How to Pray Tahajjud and Perform Qiyam al-Layl

Tahajjud is a special Islamic night prayer that is highly recommended, though not obligatory, for all Muslims. It is also known as Qiyam al-Layl, which means standing at night in worship. Tahajjud is a way of getting closer to Allah and seeking His forgiveness, mercy, and guidance. It is also a means of attaining spiritual peace and tranquility. Tahajjud is usually performed after Isha (the compulsory nightly prayer) and before Fajr (the compulsory morning prayer). Tahajjud means to give up sleep, which is why this prayer is preferably performed during the last third of the night, when Allah descends to the lowest heaven and calls out to His servants: “Is there anyone who is asking Me so that I may grant his request? Is there anyone who is seeking My forgiveness so that I may forgive him? Is there anyone who is repenting so that I may accept his repentance?” [1] In this blogpost, we will explain how to pray Tahajjud and perform Qiyam al-Layl, what are the benefits of this prayer, how to make it a habit, and what are some tips and etiquettes for this prayer. We will also answer some frequently asked questions and provide a conclusion with some key takeaways.

How to pray Tahajjud and perform Qiyam al-Layl?

  • The first step to pray Tahajjud and perform Qiyam al-Layl is to have a sincere intention (niyyah) to do so for the sake of Allah. You should also make du’a (supplication) to Allah to help you wake up at night and grant you success in your worship.
  • The second step is to arrange to wake up during the last third of the night, which is the best time for Tahajjud and Qiyam al-Layl. You can use an alarm clock or ask someone to wake you up. You can also sleep early and avoid eating too much before sleeping.
  • The third step is to wake up and perform wudu (ablution), which is the ritual washing of the body parts before prayer. You should also brush your teeth with a miswak (a natural toothbrush) or a toothbrush, as this was the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
  • The fourth step is to pray Tahajjud in units of two rak’ahs (cycles), which are separated by taslim (the salutation of peace at the end of each prayer). You can pray as many rak’ahs as you wish, but it is better not to exceed eleven or thirteen rak’ahs, as this was the usual practice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
  • The fifth step is to end your Tahajjud with one rak’ah of Witr (the odd-numbered prayer), which makes your night prayers odd-numbered. Witr should be the last prayer of the night before Fajr. You can pray Witr in different ways, such as three rak’ahs with one taslim, or five or seven rak’ahs with one taslim.
  • The sixth step is to recite Quran, make du’a, and remember Allah (dhikr) during your Tahajjud and Qiyam al-Layl. You can recite any surahs or verses that you know or have memorized, but it is recommended to recite long surahs such as Al-Baqarah or Al-Imran, or surahs that have special virtues such as Al-Kahf or Ya-Sin. You can also recite some specific du’as and dhikrs that are reported from the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), such as: “O Allah! Lord of Jibril (Gabriel), Mika’il (Michael) and Israfil (Raphael), Creator of the heavens and the earth, Knower of the unseen and the seen! You judge between Your slaves concerning that wherein they differ! Guide me by Your Grace to the truth concerning that wherein they differ! Verily You guide whomsoever You will to a straight path.” [2] “O Allah! I ask You for beneficial knowledge, good provision, and acceptable deeds.” [3] “O Allah! I seek refuge with You from anxiety and sorrow, weakness and laziness, miserliness and cowardice, the burden of debts and from being overpowered by men.” [4] “There is no god but Allah alone; He has no partner; His is the dominion; His is all praise; He gives life; He causes death; He has power over all things; He does whatever He wills.” [5]

What are the benefits of praying Tahajjud and performing Qiyam al-Layl?

  • Praying Tahajjud and performing Qiyam al-Layl has many benefits in this world and in the hereafter. Some of these benefits are:
  • It brings you closer to Allah and increases your faith and love for Him.
  • It earns you forgiveness for your sins and protection from Hellfire.
  • It grants you success in your affairs and fulfillment of your needs.
  • It elevates your status among the righteous people and makes you eligible for Allah’s special mercy.
  • It improves your physical health and mental well-being.
  • It prepares you for Fajr prayer and makes it easier for you to wake up for it.

How to make praying Tahajjud and performing Qiyam al-Layl a habit?

  • Praying Tahajjud and performing Qiyam al-Layl may seem difficult at first, but it can become a habit with some effort and persistence. Some tips to help you make it a habit are:
  • Make a sincere intention to pray Tahajjud and perform Qiyam al-Layl regularly for the sake of Allah.
  • Seek Allah’s help and guidance to enable you to do so.
  • Start with small steps, such as praying two rak’ahs once a week or once a month, then gradually increase the frequency and duration.
  • Choose a suitable time that works for you, such as before going to bed or after waking up for suhoor (the pre-dawn meal).
  • Find a partner or a group who can motivate you and remind you to pray Tahajjud and perform Qiyam al-Layl.
  • Reward yourself for achieving your goals and seek forgiveness for any shortcomings.

Q&A

  • Q: Is praying Tahajjud obligatory or voluntary?
  • A: Praying Tahajjud is voluntary, not obligatory. However, it is highly recommended for all Muslims who are able to do so.
  • Q: What is the best time for praying Tahajjud?
  • A: The best time for praying Tahajjud is during the last third of the night, which is calculated by dividing the time between sunset (Maghrib) and dawn (Fajr) by three. For example, if Maghrib is at 6 pm and Fajr is at 6 am, then the last third of the night starts at 2 am.
  • Q: Can I pray Tahajjud without sleeping?
  • A: Yes, you can pray Tahajjud without sleeping. However, it is preferable to sleep first then wake up for Tahajjud, as this was the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).

Conclusion

Tahajjud is a special Islamic night prayer that brings many benefits for those who perform it sincerely. It is a way of getting closer to Allah and seeking His forgiveness, mercy, guidance, success, protection, happiness, peace, health etc. It can be prayed in units of two rak’ahs followed by one rak’ah of Witr. It can be accompanied by reciting Quran, making du’a ,and remembering Allah. It can be performed anytime during the night but preferably during the last third of it. It can be made into a habit with some effort and persistence.

This blogpost has explained how to pray Tahajjud and perform Qiyam al-Layl , what are its benefits , how to make it a habit ,and what are some tips an etiquettes for it . We hope you found it useful an informative . If you did , please share it with your friends an family who may also be interested in learning about this noble act of worship . Thank you for reading !

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