How to Perform Tahajjud Prayer: The Blessed Night Worship
Prayer is the cornerstone of a Muslim’s spiritual life, and among the many prayers prescribed in Islam, the Tahajjud prayer holds a special status. Performed in the stillness of the night, this voluntary act of worship is not only a means of drawing closer to Allah, but it also brings immense spiritual benefits. The Tahajjud prayer is highly recommended for those seeking to deepen their connection with their Creator, ask for forgiveness, and receive Allah’s mercy and guidance, it is therefore essential to understand how to perform Tahajjud Prayer.
Unlike the obligatory prayers, Tahajjud is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah, meaning it is a strongly recommended practice encouraged by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Although it is not obligatory, those who regularly perform it are greatly rewarded and are considered among the spiritually elite in the sight of Allah. The Prophet himself practiced Tahajjud diligently, and many narrations highlight its significance, virtues, and unparalleled rewards.
The word “Tahajjud” derives from the root word meaning “to stay awake.” This prayer is offered after Isha (the night prayer) and before Fajr (the dawn prayer), making it a special form of worship carried out in the quiet hours of the night when distractions are minimal, and a person can focus entirely on their connection with Allah.
In this guide, we will explore how to perform Tahajjud prayer in the 16 essential steps, providing a detailed, step-by-step approach for Muslims to follow. Whether you are a beginner or someone familiar with this night prayer, these steps will help you perfect the act of Tahajjud and experience the profound spiritual benefits that come with it. Please share among your friends and family so they too know how to perform Tahajjud Prayer.
Why Tahajjud is Important
The Qur’an itself mentions the night prayer as a source of spiritual elevation, describing it as a means for the believer to rise to a higher level of consciousness and closeness to Allah. It is also known to be a time when Allah descends to the lowest heaven, listening to the prayers and supplications of His servants, offering forgiveness and mercy to those who seek it.
The Virtues of Tahajjud Prayer
The virtues of Tahajjud are many. It is known to purify the heart, strengthen one’s faith, and bring inner peace. Those who consistently engage in this night worship are blessed with divine guidance, and their prayers are more likely to be answered. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described it as one of the best voluntary prayers a believer can offer, equating it with the honor of standing before Allah in a state of devotion when the world sleeps.
Understanding the Timing of Tahajjud
Tahajjud is prayed preferably during the last third of the night, an auspicious time when prayers are more likely to be accepted. This window, between Isha and Fajr, is regarded as the most blessed time for sincere worship, a time when Allah’s mercy descends in abundance.
In the following sections, we will walk through the detailed steps of how to perform Tahajjud Prayer, focusing on practical aspects as well as the spiritual mindset needed for this blessed night prayer. Whether you are striving for personal spiritual growth or simply looking to strengthen your relationship with Allah, these 20 steps will guide you towards making Tahajjud a regular and rewarding practice in your life.
Step 1: Niyyah (Intention) and Takbeer for Tahajjud Prayer
“I intend to perform the voluntary Tahajjud prayer for the sake of Allah, seeking His mercy, guidance, and forgiveness.”
“Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest), raising hands to shoulder level, signifying the start of the prayer.
Step 2: Thana & Ta’awwz
For Men:
Gently lower your hands and position them just above your navel. Place your right hand on top of your left, holding them together in this position.
For Women:
Rest your right palm on top of your left hand, without clasping, and place them on your chest. Keep your eyes directed towards the ground ahead of you.
سُبْحَاْنَكَ اَلْلّٰھُمَّ وَبِحَمدِكَ وَتَبَارَكَ اسْمُكَ وَتَعَالٰی جَدُّكَ وَلَا اِلٰه غَیْرِكَ
Subhana Kallah Humma Wa Bi Hamdika, Watabarakasmuka Wata ‘ala Jadduka, Wa-La Ilaha Ghairuk
Glory is to You O Allah, and praise. Blessed is Your Name and Exalted is Your Majesty. There is none worthy of worship but You.
أَعُوْذُ بِاللهِ مِنَ الشَّـيْطٰنِ الرَّجِيْمِ
A’auodo billahi minash-shaytaanir-rajeem
I seek refuge with Allah from Satan.
Step 3: Thana & Ta’awwz and Recite Surah Al-Fatiha
بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Ever Merciful.
الْحَمْدُ للّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ الرَّحْمـنِ الرَّحِيمِ مَـالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ إِيَّاك نَعْبُدُ وإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ اهدِنَــــا الصِّرَاطَ المُستَقِيمَ صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنعَمتَ عَلَيهِمْ غَيرِ المَغضُوبِ عَلَيهِمْ وَلاَ الضَّالِّينَ
AlHamdu lillaahi Rabbil-‘Aalameen. ‘Ar-Rahmanir-Raheem. Maaliki Yaumid Deen. ‘Iyyaka na-budu wa iyyaka nasta-een. Ihdina-sirat al-Mustaqueem. Siratal-lazeena ‘an-‘amta ‘alai-him, Ghairil maghdubi ‘alai-him wa laddaalleen
All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of all the worlds, Most Gracious, Ever Merciful; Master of Day of Judgement. Thee alone do we worship and Thee alone do we implore for help. Guide us along the right path, the path of those whom Thou has bestowed Thy blessings, those who have not incurred Thy displeasure, and those who have not gone astray.
Step 4: Recite Surah Al Fil or Any Other Surah
أَلَمْ تَرَ كَيْفَ فَعَلَ رَبُّكَ بِأَصْحَابِ الْفِيلِ أَلَمْ يَجْعَلْ كَيْدَهُمْ فِي تَضْلِيلٍ وَأَرْسَلَ عَلَيْهِمْ طَيْرًا أَبَابِيلَ تَرْمِيهِم بِحِجَارَةٍ مِّن سِجِّيلٍ فَجَعَلَهُمْ كَعَصْفٍ مَّأْكُولٍ
Bismillah hir rahman nir raheem. Alam tara kaifa fa’ala rabbuka bi ashaabil feel Alam yajAAal kaydahum fee tadleel Wa arsala ‘alaihim tairan abaabeel Tarmeehim bihijaratin minsijjeel Faja ‘alahum ka’asfim m’akool
Have you not considered, [O Muhammad], how your Lord dealt with the companions of the elephant? Did He not make their plan into misguidance? And He sent against them birds in flocks, Striking them with stones of hard clay, And He made them like eaten straw.
Step 5: Takbeer and Going Down to Ruku
اَللهُ أَكْبَرْ
Allahu Akbar
Allah is The Greatest
Performing Ruku (bowing) in Islamic prayer involves several key steps to ensure it is done correctly and with proper reverence: Bow forward until your back is straight and your body is at a 90-degree angle. Keep your head level with your back, not raised or dropped. Your gaze should remain on the ground in front of you.
Men should place their hands firmly on their knees, fingers spread apart, while women place their hands on their knees softly without spreading the fingers.
Ensure your body weight is evenly balanced between your feet, avoiding bending too much or too little.
Step 5: When in Ruku, rising from Ruku and standing position
While in Ruku, say “Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great)Straighten up by standing fully and say “Sami’Allahu liman hamidah” (Allah hears the one who praises Him), followed by “Rabbana lakal hamd” (Our Lord, to You is all praise).
Maintaining concentration and humility is essential during Ruku, as it is an act of submission and glorification of Allah.
Step 6: Takbeer and Go Down For Sajdah (prostration)
اَللهُ أَكْبَرْ
Allahu Akbar
Allah is The Greatest
Step 7: During First Sajdah
سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الأَعْلَى
Subhana Rab-bi yal A’ala (x3)
Glory to my Lord, the Most High.
Step 8: Takbeer and Dua in Jalsa
Say “Allahu Akbar” as you lift yourself from Sujud and sit on your left leg. Your left foot should lie flat on the ground, while your right foot remains upright. Rest your hands comfortably on your knees.
اَللهُ أَكْبَرْ
Allahu Akbar
Allah is The Greatest
رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لِي
Rabbighfir li* (x2) or
اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَارْحَمْنِي وَاجْبُرْنِي وَاهْدِنِي وَارْزُقْنِي
Allahummaghfirli warhamni wahdini wajburni warzuqni wa`afini
O Allah! Forgive me*, have mercy on me, console me, provide me with sustenance and grant me good health
It is not mandatory to recite anything while in the jalsa position. However, it is Sunnah to say the following duaa during this sitting posture.
Step 9: Takbeer and Return to Sajdah
اَللهُ أَكْبَرْ
Allahu Akbar
Allah is The Greatest
Step 10: During Second Sajdah
سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الأَعْلَى
Subhana Rabbiy al A’alaa (x3)
Glory to my Lord, the Most High.
Step 11: Takbeer and Rise to Standing Position
Rise from sujud to return to the standing position while saying “Allahu Akbar.”
Standing Position (Qayyam)To complete 2nd rakat, repeat steps numbered 2 to 12 then continue from number 14
Step 12: Jalsa (Sitting) – Tashahhud
التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلّٰهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ، اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ، اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَ عَلَىٰ عِبَادِ اللهِ الصَّالِحِينَ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُوْلُهُ
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At-tahiyyatu lillahi-was-salawaatu wat-tayyibatu Assalamo alaika ayyuhan Nabiyyo wa-rahmat-ullahi wa-barakatuho. Assalamo alaina wa’ala ‘ibadillahis saliheen. Ash-hado alla ilaaha illallaho wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa Rasulu
All Salutation is due to Allah and all Prayer and every thing pure. Peace be upon thee, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings; and peace be on us and on all righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.
Raise your index finger toward the Qibla once, on “Ashhadu Allah Ilaha” and put back down on “Illallahu”.
Step 13: After Tashahhud, Durood Shareef
اَللّٰھُمَّ صَلِّ عَلٰی مُحَمَّدٍ وَّعَلٰٓی اٰلِ مُحَمَّدٍ کَمَا صَلَّیْتَ عَلٰٓی اِبْرَاھِیْمَ وَعَلٰٓی اٰلِ اِبْرَاھِیْمَ اِنَّکَ حَمِیْدٌ مَّجِیْدٌ اَللّٰھُمَّ بَارِکْ عَلٰی مُحَمَّدٍ وَّعَلٰٓی اٰلِ مُحَمَّدٍ کَمَا بَارَکْتَ عَلٰٓی اِبْرَاھِیْمَ وَعَلٰٓی اٰلِ اِبْرَاھِیْمَ اِنَّکَ حَمِیْدٌ مَّجِیْدٌ
Allahumma Salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala aali Muhammadin, kama sallaita ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala aali Ibrahima innaka Hamidum-Majeed. Allahumma barik ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala aali Muhammadin kama barakta ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala aali Ibrahima innaka Hameedum-Majeed
Bless, O Allah, Muhammad and the people of Muhammad, as Thou didst bless Abraham and the people of Abraham. Thou art indeed the Praiseworthy, the Glorious. Prosper, O Allah, Muhammad and the people of Muhammad, as Thou didst prosper Abraham and the people of Abraham. Thou art indeed the Praiseworthy, the Glorious.
Step 14: Dua E Masura or Dua – Rabbij Alni
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِي ظُلْماً كَثِيراً، وَلَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ، فَاغْفِرْ لِي مَغْفِرَةً مِنْ عِنْدِكَ وَارْحَمْنِي إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ
Allahumma inni zalamtu nafsi zulman kathiran wala yaghfirudh-dhunuba illa anta, Faghfirli maghfiratan min indika war-hamni, innaka antalGhafur-Rahim
O Allah, I have greatly wronged myself and You alone can forgive sins, so grant me forgiveness from you and have mercy on me.
Or
رَبِّ ٱجْعَلْنِى مُقِيمَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةِ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِى ۚ رَبَّنَا وَتَقَبَّلْ دُعَآءِ رَبَّنَا ٱغْفِرْ لِى وَلِوَٰلِدَىَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُومُ ٱلْحِسَابُ
Rabbij alni muqeemas salati wa min zurriyati Rabbana wa taqabbal du’a Rabbanagh fir lee waliwalidayya wa lil mumineena Yawma yaqoomul hisaab
My Lord, make me an establisher of prayer, and [many] from my descendants. Our Lord, and accept my supplication. Our Lord, forgive me and my parents and the believers the Day the account is established
Step 15: Salaam Towards the Right
Turn Your Head to the Right: After completing the final sitting (Tashahhud), turn your head to the right side and say “As-salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you).
(Final) Step 16: Salaam Towards the Left
Turn Your Head to the Left: After completing the final sitting (Tashahhud), turn your head to the left side and say “As-salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you).
After completing the Tahajjud prayer, you can offer the Witr prayer, which is the final prayer of the night. The Witr prayer consists of at least one Rakat and can extend to a maximum of three Rakats.
Learning how to perform Tahajjud prayer enriches your spiritual practice and strengthens your connection with Allah. By dedicating time to this serene act of worship, observing the correct timing, and adhering to the prescribed steps, you can experience profound blessings and inner peace. Embracing Tahajjud regularly can transform your nights into a time of reflection and divine closeness, deepening your faith and enhancing your spiritual journey.
