How do I perform Tahajjud prayer?
Quick Answer
Tahajjud is a voluntary night prayer performed after waking from sleep, before Fajr. It consists of 2-rakah units, with no specific maximum, and is best performed in the last third of the night.
Detailed Answer
Tahajjud (Qiyam al-Layl) is one of the most virtuous voluntary prayers. The Prophet ﷺ said it is the best prayer after the obligatory prayers (Sahih Muslim 1163).
How to perform: 1. Sleep first, then wake up during the night (Tahajjud literally means 'to leave one's sleep'). 2. Make wudu and pray in units of 2 rakahs. 3. Recite Surah Al-Fatiha and any portion of the Quran in each rakah. 4. There is no fixed maximum number of rakahs. The Prophet ﷺ typically prayed 8 rakahs followed by 3 witr. 5. Best time: the last third of the night, when Allah descends to the lowest heaven (Sahih Bukhari 1145).
Dua time: Between rakahs and especially in sujood, make personal duas. The last third of the night is when duas are most likely to be answered.
End with Witr prayer (1 or 3 rakahs) which is highly recommended.
Sources
- Sahih Bukhari 1145
- Sahih Muslim 1163
- Quran 17:79
Madhab Notes
All four madhabs agree on the virtue and method of Tahajjud. Minor differences exist in the recommended number of rakahs.
Disclaimer: This answer is educational guidance based on authentic sources. For binding rulings on personal matters, please consult a qualified Islamic scholar.