Tahajjud & Its Benefits (Qiyam al-Layl)
How to Pray Tahajjud? Tahajjud, also known as Qiyam al-Layl, is a voluntary night prayer that Muslims can perform anytime between Isha and Fajr prayers. Though optional, praying Tahajjud is highly encouraged and rewarded in Islam. This night prayer enables a deeper connection with Allah SWT and has numerous benefits for a Muslim’s body, mind, and soul.
What is Tahajjud?
Tahajjud, which in Arabic means to wake up, is a voluntary prayer performed during the late night hours. Also referred to as Qiyam al-Layl or Salat al-Layl, Tahajjud was made compulsory during the early years of Islam and later made optional after the obligatory Isha prayer was introduced.
Despite being optional, Tahajjud prayer is considered extremely rewarding. The Qur’an and Hadith repeatedly encourage observing this prayer for its spiritual, emotional, and physical benefits. When performed sincerely, it enables Muslims to seek forgiveness, feel closer to Allah SWT, and attain inner peace.
When to Perform Tahajjud Prayer?
Tahajjud prayer time begins after Isha and continues until dawn when the Fajr prayer is observed. However, the ideal time to perform Tahajjud is during the last third portion of the night, specifically the hours before dawn.
This is because this was the time preferred by Prophet Muhammad SAW to stand before Allah SWT in voluntary night prayer. The final hours of the night are blessed with divine mercy and forgiveness. So it is best to wake up during this time for Tahajjud and engage in heartfelt dua and glorification of Allah SWT.
How to Pray Tahajjud?
To perform Tahajjud follow these steps:
1. Wake up from sleep
- Set an alarm before Fajr to wake up – Get some sleep early at night and wake up during the last third of the night before Fajr.
- Wake up with the intention (niyyah) of praying Tahajjud solely for the pleasure of Allah SWT.
2. Perform Wudu
- Do ablution (wudu) as you would normally do for the obligatory prayers – Observe all faraid (obligatory) acts like washing your face, arms, feet, etc.
3. Offer Sunnah Prayers
- Offer 2 rakat sunnah followed by 2 rakat nafl prayers
4. Recite Quran
- Spend a few minutes reciting the Holy Quran with contemplation
5. Engage in Dua
- Raise your hands and engage in heartfelt dua seeking forgiveness, mercy, and barakah from Allah SWT
6. Pray Tahajjud
- Offer 2 rakat nafl salaah while engaging your heart and mind. Recite Surahs from the Quran.
- You can pray 2, 4, 6, 8, or more rakat nafl however it is best not to exceed 12 rakat.
- Sit in Qaida (sitting position) after each 2 rakat and make dua.
7. End with 3 rakat Witr
- Conclude the prayer with 3 rakat Witr (optional but highly recommended)
- Recite dua and tasbih after the witr prayer
Dua to Recite in Tahajjud
Here are some recommended duas to recite in Tahajjud:
- Seeking forgiveness: Recite Astaghfirullah 3 times followed by Surah al-Fatiha once.
- For Rizq and Barakah: Recite Surah al-Waqiah (chapter 56).
- For Protection from Hardship: Recite Surah al-Mulk (chapter 67).
- General Well-being: Recite Surah Ya-Sin (chapter 36).
- For Relief from Debts: Recite Surah al-Tawbah (chapter 9).
One can also recite verses from the Holy Quran, and engage in zikr, tasbeeh, da’wah, and any other duas they wish to recite. Open your heart before Allah SWT and He shall grant what is best for you.
Benefits of Tahajjud Prayer
Observing Tahajjud prayer regularly can benefit a Muslim in numerous ways:
Spiritual Benefits
- Achieving tranquility and inner peace by getting closer to Allah SWT.
- Attaining mercy and forgiveness from Allah SWT for sins.
- Earning immense rewards as it is a highly recommended sunnah of the Prophet SAW.
- Protection from the hellfire and punishment of the grave.
Emotional & Mental Benefits
- Finding solutions to problems through the clarity achieved during Tahajjud.
- Relieving stress, anxiety, and depression by confiding to Allah SWT.
- Developing discipline and self-control by waking up from sleep to worship Allah SWT.
Physical Health Benefits
- Burning extra calories and fat by praying Tahajjud.
- Boosting energy levels by getting up before dawn to pray.
- Improving muscle strength and bone density through physical activity.
- Regulating metabolism and digestive system through regularity in a sleep cycle.
In summary, Tahajjud enables a believer to strengthen their Imaan, spirituality, and physical health. Its regular observance brings one closer to their Creator and helps achieve inner peace through the forgiveness and mercy of Allah SWT.
Tips for Praying Tahajjud
Here are some beneficial tips to help pray Tahajjud consistently and correctly:
- Sleep early – Get adequate night sleep so you can wake up refreshed for Tahajjud later.
- Set intention – Make niyyah every night to wake up just for Allah’s worship.
- Set alarm – Use a reliable alarm to wake up. You can also drink water before sleeping to wake up naturally.
- Start small – Begin with 2 rakat and gradually increase to 4,6 or 8 rakat.
- Choose solitude – Pray alone in a quiet spot for better focus.
- Recite calmly – Do not rush through the recitation, be humble and attentive.
- Make Dua – Open your heart, confess your sins, and pour your heart out.
- Be consistent – To reap benefits, pray Tahajjud regularly not occasionally.
- Don’t oversleep – If accidentally oversleep the Fajr time, pray Qaza immediately.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tahajjud is a voluntary yet extremely rewarding prayer for all Muslims. To attain its spiritual, physical, and emotional benefits, it is necessary to offer this prayer in the last hours of the night regularly with the presence of mind and body. We should strive to follow the Sunnah and worship Allah SWT through the Tahajjud prayer to achieve divine blessings and inner peace.
