🌙How to Pray Tahajjud — The Night Vigil Prayer Guide
Complete guide on performing Tahajjud (Salat al-Layl): recommended timing in the last third of the night, Niyyah, Rak'ahs, Surahs, Dua after Salah, and relationship to Witr.
8 Rak'ahs
The last third of the night before Fajr
After performing Isha prayer until before Fajr Sadiq
Rak'ah Sequence & Structure
Rak'ah 1
- Intention
- Takbir
- Sana
- Fatiha + Surah
- Ruku
- Sajdahs
Rak'ah 2
- Fatiha + Surah
- Ruku
- Sajdahs
- Tashahhud, Durood, Dua
- Salam
Intention & Awakening in Last Third of Night
Wake up in the last third of the night. Perform Wudu, clean teeth, and make intention for 2 Rak'ahs of Tahajjud.
Scholarly Notes & Recognized Views
If you pray Tahajjud at night, it is recommended to delay your Witr prayer so that Witr is your last prayer before Fajr. However, if you prayed Witr right after Isha, you can still pray Tahajjud at night without repeating Witr.
Authentic References & Sourcing
- •Sahih al-Bukhari — Imam Bukhari(Book of Tahajjud (Night Prayer))
- •Faizan-e-Namaz & Maktaba-tul-Madinah — Dawat-e-Islami
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is sleep mandatory before Tahajjud?
The word Tahajjud literally means awakening after sleep. Praying voluntary night prayer after sleep is Tahajjud; praying before sleep is Qiyam al-Layl.