Praying Tahajjud Salaah in Ramadan aligns with the blessed last ten nights when Laylat al-Qadr could occur. The Prophet (PBUH) encouraged this prayer, describing it as the habit of the righteous and a means to elevate one’s status before Allah.
In this guide, we will explore the benefits of Tahajjud, how to perform it correctly, and the most powerful Tahajjud duas you can recite during this sacred time.
What is Tahajjud?
Tahajjud is a voluntary prayer performed after Isha and before Fajr. It is also called Qiyam-ul-Layl (standing at night in prayer). Allah praises those who engage in this act of devotion:
“And during a part of the night, pray Tahajjud beyond what is incumbent on you; maybe your Lord will raise you to a position of great glory.” (Quran 17:79)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) regularly performed Salat of Tahajjud and encouraged his followers to do the same:
“Hold on tight to the night prayer. Indeed, it is the habit of the righteous who came before you. It brings you close to your Lord, wipes away your sins, prevents you from sinning, and repels sickness from the body.” (Tirmidhi)
While Tahajjud is not obligatory, it holds great rewards and is highly recommended for those seeking a stronger connection with Allah.
Tahajjud Benefits
Praying Tahajjud Salaah brings numerous spiritual and worldly benefits:
- Strengthens faith and deepens the connection with Allah.
- Forgives sins and purifies the soul.
- Brings inner peace and tranquility.
- Helps with focus and clarity in life decisions.
- Opens the doors of sustenance and blessings.
- Provides protection from misfortunes.
- Increases chances of witnessing Laylat al-Qadr in Ramadan.
Allah describes the righteous believers in the Quran:
“The righteous will be amid gardens and springs, receiving what their Lord has given them. Indeed, before this, they were good in their deeds. They used to sleep little at night, and in the pre-dawn hours, they would seek forgiveness.” (Quran 51:15-18)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also said:
“Pray the night prayer, for it was the practice of the righteous before you. It brings you closer to your Lord, atones for your sins, and keeps you from wrongdoing.” (Tirmidhi)
During Ramadan, engaging in Salat Tahajjud prayer allows us to reflect deeply and seek forgiveness. Just as we stand in the stillness of the night asking for His blessings, we should also be a source of ease for others, knowing that Sadaqah in this month is multiplied beyond measure.
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How to Pray Tahajjud in Ramadan
Praying Tahajjud in Ramadan is similar to praying at other times but carries even greater blessings.
Tahajjud Rakat (Units of Prayer)
There is no fixed number of rakats for Salat of Tahajjud, but it is recommended to pray in sets of two rakats:
- Minimum: 2 rakats.
- Recommended: 8 to 12 rakats.
- The Prophet’s practice: He would often pray 11 rakats, including Witr prayer.
Step-by-Step Guide to Tahajjud Salat:
- Make Wudu (ablution) to purify yourself.
- Find a quiet space and face the Qibla.
- Make the intention to pray Tahajjud sincerely for the sake of Allah.
- Begin with Takbir (Allahu Akbar).
- Recite Surah Al-Fatihah followed by another surah.
- Perform Rukoo’ (bowing) and Sujood (prostration) as in regular prayer.
- Repeat for at least two rakats, adding more as desired.
- End with Witr prayer (recommended but optional).
Timing of Tahajjud
- Begins: After Isha prayer.
- Ends: Before the Fajr adhan.
- Best time: The last third of the night, when Allah’s mercy descends upon the earth.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Our Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven during the last third of the night, asking: ‘Who is calling upon Me, so that I may answer him? Who is asking of Me so that I may give him? Who is seeking My forgiveness so that I may forgive him?’” (Bukhari & Muslim)
Tahajjud Dua in English
One of the best supplications during Tahajjud Salaah is:
“O Allah! Distance me from my sins as You have distanced the East from the West. O Allah! Purify me of my sins as a white garment is purified from filth. O Allah! Wash away my sins with water, snow, and hail.”
Another powerful Salat of Tahajjud dua:
“I have turned my face sincerely toward the One who created the heavens and the earth, and I am not of those who associate partners with Him. My prayer, my sacrifice, my life, and my death are for Allah, the Lord of the worlds. He has no partner, and with this, I have been commanded, and I am of the Muslims. O Allah! You are the King. There is no god but You. You are my Lord, and I am Your servant. I have wronged myself and confessed my sins. Forgive me all my sins, for no one forgives sins but You. Guide me to the best of character, for none guides to the best of it but You. And turn me away from bad character, for none can turn it away but You.”
