When the night falls, the world sleeps, and silence covers the earth, there are those who choose to rise—not for worldly pursuits, but to stand before their Lord in humble devotion.
This is Salat al-Tahajjud—the prayer of the lovers, the secret of nearness, and the stairway to spiritual greatness.
What is Salat al-Tahajjud?
Tahajjud is the night prayer offered after a period of sleep.
It is among the most beloved acts of worship through which a servant draws closer to Allah.
Numerous verses and prophetic traditions emphasize its virtue and the high status of those who observe it.
Allah says:
“And during the night, pray Tahajjud as an additional prayer for you; it may be that your Lord will raise you to a praised station.”
(Surah Al-Isra, 17:79)
This verse highlights the honor of Tahajjud and links it to the Maqam Mahmood (the Praised Station)—a rank promised to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
It also serves as an indirect encouragement for his followers to engage in night worship.
Virtues of Tahajjud Prayer
Closeness to Allah and His Love
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“The closest that a servant comes to his Lord is during the last third of the night. If you can be among those who remember Allah at that time, then do so.”
(Reported by al-Tirmidhi)
The Habit of the Righteous
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Hold on to the night prayer. It was the practice of the righteous before you, a means of nearness to your Lord, a barrier from sin, and an expiation for bad deeds.”
(Reported by al-Tirmidhi)
Time of Accepted Du’a and Forgiveness
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
“Our Lord descends to the lowest heaven every night during the last third of the night and says: Who is asking Me so I may grant him? Who is calling upon Me so I may respond to him? Who is seeking My forgiveness so I may forgive him?”
(Reported by Bukhari and Muslim)
Special Status in the Hereafter
Those who are consistent in Qiyam al-Layl (night prayer), including Tahajjud, are described in the Quran:
“They used to sleep but little of the night.”
(Surah Adh-Dhariyat, 51:17)
And also:
“Their sides forsake their beds; they call upon their Lord in fear and hope.”
(Surah As-Sajda, 32:16)
How to Perform Tahajjud?
Its time begins after Isha prayer and extends until Fajr.
The best time is the last third of the night.
It is prayed two rak’ahs at a time, with Witr at the end.
There is no fixed number of rak’ahs, but the Prophet (peace be upon him) commonly prayed 11 or 13 rak’ahs.
Preparing Yourself for Tahajjud
Sincere Intention – Even if you fail to wake up, you are rewarded for intending to pray.
Sleeping Early – Helps in rising for prayer without difficulty.
Avoiding Sins – Disobedience burdens the heart and prevents one from getting up for worship.
Remembering its Virtue – Constant reflection on the reward encourages perseverance.
Tahajjud Is for Those Who Taste the Sweetness of Closeness
Tahajjud is not just a ritual act, but a moment of profound spiritual clarity. It is a time when the distractions of the world fade, the heart softens, and the soul opens up to its Creator.
It is a private dialogue—no one sees you, no applause, no cameras—yet it is recorded in the heavens, and written among the deeds of the sincere.
This prayer is not only for those seeking reward, but for those who long for the sweetness of nearness, who find in the stillness of the night a place to whisper, weep, and say, “My Lord…”
Also Read: Qiyam al-Layl (Night Prayer): A Path to Divine Closeness, Especially in Ramadan
