Tahajjud Prayer
Tahajjud (night) prayer is a voluntary prayer performed after the Isha (night) prayer, either before going to sleep or after sleeping for a short time. It can be performed until the time of Imsak (dawn). It is also possible for someone who fears they will not be able to wake up at night due to fatigue to perform it before going to sleep. Tahajjud prayer is very virtuous and is a Sunnah (recommended practice). So, how is Tahajjud prayer performed, and how many rak'ahs (units of prayer) are there? Tahajjud prayer was obligatory (fard) for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This prayer is a confirmed Sunnah for his Ummah (community). "O Messenger! Wake up at night and perform the Tahajjud prayer, an extra act of worship exclusively for you. It is hoped that your Lord will raise you to a praiseworthy station, the highest station of intercession." (Surah Isra, verse 79)
How to Perform
- It can be performed in two, four, or eight rak'ahs. It is more virtuous to give salam after every two rak'ahs.
- First, perform ablution and make your intention: 'I intend to perform the Tahajjud prayer for the sake of Allah.'
- Say 'Allahu Akbar' (Takbir al-Iftitah), clasp your hands, and begin the prayer.
- Recite 'Subhanaka,' say 'A'uzu-Basmala,' recite Surah al-Fatiha.
- After Surah al-Fatiha, recite a prayer surah.
- Say 'Allahu Akbar' and bow down into Ruku' (bowing) and say 'Subhana Rabbiyal-Azim' three times. While rising from the bowing position, one says 'Semi Allahü Limen Hamideh,' and when standing fully upright, one says 'Rabbena Lekel Hamd.'
- Saying 'Allahü Ekber,' one goes into prostration twice and says 'Sübhane Rabbiyel-a'lâ' three times.
- Saying 'Allahü Ekber,' one goes into standing position and begins the second rak'ah.
- Say Bismillah and recite Surah Al-Fatiha,
- After Al-Fatiha, recite a prayer surah,
- Say 'Allahu Akbar' and bow down into Ruku',
- Say 'Allahu Akbar' and go into Sajdah twice,
- At the end of this rak'ah, sit down and recite Attahiyyat while sitting.
- Say Bismillah and recite Surah Al-Fatiha,
- After Al-Fatiha, recite a prayer surah,
- Say 'Allahu Akbar' and bow down into Ruku',
- Say 'Allahu Akbar' and go into Sajdah twice and stand up.
- Say Bismillah and recite Surah Al-Fatiha,
- After Al-Fatiha, recite another prayer surah,
- Say 'Allahu Akbar' and bow down into Ruku', Say 'Allahu Akbar' and go into Sajdah twice and then go to the final sitting.
- While sitting, the prayers 'Ettahiyyatü', 'Salli Barik', 'Rabbena Atina' and 'Rabbena Firli' are recited,
- First, the head is turned to the right and the eyes are looked at the shoulder, saying 'Esselamü Aleyküm Ve Rahmetullah', then the prayer is completed by giving the same salutation to the left.