Of all the voluntary acts of worship, Tahajjud holds a special place. Allah Himself speaks of it in the Quran: "And from the night, pray with it as additional worship for you; it is expected that your Lord will resurrect you to a praised station." (Quran 17:79)

What Is Tahajjud?

Tahajjud is a voluntary (nafl) prayer performed at night, after waking from sleep. It is one of the most highly recommended acts of worship in Islam — not obligatory, but deeply beloved by Allah.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer." (Muslim)

When Is the Time for Tahajjud?

Tahajjud is prayed after Isha and before Fajr, preferably in the last third of the night. To find the last third:

  • Calculate the time between Isha and Fajr
  • Divide into three equal parts
  • The last third is the most virtuous time

For example: if Isha is at 10:00 PM and Fajr is at 4:30 AM, the total is 6.5 hours. The last third begins at approximately 2:10 AM.

How Many Rakats?

Tahajjud can be prayed in sets of 2 rakats. The minimum is 2 rakats. The Prophet (peace be upon him) would typically pray 8 rakats of Tahajjud plus 3 rakats of Witr.

You may start with just 2 rakats and gradually increase. Consistency matters more than quantity.

How to Pray Tahajjud

  1. Make the intention for Tahajjud in your heart
  2. Begin with the opening takbeer: "Allahu Akbar"
  3. Recite Surah Al-Fatiha in each rakat, followed by any surah
  4. Pray in sets of 2 rakats, making salaam after each pair
  5. End with Witr prayer (1 or 3 rakats)
  6. Make sincere dua after — this is the most powerful time for supplication

Best Duas to Recite in Tahajjud

The Prophet (peace be upon him) would begin Tahajjud with this dua:

اَللَّهُمَّ لَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ قَيِّمُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيهِنَّ

"O Allah, to You belongs all praise. You are the Sustainer of the heavens and the earth and whoever is in them." (Bukhari)

How to Make It a Habit

  • Start with just 2 rakats, 2–3 nights per week
  • Set an alarm 30 minutes before Fajr
  • Sleep early — it is difficult to wake for Tahajjud after midnight sleep
  • Make wudu before sleeping (the Prophet recommended this)
  • Ask Allah to wake you — say this dua before sleeping: Allahumma inni as'aluka an tub'athani fi ahibbi sa'ah

Use the DuaSalaam Aamaal Tracker to record your Tahajjud prayers daily and build a consistent habit over time.