Best time to pray at night

By

David R Smith

, CP Guest Contributor

| Sunday, February 08, 2015

Today’s churches offer different prayer opportunities throughout the week. Some do Wednesday nights while others meet on Sunday evenings. A few even gather on Monday mornings for prayer. But there aren’t very many that offer prayer meetings at 3am.

best time to pray at night

Yet one church group proved it could be the prime time to pray.

The Early Church’s Late Nights

There’s a fascinating story found in the twelfth chapter of Acts that makes a great case for nocturnal prayer meetings. Here’s the skinny: King Herod (Agrippa I) has just killed James and tossed Peter in prison intending to do the same to him. However, Herod must wait until Passover has ended before carrying out his murderous plan. (Hey, you can’t go around killing people while celebrating the goodness of your God.)

But while Herod was waiting for the feast’s end, the very first church was “earnestly praying” for God to rescue him. Consequently, on the last night before Peter was to be killed, an angel of the Lord visits the former fisherman in his jail cell, wakes him from his sleep, and sets him free from his captors. Step by step, the angel led Peter past the guards, through the gates, and out of the prison into the city. Peter then made his way through the dark alleys of Jerusalem and eventually arrived at John Mark’s house where he found his spiritual family in prayer for him…in the middle of the night!  

There’s much more to this story, but let’s pause in the shadow of the early church long enough to be challenged by their example.

When Peter was imprisoned, the church didn’t turn to Facebook or Fox News to raise awareness. They didn’t petition the authorities or picket Herod’s palace. Rioting in the streets and protesting in the public sector would only have gotten them a matching jail cell (and death sentence).

No, the early church prayed. Earnestly. Through the night.

Granted, they were praying at night, partly because it was the safest time to gather. (This was in the days before it was wise to post prayer meetings on Twitter. #youwoulddie) But they were also praying that night because God hadn’t yet answered their request on behalf of Peter. This midnight prayer meeting was one last effort to bring Peter’s case before God.

As a result of their earnest “middle-of-the-night” prayer they received a miracle: Peter was rescued from prison.

Practicing Prayer

Hear me clearly: I’m not suggesting we discontinue prayer groups that happen during “regular business hours.” Nor am I saying that God can’t perform miracles in broad daylight. I’m merely suggesting that we do what the early church did: pray until God answers…even if that means we must pray through the night.

If you think it sounds crazy to pray late at night, consider our preferred method of dealing with trouble: worrying through the night. Yep, the early church willingly forfeited sleep to pray, like Jesus often did; today’s church mindlessly loses sleep to worry.

In the end, both churches lose sleep…but only one gets the miracle.

Take a moment to reflect on these questions.

1. When was the last time you prayed until God gave an answer?
2. What’s your first reaction to trouble: worry or prayer? Why?
3. How much more time could you devote to prayer if you cut your TV viewing and Internet surfing in half?
4. How would your life be different if you (and your church) prayed like the early church in Jerusalem?

So, what’s the perfect time for prayer? That’s simple: anytime. God invites us to speak with Him about our lives (and those we love) at any given moment. Those who do so are often rewarded.

David R. Smith pastors First Baptist Church in Linden, Florida, where he lives with his wife, Jenn, and their son, Josiah. When he’s not preaching, he’s usually looking for great BBQ joints or his errant golf shots. David was recently named as one of Vyrso’s top authors to watch in 2015.

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Preparing For Prayer Saying the Tahajjud Exploring the Tahajjud Article Summary Questions & Answers Related Articles

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The Tahajjud is a special Islamic prayer which is recommended (but not compulsory) for all Muslims. The Tahajjud is prayed after Isha (the obligatory nightly prayer) and before Fajr (the obligatory morning prayer). If possible, it is most desirable to perform the Tahajjud between midnight and Fajr, preferably in the last third of the night. Though the Tahajjud isn’t compulsory, many devout Muslims try to make it part of their daily routine as an act of worship and to earn redemption and forgiveness from Allah. To learn how to pray the Tahajjud in the way laid out by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), see Step 1 below.

Part 1 Preparing For Prayer

  1. best time to pray at night Arrange to wake up after midnight.

    After praying the Isha prayer and before going to sleep, make arrangements to wake up during the night before the Fajr prayer (for instance, you may want to set an alarm clock or have a family member agree to wake you). Though the Tahajjud can be prayed at any part of the night, if possible, it is best to pray it after midnight, especially during the last third of the night. The time two-thirds of the way between Isha and Fajr is a good time for Tahajjud. This is because Allah descends to the lowest heaven during the last third of the night, asking, “Who is asking me, so I can give to him? Who is calling upon me, so I can answer him? Who is seeking my forgiveness, so I can forgive him?'”

    • If you make an honest effort to wake up and perform the Tahajjud but accidentally sleep through the night, don’t feel guilty. According to ahadeeth, Allah records your genuine intention to perform the Tahajjud and grants you sleep as an act of mercy. You will be rewarded as if your intention had been fulfilled. However, if you make a conscious decision to abandon your intention to pray Tahajjud without good reason, for example through laziness, then it may not be overlooked. t
  2. best time to pray at night
  3. best time to pray at night Go somewhere clean, quiet, and dignified to conduct your prayer.

    This is done because Allah’s names are pure, so, whenever possible, Muslims are encouraged to speak of Him in clean, holy places as a form of reverence. Wearing your normal prayer clothes, sit down on a prayer mat and face the Holy Kabah in Mecca as you would for your obligatory prayers.

    • To be clear, you don’t need to be anywhere special, like a mosque or a lavishly-decorated room in your house, to pray the Tahajjud. All that’s needed is a spot that’s clean which can even be in your room.
  4. best time to pray at night Remove all worldly worries from your heart.

    At the time for prayer, calmly focus and reflect on the glory of your Lord. Do not worry about fleeting worldly problems that are ultimately meaningless in comparison to His infinite wisdom and mercy. Calm yourself and forget your worldly problems, hopes, and fears. Ignore any negative, distracting thoughts or feelings. Close your eyes and focus your attention on your heart as you begin to achieve a heightened state of spiritual awareness.

Part 2 Saying the Tahajjud

  1. best time to pray at night Make your intention to pray known.

    As you start your prayer, make a definitive mental declaration to yourself that you are about to perform the Tahajjud. Decide that you are going to complete the Tahajjud in the specific way you have chosen, including how many rakats and which surahs you will recite. Also decide

    why you are saying the Tahajjud — for instance, to glorify Allah, thank Allah or ask for His forgiveness. You don’t have to make this declaration out loud — Allah knows your thoughts, so your intentions will be clear to him as long as they are clear to you.

    • The Tahajjud is typically performed by repeating multiple rakats (cycles) of Salah, the ritual that Muslims use for their required daily prayer. For the Tahajjud, the rakats are usually performed in pairs, so you’ll also want to decide exactly how many rakats you intend to perform at this time. See below for more information.
  2. best time to pray at night Perform two rakats.

    To begin your Tahajjud, start by performing two rakats (cycles) of

    Salah

    . Salah begins by standing and reciting verses from the Holy Quran. Then, the person praying continues by bowing low with his hands on his knees, then prostrating on the ground with his forehead, nose, and palms on the floor and his elbows raised, sitting on his knees with his feet folded under him, and finally standing and reciting “Allahu Akbar.” This description of Salah is a generalization — if you’re not sure how to perform Salah properly, learn this

    fundamental Muslim skill

    before attempting the Tahajjud.

    • Emulate the practices of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) who used to recite the following surahs after each rakat in Tahajjud:
      • After reciting the Al-Fatihah the first rakat, recite the surah “Al-Kafirun”.
      • After reciting the Al-Fatihah for the second rakat, recite the surah “Al-Ikhlas”.
  3. best time to pray at night Repeat rakats as you wish.

    Generally, two rakats is seen as the minimum necessary for a proper Tahajjud. However, it’s possible to repeat as many more as you wish. For instance, according to the Hadiths, the Prophet Muhammad frequently prayed up to thirteen rakats.

    Tahajjud rakats are performed in pairs and eight rakats is seen as a good number by many Muslims. In other words, most people will say two, four, six, or eight rakats, though more is not discouraged.

    • If you are able to, then reciting long surahs such as Al-Baqarah, An-Nisā’ or Al-‘Imran are highly commended, even if you can manage them only from time to time.
    • Following in the example of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), if you notice dawn approaching while you say your Tahajjud, you may end by performing one rakat as Witr (an optional pre-dawn prayer said before the required Fajr).
  4. best time to pray at night Add your own prayers (dua) after the rakats.

    After you’ve completed the number of rakats you set out to pray, you may add your own dua as long as they’re sincere, respectful, and done in complete devotion to Allah. These may be offered in extended prostration in your own words and language. You may want to offer additional thanks and praise to Allah, pray for strength and guidance, or make a special request for help. For instance, you may ask for blessings for a friend who is suffering through difficult times or help with your own worship or simply spend a few moments thanking Allah for a blessing that He granted you the previous day. Prayers should be offered with humbleness, fear, hope and patience. This is an ideal time to ask for forgiveness for your mistakes and sins as Allah is especially open to our repentance at night according to many ahadeeth.

    • Acknowledge each of your wrongdoings, however big or small – you may feel that some are insignificant, but Allah may still decide that a penalty is due. Sincerely promise not to repeat your sins and ask Allah for forgiveness.
    • Use the fear of displeasing Allah to drive yourself to become a better Muslim.
    • Never lose hope of Allah’s mercy for the Qur’an tells us more than 70 times that Allah is the Most Forgiving.
    • Any prayer you offer will be heard, and, if Allah wills, your prayer will be answered in kind.
  5. best time to pray at night

    Go back to bed, if you become too tired to complete the Tahajjud. Because the Tahajjud interrupts your normal sleep, it’s not unlikely that you may be somewhat tired when you attempt the prayer. If, however, you’re so tired that you find yourself forgetting what you’re saying as you recite your prayers or you doze off in the middle of your Tahajjud, don’t attempt to complete the prayer. In this case, according to several ahadeeth, Allah notes your sincere willingness to complete the Tahajjud. You may go back to sleep without any need to be embarrassed or ashamed, but try to better prepare yourself next time, perhaps by going to bed earlier.

Part 3 Exploring the Tahajjud

  1. best time to pray at night Read scriptural passages about Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)’s observance of the Tahajjud.

    To gain a greater understanding of the unique importance of the Tahajjud prayer, you may want to consult any of the numerous references to the prayer in Islamic scripture. Most notably, the Tahajjud is mentioned in the Quran and discussed at great length in numerous ahadeeth. However, it is also discussed in the work of Islamic scholars throughout the history of the religion.

    • To start, try reading Book 21 (Prayer at Night) from Sahih Bukhari. No less than 70 ahadeeth in this book describe the habits the Prophet (pbuh) regarding the Tahajjud, which gives an indication of its significance in the life of a good Muslim. Commentary on the Tahajjud is also offered at multiple points in the Quran, including Surat 17:79 and Surat 39:9.
  2. best time to pray at night Consider saying the Tahajjud with your family.

    Muslim families are encouraged to pray the Tahajjud in communion with each other because both Muhammad (pbuh) and his wife Aisha recommended that husbands and wives should say the Tahajjud together.

    Performing the Tahajjud as a family allows you to come closer to each other in devotion to Allah and to show solidarity in your worship.

    • If you’re interested in trying this, ask your spouse and/or children to join you before the first night you plan to say the Tahajjud together, then, if they need your help to do so, wake them up and celebrate Allah’s infinite greatness and mercy in quiet prayer together. Children over the age of ten should be gently encouraged to develop the habit of praying Tahajjud when they are ready, but if it is too difficult for them to wake in the night then no blame should be apportioned and they should not be admonished, as long as they are up for Fajr and complete all their obligatory prayers correctly.
    • Encourage your children by reminding them of the rewards that are available for completing voluntary acts of worship like Tahajjud, and warn them of the consequences of not making the sacrifices that Allah expects and deserves.
    • Generally, families that pray the Tahajjud together make exceptions for members that need their sleep, like small children, the sick, and the elderly.
  3. best time to pray at night Emulate the practices of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

    All Muslims are encouraged to live in emulation of the life of Muhammad (pbuh), Allah’s Messenger and the Seal of the Prophets. If you’re looking for guidance in performing the Tahajjud, you may want to study the ways Muhammad (pbuh) performed the Tahajjud and try to work these habits into your daily life. By striving to emulate the Prophet (pbuh)’s Tahajjud practices, Muslims can work towards the perfect ideal represented by him and, in doing so, become closer to Allah.

    • As noted above, Book 21 from Sahih Bukhari is a great place to start if you’re looking for information on Muhammad (pbuh)’s Tahajjud habits and practices.
  4. best time to pray at night Make the Tahajjud part of your routine.

    As an optional prayer, the Tahajjud certainly isn’t something that any Muslim should feel compelled to do and there is no punishment for missing it. However, many Muslims choose to practice the Tahajjud on a regular basis (if not every night) when they are able. Like all forms of prayer, saying the Tahajjud brings you closer to Allah. In addition, the Tahajjud is often associated with Allah’s gifts of forgiveness and redemption, making it a great way to seek correction for each day’s minor failures, sins and imperfect actions.

    • Remember that Allah appreciates regular acts of worship, so if you start praying Tahajjud, try not to give it up. If you’re interested in making the Tahajjud a regular part of your life, you may want to try setting a recurring alarm to wake you up during the night or even having a predetermined area in your house for performing this prayer.
    • If you are unable to commit to praying Tahajjud every single night, then try build up slowly by establishing the habit of saying just two or four rakats two or three times a week, whatever you can manage, with the aim of building up over time.

Community Q&A

Add New Question

  • Question

    Can I ask Allah after praying tahajjud for someone whom I want as my life partner?

    Yes, of course you can. You can pray whatever you wish to pray, but never lose hope if your prayer isn’t answered immediately. It may be answered one day in the future.

  • Question

    I don’t always pray 5 times a day, will my tahajjud be accepted?

    Of course it will be accepted InshaAllah, but please start praying 5 times now, it is a sin not to.

  • Question

    How can my dua be accepted soon?

    Your dua will always be heard by Allah who will answer it how and when it is best for you, even though you may not realize it at the time.

  • Question

    How many rakat is tahajjud namaz?

    As many as you can before you fall asleep, although the minimum requirement is two. The Prophet prayed 13 rakah daily.

  • Question

    Is 13 rakat okay for tajjud prayer?

    Yes, the Prophet Muhammed used to pray up to 13 rakats.

  • Question

    I am confused about the timing of thajad prayer. For instance, if fajar starts at 6:15, can I wake up at 5:30-6:00, or do I need to wake up between 3:00 and 5:00?

    You can wake up at 5:30 for tahjjud but it’s more important that you do not leave the fajar prayer.

  • Question

    Because of my work schedule I am unable to pray five times. Is tahjjud still applicable for me?

    No. Tahajjud is not at all mandatory but your regular five prayers are. So, you need to pray five times daily, no matter what.

  • Question

    Is there a certain time I should perform the Tahajjud prayer?

    Between Isha and Fajr. It usually should be prayed during the last third of the night.

  • Question

    How many rakats are there in Tahajjud prayer?

    Tahajjud has a minimum of two Rakah. The maximum number is your choice. Every two rakah is paired as one unit.

  • Question

    What are the surahs that should be recited in the rakaths of tahajjud prayers?

    It is said that Al-Kafirun should be recited in the first Rakah and Al-Ikhlas in the second Rakah. But this is not compulsory.

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Tips

  • “The site of this intention is the heart. By simply deciding in his heart to do this action, a person has made his intention. Hence it is not prescribed to speak the intention out loud when one wants to do the action. Rather speaking the intention out loud is a kind of innovation that was not narrated in the Book of Allah or in the Sunnah of His Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), nor was it narrated from any of his Sahabah (may Allah be pleased with them all). See al-Sharh al-Mumti’, 2/283.”
  • Please ask a Muslim that you know to guide you with the pronunciation.
  • Please beware that making the intention out loud before prayer is bid’ah (innovation)!

Article SummaryX

To perform the Tahajjud prayer, start by waking up in the middle of the night after midnight and performing Wudu by cleansing yourself. Then, find a quiet and clean place where you can pray, like your bedroom. When you’re ready, perform at least 2 rakats, or cycles, of Salah. After you finish your rakats, add in a few of your own prayers to the Tahajjud. When you’re finished praying, go back to sleep until morning. To learn how to incorporate the Tahajjud prayer into your daily routine, keep reading!

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Categories: Featured Articles | Muslim Prayer

In other languages:

Español: hacer la oración Tahajjud, Deutsch: Das Tahajjud Gebet verrichten, Italiano: Eseguire la Preghiera Tahajjud, Português: Fazer a Oração Tahajjud, Русский: совершить молитву Тахаджуд, Français: faire la prière de Tahajjud, Bahasa Indonesia: Melakukan Sholat Tahajud, العربية: أداء صلاة التهجد, Čeština: Jak provádět modlitbu Tahajjud

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Praying Schedule : Which God to pray at what time:
Early Morning 03.00 am till sun rise time.- Pray Lord Venkateshwara Swamy, Sree Ranganatha Swamy, Govindharaja Swamy with Naivedhyam. Perform Surya Namaskaram within Three hours from the sunrise time.

best time to pray at night

Slokhas to pray.
1. Sree Venkateshwara Suprabhatham – early in the morning between 03.00 am to 05.00 am.

2. Bhu Praardhana (immediately after Wakeup):

Samudhra Vasane Devi ! Parvathasthana Mandithe!
Vishnupathni Namasthbhyam ! Padasparsam Kshamasvame!!
సముధ్ర వసనే దేవి ! పర్వతస్తన మండితే ! విష్ణుపత్ని నమస్తుభ్యం ! పాదస్పర్శ్ం క్షమస్వమే !!

3. Lord Venkateshwara Sthothram: వెంకటేశ్వర స్తోత్రం
Sriyah kaanthaaya Kalyana Nidhaye nidhaye urdhinaam !
Sri Venkata Nivaasaaya ! Srinivasaya Srinivasaya Mangalam!!
శ్రియఃకాన్తాయ కళ్యాణ ! నిధయే నిధయే உ ర్ధినాం !
శ్రి వెంకట నివాసాయ ! శ్రినివాసాయ మంగళం !!

4. Thulasi Praardhana థులసి ప్రార్ధన
Yanmulee Sarvatheerdhaani ! Ynmadhyee Sarvadeevathaah !

Yadagree Sarva Veedaascha ! Thlaseemtvaam Namaamyaham !!
యన్మూలే సర్వతీర్ధాని ! యన్మధ్యే సర్వదేవతాః !

యదగ్రే సర్వ వేదాశ్ఛ ! తులసీం త్వాణ్ నమామ్యహమ్ !!

5. Gomaatha Praardhana : గోమాత ప్రార్ధన Gaavo Meemaatharassarvaa ! Gaanoomee Pitharassadaa ! Gaavoo Mamaagrathassamthu ! Gaavoome Samthuprushtathah! Gaavoomee Paarsvathassamthu ! Gavaambrudevasaamyaham !!

గావో మేమాతరస్సర్వా ! గావోమే పితరస్సదా ! గాచో మమాగ్రతస్సర్వా ! వశిష్టతః ! గావోమే పార్శ్వరస్సంతు ! గవాంబ్రుందేవసామ్య్హహం !!
Afternoon 12 o clock – Pray Lord Anjaneya Swamy with Nei Vada as Naivedhyam and Lord Sai Baba with madhynha Harathi with Naivedhyam.
To get the blessings of Lord Hanuman one can recite the Nama of Lord Sree Rama and Hanuman Chaaleesha Song, infront of him after having a bath offering any sor of Neivedhyam. Benefits – Reduces Scare, increases confidence, and gives good Health. It is also the right time to pray Guru Gods like Sai Baba, Sree Raghavendra, Sorakkayala Thatha (Narayanavanam) Guru Govindh etc,.

Slokha to pray Guru :
Guru Brahma ! Gurur Vishnu ! Guru Devo Maheshwara ! Guru Saakshaath Para Brahma ! Thasmai Shree Guruve Namaha ! Thasmai Shree Guruve Namaha !!
Anantha Koti Brahmaanda Nayaka ! Rajadhiraja ! Yogir Raja ! Para Brahma ! Shree Sacchidhaanandha Sadhguru Sayinaath Maharaj ki Jai!!
Evening in-between 03- 04.30pm the Rahukala time :- Pray the Rahu (Five headed Black Naga) By offering a Nei (Ghee) Lamp (with Lemon Shell) to him, so that relief from various doshams would be attained and leads to prosperity in the family.

Slokha for Navagraha Praardhana : నవగ్రహ స్టొత్త్రం Aadhithyaayacha Somaaya ! Mangalaya Bhudhaayacha ! Guru Sukra Sanibhaschya ! Raahave Kethave Namaha !!

ఆధిథ్యాయఛ సోమాయ ! మంగళాయ భుద్ధాయఛ ! గురు శుక్ర శనిభ్యశ్ఛ ! రాహవే కేతవే నహః !!

Evening at 06.00pm the Pradhosha time :- Pray Lord Shiva and convey your request to Lord Nandheshwara in his ears. Should Perform pooja to lord Shiva (in the form of Nataraja Swamy) idol is more auspicious.

Slokha to pray Lord Shiva – Bilwa Vruksha Praardhana (Maaredu) :
Thridhalam Thrikunaakaaram ! Thrineththrancha ThriyaayuSham ! Thi Janma Paapa Samhaaram ! Eka Bilwam Sivaarpanam !!
త్రిధళం త్రిగుణాకారం ! త్రినేత్రంఛ త్రియాయుషం ! త్రిజన్మ పాపసంహారం ! ఏక బిల్వం శివార్పణం !!
Maha Mruthyunjaya Manthra may also be recited 108 times if wanted to get relief from the fear of death and to gain good health.
At 9 Pm in the Night pray Goddess Parvathy and Lakshmi Devi to attain Lakshmikataksham (Wealthy Life) and healthy life.
Sree Ashtothara Namavali. Benefits – Wealth Gayathri Manthra. Benefits – get rid of Fear from any sort of Evil forces and gives Peace.
At 12 am in the mid Night is the best time to pray the saivist God Lord VeeraBhadra Swamy, the Ganadhyaksha Lord Ganesha and Lord Subrahmanya swamy to attain Sarva Siddhi.

Slokha to pray Lord Ganesha Suklaam Bharadharam ! Vishnum Sashivarnam ! Chathurbujam ! Prasanna Vadhanam Dhyaayetu ! Sarva Vigno Pasaanthaye ! Gajaanana Padhmaarkam ! Gajanana Namaharnisham ! Ekadhantam Padnaanaam ! Ekadanthamu U Paasmahe !!

శుక్లామ్ భరధరమ్ ! విష్ణుమ్ శసివర్నమ్ ! ఛతుర్ భుజమ్ ! ప్రసన్న వధనమ్ ధ్యాయేతు ! సర్వ విగ్నొ పసాంథయె ! గజానన పధ్మార్ఖమ్ ! గజానన్ నమహర్నిషం ! ఎకధన్తం పధ్నానామ్ ! ఎకధన్తము உ పాస్మహే !!
Slokhas :- Shree Subrahmanyeshwar Ashtoththara Namavali or Kandha Shashti Kavacham

Sree Veera Brahmendra Swamy.
Sri Veera Brahmendra Swamy told that he will give Darshan to whosoever chant the following mantra for 12,000 times and save from the calamities.
Om hreem kleem shreem sivaaya brahmane namaha
(or)
Om hreem kleem shreem sivaaya shree veera Brahmendra swamyne namaha
ఓం హ్రీం క్లీమ్ శ్రీం శివాయ బ్రహ్మణే నమహ ! (OR) ఓం హ్రీం క్లీమ్ శ్రీం శివాయ శ్రీ వీర బ్రహ్మేంద్ర స్వామినే నమహ :

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Tahajjud prayer (prayer performed by becoming awake after sleep at night) and other prayers offered at night-time

Every time has a specific feature in Allah’s sight. However, certain times are more valuable than others, and they are to be taken advantage of. And night-time is one of these times that the Qur’an and the sayings of the Prophet (pbuh) describe as valuable.

The value that Allah ascribes to night-time and the secrets hidden in it are countless. Allah says: “

The night and its homing

!” (Inshiqaq, 84:17). “

And by the night when it is still

!..” (Dhuha, 93:2). The secret of the swearing of Allah by the night is a Divine window to get our hearts and souls to watch many facts.

The night is the time to prostrate before the Divine Being with love and affection for the sake of pleasing Him instead of lying down in smooth beds. Therefore, extra prayers performed at night are of great importance in achieving immediacy with Allah. Thus, one desires and performs prayers at night as much Divine Love as s/he has. It may be said that praying at night is like meeting and conversing with one’s lover at night. Being awake at a time when everybody is asleep means being included in the group of love and mercy.

How to Perform the Tahajjud Prayer (The Night Prayer)

The Prophet (pbuh) used to pray at night until he was footsore. He was once asked:

“– O the Messenger of Allah! Why do you strain yourself though Allah declared in the Qur’an (in chapter 48) that you were forgiven of all your sins?”

He replied:

“– Should not I be a thanking servant?” (Bukhari, Tahajjud, 6).

The Prophet (pbuh) also said:

“The most virtuous prayer except the obligatory prayers is the one offered by becoming awake after sleep at night.” (Muslim, Siyam, 202-203).

“Two units of prayer performed at night is more beneficial than anything in the world. If I thought that it would not be a burden on my people I would enjoin it on them.” (Fadail al-Amal, 257).

“There is a certain moment at night. If a Muslim catches that moment to wish something from Allah, that thing is granted to him/her.” (Tirmizi, Vitr, 16).

“If a man wakes up at night and also wakes his wife up to offer two units of prayer together, Allah registers their names among those who remember Allah most.” (Abu Dawud, Tatawwu, 18).

“Do not you ever disregard praying at night! Because it was a custom of righteous people before you. Worshipping at night brings one closer to Allah, atones for one’s sins, keeps the body from illnesses, and prevents one from performing sinful acts.” (Tirmizi).

“Let Allah show mercy to the man who wakes up at night to pray, and also wakes his wife up to do so. Let Allah show mercy to the woman who wakes up at night to pray, and also wakes her husband up to do so!” (Abu Dawud, Vitr, 13).

The Prophet (pbuh) told Abu Zarr:

“– Do you get prepared when you are about to set forth on a journey?”

Abu Zarr replied:

“– Of course, o Prophet”

The Prophet (pbuh) said:

“– Well, how do you think that the journey on the Day of Judgment will be? Take heed of what I will tell you; shall I tell you what you would benefit from on the Day of Judgment?”

Abu Zarr replied:

“– Yes, o Messenger of Allah!”

The Prophet (pbuh) said:

“Fast on a very hot day for the Day of Judgment. Offer a prayer of two units at night to be saved from loneliness in the grave. Make the journey to Qabah once in a lifetime, and give alms to a needy person for the great occasions of the Doomsday. Say just words or save your tongue from saying unjust things!”

(ibn Abi’d-Dunya, Kitab al-Tahajjud).

The Prophet (pbuh) said to Abu Hurayra in this regard:

“O Abu Hurayra! If you want the company of the Mercy of Allah when in the grave and on the Doomsday, wake up at night to offer a prayer for Allah’s sake. O Abu Hurayra! If you pray at the corner of your house, your house lightens as a constellation in the sky, and it becomes like a star for the people of the world.” (Ihya al-Ulumiddin, I, 1023).

Abdallah bin Omar, for interpretation, let the Prophet (pbuh) know one of his dreams through Hafsa, who was the sister of Abdullah and the wife of the Prophet (pbuh). The Prophet (pbuh) said while interpreting the dream:

“Abdallah is a great person. Yet, it would be superb if he prayed at night!..”

From that day on, Abdallah never abandoned praying at night. (Bukhari, Tahajjud, IV, 360).

The Prophet (pbuh) said:

“The Archangel Gabriel said: “The honor of a believer is, no doubt, related to night-time prayer…'” (Hakim, Mustadrak, IV, 360).

One of the servants whom Allah is pleased with is one who gets out of his/her gentle and warm bed in order to offer the prayer of tahajjud. Allah is well-pleased with that servant and says to the angels:

“– What makes this servant of Mine care about praying at this time of the night?”

The angels reply:

“– It is his/her wish to attain Your Grace and Blessing, and also fear of Your punishment.”

Allah says:

“I grant him/her what s/he wishes from Me then. And I safeguard him/her from what s/he fears from.” (Fadail al-Amal, 299).

Many verses of the Qur’an call the servants to remember Allah at night-time.

And during part of the night, -Aleyhisselâm-, celebrate His praises, and (so likewise) after the postures of adoration.” (Qaf, 50: 40).

“And for the part of the night also praise Him, and at the retreats of the stars.” (Tur 52:49).

“Those who spend the night in adoration of their Lord prostrate and standing.” (Furqan 25:64).

Allah explains the features of those who will be saved from the Divine punishment and be placed in paradise:

“They were in the habit of sleeping but little by night. And in the hours of early dawn, they (were found) praying for forgiveness.” (Zariyat, 51:17-18).

In addition to this honoring, Allah cites those believers who remember Him at night-time as superior when comparing believers with disbelievers:

“What! he who is obedient during hours of the night, prostrating himself and standing, takes care of the hereafter and hopes for the mercy of his Lord! Say: Are those who know and those who do not know alike? Only the men of understanding are mindful.” (Zumar, 39:9).

As Allah describes those who devoutly worship at night as such, He forewarns those unwary servants who do not behave accordingly:

“And part of the night, prostrate yourself to Him; and glorify Him a long night through.”

“As to these they love the fleeting life, and put away behind them a Day (that will be) hard.” (Insan, 76:26-27).

The second part of the night is said to be more valuable. The Prophet (pbuh) was once asked about it:

“– In which part of the night are the worships more likely to be accepted?”

He replied:

“The worships that are done in the second half of the night…” (Abu Dawud).

However, as it is not too easy to worship at night, one is supposed to observe some points. In addition to the strong desire to worship at night, one is supposed to have a light dinner and keep early nights. It is narrated that:

“The Prophet (pbuh) used to discourage people to sleep before the late-night prayer, and he also used to discourage them to have long conversations after it.” (Bukhari, Mawaqit al-Salat, 23).

A Muslim should be in the habit of keeping early hours, and waking up early. There may be exceptions to that on condition that they should not hamper one’s activity to worship at night. Omar, the second caliph, says:

“The Prophet (pbuh), sometimes, used to speak with Abu Bakr about the affairs of Muslims until daybreak. And I used to stay with them.” (Tirmizi).

These principles are necessary to remove the strain of waking up for prayer and also to untie the knots of Satan tied through sleep. The Prophet (pbuh) says:

“When you sleep Satan ties three knots on the back of your neck. And he says to each knot let a long night stay with you.’ When you wake up and cite the name of Allah one of the knots unties. When you make ablution another knot unties. And when you offer a prayer all of the knots untie. Thus, you wake up hale and hearty in the morning. Otherwise, you wake up asleep and downhearted.” (Bukhari, Tahajjud, 12).

So, it is clear that the prayer offered at night is so valuable that it comes second only after the obligatory prayers.

However, those who do prayers at night are to be reminded that they should not be proud just because they do worship at night. If so, they lose the blessing they would get.

They should always bear the following saying of the Prophet (pbuh) in mind:

“There are many who worship at night, yet they get nothing out of it. They just stay awake.” (Ahmad bin Hanbal, Musnad, II, 373).

When to perform Tahajjud prayer

I write in sequence.

1. Salatul Isha 2. A little sleep and wake up 3. Tahajjud 4. Witr 5. Salatul Fajr

How to perform salat al Tahajjud (The Night Prayer)

How to Offer Salat al Tahajjud (The Night Prayer)

  • First make the Niyyah (intention) by reciting “I intend to perform two rakats of the salat al Tahajjud”
  • You say takbir “Allahu Akbar” This starts the prayer.
  • Begin reciting “Subhanaka”
  • After you say: “Audhu billahi min-ash-shayta -nir-rajeem Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-raheem”
  • Reciting Surah Al Fatiha
  • Another portion (Surah) of the Qur’an.
  • Go into Ruku (the bowing position) and We say “Subahaana Rabbiyal Azeem”
  • Go into the 1st Sajdah and We say “Subahaana Rabbiyal Aa’la”
  • Now sit-up from the first Sajdah in jalsa position (Sitting position between the two Sajdahs)
  • Now go into the 2nd Sajdah and We say “Subahaana Rabbiyal Aa’la”
  • Rise up to proceed to the next raka’at,
  • You say “Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-raheem”
  • Reciting Surah Al Fatiha
  • Another portion (Surah) of the Qur’an.
  • Go into Ruku (the bowing position) and We say “Subahaana Rabbiyal Azeem”
  • Go into the 1st Sajdah and We say “Subahaana Rabbiyal Aa’la”
  • Now sit-up from the first Sajdah in jalsa position (Sitting position between the two Sajdahs)
  • Now go into the 2nd Sajdah and We say “Subahaana Rabbiyal Aa’la”
  • After this, you sit for the complete Tashshahud: You recite At-tahiyyat, Allah-umma salli, Allah-umma Barik and Rabbana.
  • By turning to your face to the right first and saying “Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullah” and then to his left and doing the same

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