into three equal parts; the last part is the last third. Many prayer-time apps show this automatically.
How Many Rakahs in Tahajjud Prayer?
The Prophet ﷺ was asked about the night prayer and said it is prayed “two by two” (Sahih al-Bukhari 990, Sahih Muslim 749). Aisha (RA) reported that he did not exceed eleven rakahs in Ramadan or outside it (Sahih al-Bukhari 1147).
- Minimum: 2 rakahs
- Commonly practiced: 4, 6, or 8 rakahs in sets of two
- Then: end with Witr (odd number of rakahs)
There is no strict upper limit on voluntary night prayer, but consistency matters more than quantity.
How to Pray Tahajjud Prayer (Step-by-Step)
- Make the intention (niyyah) in the heart for Tahajjud prayer (Nafl).
- Perform wudu and, if possible, wake with a short dhikr.
- Pray two rakahs as a regular Nafl prayer: Surah Al-Fatiha followed by any Surah.
- Repeat in sets of two for as many rakahs as you wish.
- Pray Witr at the end (if you have not prayed it already after Isha).
- Make dua in sujood and after the prayer—this is the heart of Tahajjud.
Dua to Recite in Tahajjud Prayer
When the Prophet ﷺ stood for the night prayer, he would begin his supplication with praise of Allah. This is the full supplication narrated by Ibn Abbas (RA) (Sahih al-Bukhari 1120, Sahih Muslim 769):
Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ قَيِّمُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيهِنَّ، وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ لَكَ مُلْكُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيهِنَّ، وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ نُورُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ، وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ مَلِكُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ، وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ الْحَقُّ، وَوَعْدُكَ الْحَقُّ، وَقَوْلُكَ الْحَقُّ، وَلِقَاؤُكَ حَقٌّ، وَالْجَنَّةُ حَقٌّ، وَالنَّارُ حَقٌّ، وَالنَّبِيُّونَ حَقٌّ، وَمُحَمَّدٌ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ حَقٌّ، وَالسَّاعَةُ حَقٌّ، اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ أَسْلَمْتُ، وَبِكَ آمَنْتُ، وَعَلَيْكَ تَوَكَّلْتُ، وَإِلَيْكَ أَنَبْتُ، وَبِكَ خَاصَمْتُ، وَإِلَيْكَ حَاكَمْتُ، فَاغْفِرْ لِي مَا قَدَّمْتُ وَمَا أَخَّرْتُ، وَمَا أَسْرَرْتُ وَمَا أَعْلَنْتُ، أَنْتَ إِلَهِي لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ
Transliteration: Allahumma lakal-hamd, anta qayyimus-samawati wal-ardi wa man fihinn, wa lakal-hamd, laka mulkus-samawati wal-ardi wa man fihinn, wa lakal-hamd, anta nurus-samawati wal-ard, wa lakal-hamd, anta malikus-samawati wal-ard, wa lakal-hamd, antal-haqq, wa wa’dukal-haqq, wa qawlukal-haqq, wa liqa’uka haqq, wal-jannatu haqq, wan-naru haqq, wan-nabiyyuna haqq, wa Muhammadun salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam haqq, was-sa’atu haqq. Allahumma laka aslamtu, wa bika amantu, wa ‘alayka tawakkaltu, wa ilayka anabtu, wa bika khasamtu, wa ilayka hakamtu, faghfir li ma qaddamtu wa ma akhkhartu, wa ma asrartu wa ma a’lantu, anta ilahi la ilaha illa anta.
English Translation: “O Allah, to You belongs all praise; You are the Sustainer of the heavens and the earth and all within them. To You belongs all praise; to You belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and all within them. To You belongs all praise; You are the Light of the heavens and the earth. To You belongs all praise; You are the King of the heavens and the earth. To You belongs all praise; You are the Truth, Your promise is true, Your word is true, meeting You is true, Paradise is true, Hellfire is true, the Prophets are true, Muhammad ﷺ is true, and the Hour is true. O Allah, to You I have submitted, in You I believe, upon You I rely, to You I turn in repentance, by Your help I argue, and to You I refer for judgment. So forgive me for what I have sent before and what I have left behind, what I have concealed, and what I have made known. You are my God; there is no god but You.”
Urdu Translation: اے اللہ! تیرے ہی لیے تمام تعریفیں ہیں، تو آسمانوں اور زمین اور ان میں موجود ہر چیز کو قائم رکھنے والا ہے۔ تیرے ہی لیے تمام تعریفیں ہیں، آسمانوں اور زمین اور ان کی ہر چیز کی بادشاہی تیری ہے۔ تیرے ہی لیے تمام تعریفیں ہیں، تو آسمانوں اور زمین کا نور ہے۔ تیرے ہی لیے تمام تعریفیں ہیں، تو آسمانوں اور زمین کا بادشاہ ہے۔ تیرے ہی لیے تمام تعریفیں ہیں، تو حق ہے، تیرا وعدہ حق ہے، تیری بات حق ہے، تجھ سے ملاقات حق ہے، جنت حق ہے، جہنم حق ہے، انبیاء حق ہیں، محمد ﷺ حق ہیں، اور قیامت حق ہے۔ اے اللہ! میں تیرے سامنے جھک گیا، تجھ پر ایمان لایا، تجھ پر بھروسہ کیا، تیری طرف رجوع کیا، تیری مدد سے (دشمنوں سے) جھگڑا کیا اور تجھی کو حاکم بنایا۔ پس میرے اگلے پچھلے، چھپے اور کھلے سب گناہ معاف فرما دے۔ تو ہی میرا معبود ہے، تیرے سوا کوئی معبود نہیں۔
You may also follow it with Dua e Hajat for any specific need or the dua for anxiety and stress—and make personal dua in your own language.
Tahajjud Prayer vs Other Night Prayers
| Prayer | Time | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Tahajjud | Night, usually after waking from sleep | Voluntary, individual worship |
| With | After Isha until Fajr | Odd-numbered closing prayer (Wajib in Hanafi view) |
| Taraweeh | After Isha in Ramadan | Congregational, Ramadan-specific |
| Qiyam al-Layl | Any night worship | General term that includes Tahajjud |
Benefits of Tahajjud Prayer
- Closeness to Allah in the quiet of the night
- Acceptance of dua in the last third of the night
- Forgiveness and mercy, as mentioned in the hadith of Allah’s descent
- Spiritual discipline and a stronger habit of obedience
- Peace of heart, helping with stress and worry
Tips to Wake Up for Tahajjud Prayer
- Sleep early and avoid heavy late-night meals.
- Make wudu and a short dua before bed with the intention of waking.
- Set an alarm with a reminder, placed away from the bed.
- Start small: even 2 rakahs is a valid Tahajjud prayer.
- If you miss it, don’t give up—the Prophet ﷺ advised steadiness, saying the most beloved deeds to Allah are the consistent ones, even if small (Sahih al-Bukhari 6464).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to sleep before praying Tahajjud prayer? Many scholars say the Tahajjud prayer in the strict sense is prayed after waking from sleep, but night prayer offered before sleeping is still rewarded as Qiyam al-Layl. Follow your local scholar’s guidance.
Can women pray Tahajjud prayer? Yes. The Tahajjud prayer is recommended for both men and women.
Is Tahajjud prayer compulsory? No, it is a voluntary prayer, though strongly recommended.
Can I pray Tahajjud prayer after Isha? You can pray night prayer after Isha, but the most virtuous time is the last third of the night.
How many rakahs is the minimum? Two rakahs is the minimum.
Can I make up a missed Tahajjud prayer later? Scholars mention that if you miss your regular night prayer, you may make it up during the day in even rakahs. Consult a scholar for details specific to your madhab.
Conclusion
The Tahajjud prayer is a gift: a private appointment with Allah when most people are asleep. You don’t need to start with eleven rakahs—begin with two, be consistent, and let the habit grow. May Allah make us among those who stand for Him in the night.
Related Articles on PureIslamic.com
- Dua e Qunoot: Arabic Text, Translation & 2 Powerful Versions Explained
- Istikhara Dua: Powerful Complete Guide
- Dua for Anxiety and Stress in Islam
- How to Pray Namaz: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
- How to Perform Wudu
Sources & References
- Quran, Surah Al-Isra 17:79 and Surah As-Sajdah 32:16—Quran.com
- Sahih Muslim 1163, 749, 758, 769 — Sunnah.com
- Sahih al-Bukhari 990, 1120, 1145, 1147, 6464—Sunnah.com
- IslamQA—rulings on Tahajjud prayer and Qiyam al-Layl
Written by: Abdul Wahab Reviewed by: Hafiz Munir Ahmed Last reviewed: October 2026
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general knowledge and educational purposes only. Readers are encouraged to consult a qualified scholar for in-depth religious rulings or hadith authentication specific to their madhab.
Tahajjud is the voluntary night prayer that the Quran and Sunnah describe as the practice of the righteous—a quiet meeting with Allah while the world sleeps. This guide explains the best Tahajjud time, how many rakahs to pray, the step-by-step method, and the authentic duas, all with sources.
Quick Facts About Tahajjud Prayer
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Type of Prayer | Voluntary (Nafl) night prayer |
| Quran Reference | Surah Al-Isra 17:79 |
| Time | After Isha until just before Fajr |
| Best Time | The last third of the night |
| Rakahs | Prayed in sets of 2; the Prophet ﷺ commonly prayed up to 8 plus Witr (11 in total). |
| Also Called | Qiyam al-Layl |
| Ruling | Sunnah Mu’akkadah (strongly recommended), not obligatory |
What Is Tahajjud Prayer?
The word “Tahajjud” comes from the Arabic root meaning to wake from sleep. Tahajjud is the prayer offered in the night after waking up, and it is part of what Muslims call Qiyam al-Layl (standing in the night). Allah commands His Prophet ﷺ in the Quran:
وَمِنَ اللَّيْلِ فَتَهَجَّدْ بِهِ نَافِلَةً لَكَ عَسَىٰ أَنْ يَبْعَثَكَ رَبُّكَ مَقَامًا مَحْمُودًا.
Translation: “And from part of the night, pray with it as additional (voluntary) worship for you; perhaps your Lord will raise you to a praised station.” (Surah Al-Isra 17:79)
Allah also describes the believers: “They arise from their beds; they supplicate their Lord in fear and hope and spend from what We have provided them.” (Surah As-Sajdah 32:16)
Virtue of Tahajjud: What the Hadith Say
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the prayer in the middle of the night.” (Sahih Muslim 1163)
He ﷺ also said that Allah descends to the lowest heaven in the last third of every night and says, “Who is calling upon Me that I may answer him? Who is asking of Me that I may give him? Who is seeking My forgiveness that I may forgive him?” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1145, Sahih Muslim 758)
This is why the last third of the night is considered the most powerful time for dua.
Tahajjud Time: When to Pray
| Part of the Night | Ruling / Merit |
|---|---|
| After Isha, before sleeping | Counts as night prayer (Qiyam al-Layl); many scholars note Tahajjud in the strict sense follows waking from sleep. |
| Middle of the night | Highly rewarded |
| Last third of the night | The best time—the time of Allah’s descent mentioned in the hadith |
| Just before Fajr | Valid until the Fajr time begins |
How to calculate the last third: Subtract the Maghrib time from the next day’s Fajr time, and divide the night into three equal parts; the last part is the last third. Many prayer-time apps show this automatically.
How Many Rakahs in Tahajjud?
The Prophet ﷺ was asked about the night prayer and said it is prayed “two by two” (Sahih al-Bukhari 990, Sahih Muslim 749). Aisha (RA) reported that he did not exceed eleven rakahs in Ramadan or outside it (Sahih al-Bukhari 1147).
- Minimum: 2 rakahs
- Commonly practiced: 4, 6, or 8 rakahs in sets of two
- Then: end with Witr (odd number of rakahs)
There is no strict upper limit on voluntary night prayer, but consistency matters more than quantity.
How to Pray Tahajjud (Step-by-Step)
- Make the intention (niyyah) in the heart for Tahajjud (Nafl) prayer.
- Perform wudu and, if possible, wake with a short dhikr.
- Pray two rakahs as a regular Nafl prayer: Surah Al-Fatiha followed by any Surah.
- Repeat in sets of two for as many rakahs as you wish.
- Pray Witr at the end (if you have not prayed it already after Isha).
- Make dua in sujood and after the prayer—this is the heart of Tahajjud.
Dua to Recite in Tahajjud
When the Prophet ﷺ stood for the night prayer, he would begin his supplication with praise of Allah. The beginning of this narration from Ibn Abbas (RA) (Sahih al-Bukhari 1120, Sahih Muslim 769):
Arabic (opening portion):
اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ قَيِّمُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيهِنَّ، وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ لَكَ مُلْكُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيهِنَّ
Transliteration: Allahumma lakal-hamd, anta qayyimus-samawati wal-ardi wa man fihinn, wa lakal-hamd, laka mulkus-samawati wal-ardi wa man fihinn.
English Translation: “O Allah, to You belongs all praise; You are the Sustainer of the heavens and the earth and all within them. To You belongs all praise; to You belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and all within them.”
Urdu Translation: اے اللہ! تیرے ہی لیے تمام تعریفیں ہیں، تو آسمانوں اور زمین اور ان میں موجود ہر چیز کو قائم رکھنے والا ہے۔ تیرے ہی لیے تمام تعریفیں ہیں، آسمانوں اور زمین اور ان کی ہر چیز کی بادشاہی تیری ہے۔
The full supplication continues with more praise and a request for forgiveness; you can read it in full on Sunnah.com.
You may also follow it with Dua e Hajat for any specific need or the dua for anxiety and stress—and make personal dua in your own language.
Tahajjud vs Other Night Prayers
| Prayer | Time | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Tahajjud | Night, usually after waking from sleep | Voluntary, individual worship |
| With | After Isha until Fajr | Odd-numbered closing prayer (Wajib in Hanafi view) |
| Taraweeh | After Isha in Ramadan | Congregational, Ramadan-specific |
| Qiyam al-Layl | Any night worship | General term that includes Tahajjud |
Benefits of Tahajjud
- Closeness to Allah in the quiet of the night
- Acceptance of dua in the last third of the night
- Forgiveness and mercy, as mentioned in the hadith of Allah’s descent
- Spiritual discipline and a stronger habit of obedience
- Peace of heart, helping with stress and worry
Tips to Wake Up for Tahajjud
- Sleep early and avoid heavy late-night meals.
- Make wudu and a short dua before bed with the intention of waking.
- Set an alarm with a reminder, placed away from the bed.
- Start small: even 2 rakahs is Tahajjud.
- If you miss it, don’t give up—the Prophet ﷺ advised steadiness, saying the most beloved deeds to Allah are the consistent ones, even if small (Sahih al-Bukhari 6464).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to sleep before praying Tahajjud? Many scholars say Tahajjud in the strict sense is prayed after waking from sleep, but night prayer offered before sleeping is still rewarded as Qiyam al-Layl. Follow your local scholar’s guidance.
Can women pray Tahajjud? Yes. Tahajjud is recommended for both men and women.
Is Tahajjud compulsory? No, it is a voluntary prayer, though strongly recommended.
Can I pray Tahajjud after Isha? You can pray night prayer after Isha, but the most virtuous time is the last third of the night.
How many rakahs is the minimum? Two rakahs is the minimum.
Can I pray Tahajjud on a missed night later? Scholars mention that if you miss your regular night prayer, you may make it up during the day in even rakahs. Consult a scholar for details specific to your madhab.
Conclusion
Tahajjud is a gift: a private appointment with Allah when most people are asleep. You don’t need to start with eleven rakahs—begin with two, be consistent, and let the habit grow. May Allah make us among those who stand for Him in the night.
Related Articles on PureIslamic.com
- Dua e Qunoot: Arabic Text, Translation & 2 Powerful Versions Explained
- Istikhara Dua: Powerful Complete Guide
- Dua for Anxiety and Stress in Islam
- How to Pray Namaz: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
- How to Perform Wudu
Sources & References
- Quran, Surah Al-Isra 17:79 and Surah As-Sajdah 32:16—Quran.com
- Sahih Muslim 1163, 749, 758, 769 — Sunnah.com
- Sahih al-Bukhari 990, 1120, 1145, 1147, 6464—Sunnah.com
- IslamQA—rulings on Tahajjud and Qiyam al-Layl
Written by: Abdul Wahab Reviewed by: Hafiz Munir Ahmed Last reviewed: October 2026
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general knowledge and educational purposes only. Readers are encouraged to consult a qualified scholar for in-depth religious rulings or hadith authentication specific to their madhab.