Tahajjud Prayer: How to Perform Step-by-Step Guide

Tahajjud prayer, also known as the night prayer, is one of the most spiritually enriching voluntary prayers in Islam. It is performed in the last third of the night after waking from sleep. The Tahajjud prayer holds immense significance in the life of a practicing Muslim, and it is often associated with spiritual closeness to Allah, inner peace, and fulfillment of duas (supplications). This guide will walk you through what Tahajjud prayer is, its benefits, and a tahajjud prayer how to perform step by step guide

What Is Tahajjud Prayer?

Tahajjud is a non-obligatory (nafl) prayer that is performed after Isha (night prayer) and before Fajr (dawn prayer). It is especially beloved to Allah and highly recommended in the Quran and Hadith.

“And from [part of] the night, pray with it as additional [worship] for you; it is expected that your Lord will resurrect you to a praised station.”
(Qur’an, Surah Al-Isra 17:79)

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) consistently performed Tahajjud and encouraged his followers to do the same. It is a time of solitude, reflection, and deep communication with Allah when the world is asleep.

Benefits of Tahajjud Prayer

Before diving into the practical steps, it's essential to understand why Muslims go the extra mile to wake up in the middle of the night to pray:

Spiritual connection with Allah at a peaceful, quiet time.
Increased chances of duas being accepted.
Mental clarity and peace of mind.
Helps in strengthening one's faith and discipline.
Forgiveness of sins and attaining Allah's mercy.
Develops a routine of dedication and sincerity.

Best Time to Perform Tahajjud

The Tahajjud prayer is performed in the last third of the night. To calculate this:

Note the time between Maghrib (sunset) and Fajr (dawn).
Divide that time into three equal parts.
The final third of that timeframe is the most recommended time to perform Tahajjud.

For example, if Maghrib is at 7:00 PM and Fajr is at 5:00 AM, the night is 10 hours long. The last third would be approximately from 2:30 AM to 5:00 AM.

How to Perform Tahajjud Prayer – Step-by-Step Guide

Here is a simple, structured guide on how to perform Tahajjud prayer:

Step 1: Make the Intention (Niyyah)

Start by forming a sincere intention in your heart to wake up and pray Tahajjud. You do not need to say it aloud. Before sleeping, make a dua to Allah asking Him to wake you up for Tahajjud.

Tip: You can also set an alarm to help you wake up in time.

Step 2: Wake Up During the Last Third of the Night

When your alarm rings or you naturally wake up during the last part of the night, get up calmly. Perform wudu (ablution) to purify yourself.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“Our Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven when one-third of the night remains and says: ‘Who will call upon Me, that I may answer him? Who will ask of Me, that I may give him? Who will seek My forgiveness, that I may forgive him?’”
(Bukhari & Muslim)

Step 3: Begin with Two Light Rakats

It is recommended to start with two light units (rakats) to get into the flow. These initial rakats can help you focus and prepare for a more spiritually connected prayer.

Step 4: Perform the Tahajjud Rakats (2 by 2)

Tahajjud prayer is usually performed in sets of two rakats. You can pray as many as you like, but the Prophet (PBUH) typically prayed 8 rakats, followed by Witr prayer.

Here’s how to perform each 2-rakat unit:

Start with Takbir (Allahu Akbar) and place your hands as you do in regular prayer.
Recite Surah Al-Fatiha, followed by another Surah (e.g., Surah Ikhlas, Surah Al-Kafirun, etc.).
Continue the prayer as you would in any standard Salah (bowing, prostration, and sitting between prostrations).
End the two rakats with Tasleem (saying Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah on both sides).

Repeat as desired, usually in even numbers.

Step 5: Make Long and Personal Duas (Supplications)

One of the most powerful parts of Tahajjud is the time spent in dua. You can make dua in your own language and pour your heart out to Allah. This is your quiet, personal moment with your Creator.

Focus on:

Praising Allah
Seeking forgiveness
Asking for guidance, health, blessings, and relief from difficulties
Making dua for your family, the Ummah, and the needy

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“The closest that a servant comes to his Lord is during the middle of the latter part of the night. If you can be among those who remember Allah at that time, then do so.”
(Tirmidhi)

Step 6: End with Witr Prayer

After you have completed your Tahajjud rakats, conclude with Witr prayer if you haven’t already prayed it after Isha. Witr is the odd-numbered prayer (1, 3, 5 rakats) that the Prophet never missed.

If you usually pray Witr right after Isha, you may delay it to after Tahajjud for maximum reward.

Optional: Use Longer Recitations

If you’re able and know longer Surahs, it is encouraged to lengthen your recitation during Tahajjud. The Prophet (PBUH) sometimes recited long portions of the Qur’an during the night prayer, and it increased the spiritual reward and connection.

However, this is not mandatory. Start small and build gradually.

Tips to Stay Consistent with Tahajjud

Go to bed early so you can wake up in time.
Reduce distractions before sleep, such as excessive screen time.
Make dua for consistency in your nightly worship.
Encourage your family members to join and support you.
Keep it short and sincere in the beginning. Even two rakats count.

Final Thoughts

Performing the Tahajjud prayer is a deeply transformative act of worship. While it’s not obligatory, it offers immense spiritual reward and is a powerful means to draw nearer to Allah. Start small, be sincere, and take consistent steps toward making Tahajjud a regular part of your life.

Even if you start with just 2 rakats a few times a week, you are already among those who seek the light of the night. With time, discipline, and genuine desire, the habit of Tahajjud can become one of the most cherished parts of your daily routine.