Among the most beautiful acts of worship in Islam is the Tahajjud prayer. It is a prayer that is performed at night, away from the noise of the world, when most people are asleep. Those who rise for Tahajjud find peace, blessings, and a special closeness to Allah that is unlike any other time. But many Muslims ask: When exactly should Tahajjud be performed? Let’s explore this question step by step, insha’Allah.
What Is Tahajjud Prayer?
Tahajjud is a voluntary night prayer that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would perform regularly. It is not obligatory like the five daily prayers, but it is highly recommended and beloved to Allah.
The word “Tahajjud” comes from an Arabic root that means to wake up after sleep. This shows us that Tahajjud is prayed after a person has slept for a while and then wakes up in the night.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer.” (Sahih Muslim)
This highlights the importance of Tahajjud in strengthening a believer’s relationship with Allah.
The Time for Tahajjud Prayer
The time for Tahajjud begins after the ‘Isha prayer and lasts until Fajr (dawn) prayer. This gives Muslims a wide window to perform it during the night.
However, the most recommended time is the last third of the night. This is the time when the world is quiet, hearts are calm, and distractions are few. It is also a time when Allah’s mercy is especially near.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Our Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven when one-third of the night remains, and He says: ‘Who is calling upon Me that I may answer him? Who is asking of Me that I may give him? Who is seeking My forgiveness that I may forgive him?’” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
This hadith shows that the last third of the night is the most blessed time to perform Tahajjud.
How to Calculate the Last Third of the Night
To know when the last third of the night begins, follow this simple method:
Find out the time of Maghrib (sunset) and Fajr (dawn).
Count the total hours between Maghrib and Fajr.
Divide that number by three.
The final portion is the “last third of the night.”
For example, if Maghrib is at 7:00 pm and Fajr is at 5:00 am, the night is 10 hours long. One-third of that is about 3 hours. So the last third begins around 2:00 am until Fajr.
How Many Rak‘ahs Should Be Prayed?
Tahajjud does not have a fixed number of rak‘ahs, but the Prophet ﷺ usually prayed 8 rak‘ahs, followed by Witr (an odd-numbered prayer). However, it can be prayed with fewer rak‘ahs, even just 2, and still carry great reward.
The most important thing is sincerity. Whether you pray 2 rak‘ahs or 8 rak‘ahs, the value lies in your heart’s devotion and connection with Allah.
Why Pray Tahajjud?
Closeness to Allah: Tahajjud is a private time between you and your Lord.
Answered Prayers: It is a time when du‘as are most likely to be accepted.
Forgiveness: Allah’s mercy is especially near in the last third of the night.
Spiritual Peace: It gives strength to the heart and light to the soul.
Following the Sunnah: It was a habit of the Prophet ﷺ, and following him brings us blessings.
What If I Can’t Wake Up?
Not everyone finds it easy to wake up in the middle of the night. If you struggle, here are some tips:
Pray a few extra rak‘ahs after ‘Isha with the intention of Tahajjud, in case you don’t wake up later.
Make du‘a to Allah to help you rise.
Sleep early so you have energy to wake up.
Start small—wake up just once or twice a week, then increase.
Remember, Allah looks at your effort and sincerity, not just the quantity of prayers.
Conclusion
Tahajjud prayer is performed after ‘Isha and before Fajr, but the last third of the night is the most rewarding time. Even if you pray just two rak‘ahs with sincerity, it can bring you closer to Allah and fill your heart with peace. It is a reminder that while the world sleeps, a believer rises to connect with their Creator.
So next time you set your alarm for Tahajjud, remember the mercy and blessings waiting for you in those quiet moments, insha’Allah.
Keep Learning and Growing
If you want to learn more about prayers, Qur’an, and the sunnah of our beloved Prophet ﷺ, you should explore Online Islamic Institute. They offer premium courses for all ages, making it easy to understand and practice Islam in daily life. From beginners to advanced learners, everyone can benefit.
Check out their website here: https://onlineislamicinstitute.org/ and insha’Allah, you will find knowledge that strengthens both your faith and practice.
May Allah make us among those who rise in the night to remember Him, and may He accept our prayers and du‘as. JazakAllahu khair for reading, and Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.