Tahajjud Namaz (Night Prayer)
Tahajjud is a night Islamic prayer that is performed voluntarily. It is a form of night prayer that is highly encouraged as an act of worship in Islam. Tahajjud prayer includes an odd number of rak’ahs (units of prayer), usually between 11 and 13 rak’ahs, and can be performed at any time from Isha (night) prayer until Fajr (morning) prayer. Tahajjud prayer is aimed at bringing one closer to Allah and seeking His forgiveness and guidance. It is a time to relax, contemplate, and supplicate, and it is seen as a unique opportunity to communicate with Allah.
Tahajjud Benefits
It is a highly recommended practice for Muslims and is said to bring many blessings and benefits. The following are some of the advantages of performing Tahajjud prayer:
- Closeness to Allah: Tahajjud prayer provides Muslims with an opportunity to connect with Allah and beg His pardon. It contributes to increased love and devotion for Allah.
- Spiritual upliftment: Tahajjud is thought to purify the soul and bring emotional and mental peace. It aids in the relaxing of the soul and the reduction of anxiety and tension.
- Greater benefits: According to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the advantages of Tahajjud are many, including increased blessings and sin forgiveness.
- Increased physical and mental health: Regular Tahajjud prayer can improve physical and mental health by reducing stress and encouraging better sleep.
- Tahajjud is also thought to improve one’s ability to recall and memorize the Quran, as well as increase one’s wisdom and understanding of it.
It is important to remember that the advantages of Tahajjud prayer are not confined to these and might vary based on the sincerity and purpose of the individual. Tahajjud should be performed on a regular and regular basis for maximum benefit.
Is Tahajjud Sunnah or Nafl
In Islam, the Tahajjud prayer is regarded as a Nafl (optional) prayer. The Nafl prayers are not required, but they are highly recommended and offer significant blessings to those who recite them on a regular basis.
How to Pray Tahajjud and Witr
Tahajjud and Witr are special prayers performed by Muslims during the night. Here is how you can perform these prayers:
Tahajjud
1. Wake up during the night after sleeping for some time.
2. Perform Wudu (ablution) if necessary.
3. Offer two Rak’ahs of optional (Nafl) prayer, followed by two more Rak’ahs.
4. Repeat this pattern (two Rak’ahs at a time) as many times as desired, but the minimum recommended is two sets of two Rak’ahs.
5. End the prayer by reciting the salam (greeting of peace) as in any other prayer.
Witr
1. Perform Wudu (ablution) if necessary.
2. Offer any odd number of Rak’ahs, usually between one and eleven Rak’ahs, in sets of two.
3. After the final two Rak’ahs, remain seated and recite special supplications known as Qunut.
4. After the Qunut, perform two more Rak’ahs to make the total number of Rak’ahs odd.
5. End the prayer by reciting the salam (greeting of peace) as in any other prayer.
It’s important to remember that these prayers are optional but highly encouraged, and they take place at night, after Isha and before Fajr. It is also recommended that you seek guidance from a knowledgeable individual or Islamic center to ensure that you are completing these prayers correctly in accordance with the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah.
Tahajjud Rakats
The number of rakats (units of prayer) performed during Tahajjud is not prescribed and can vary. According to some scholars, the minimum number of rakats for Tahajjud is two, while others believe it might be as many as twelve. It is generally suggested that at least eight rakats be performed during Tahajjud, but the exact number depends on the individual and their circumstances. The most important thing is to desire to perform the Tahajjud prayer and to do so with sincerity and dedication.
Tahajjud Niyat
The niyyah (intention) for the Tahajjud prayer is a statement made in one’s heart to say the prayer with the intention of seeking Allah’s nearness (God). The actual words of the niyyah might differ according on the language and personal beliefs of the individual, but a common example in Arabic is:
“I intend to offer the Tahajjud prayer for the sake of Allah, seeking His presence and praying for His forgiveness and mercy.”
It is important to recognize that the niyyah is not a physical declaration, but rather a heartfelt purpose. In Islam, making a true niyyah is an important aspect of conducting the Tahajjud prayer and other acts of devotion.
How to Pray Tahajjud
The following are the procedures for performing the Tahajjud prayer:
- Perform Wudu: It is important to perform Wudu, which is the process of purifying oneself, before beginning the prayer. Hands, face, mouth, nose, arms, head, and feet are all washed.
- Choose a quiet place: Find a quiet and clean area where you can pray without distractions.
- Intention: Make the intention to perform Tahajjud and to seek Allah’s forgiveness and guidance.
- Recite the Ta’awwuz (protection prayer): Begin the prayer by saying aloud “A’uzu billahi minash shaitanir rajim” (I seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the accursed).
- Recite the following Tasmiyah (bismillah): Recite “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim” (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful).
- Recite Surah Al-Fatihah: Begin the prayer by reciting the first chapter of the Quran, Surah Al-Fatihah.
- Recite other Surahs: After reciting Surah Al-Fatihah, repeat as many more Surahs from the Quran as you want.
- Raka’ahs: Perform the rak’ahs of the prayer by standing, kneeling, prostrating, and sitting after reciting the additional Surahs. Repeat this procedure as many times as you like, usually 11 to 13 times.
- Supplications: Make any supplications or requests to Allah after finishing the prayer.
- Salams: At the end of the prayer, say “As-salamu alaikum wa rahmatullah” (Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah).
Tahajjud should be performed with humility and dedication, focusing on the words of the prayer and seeking Allah’s guidance and forgiveness.
Tahajjud Dua
Some common duas (supplications) that can be offered during Tahajjud prayer are as follows:
- “Rabbi inni limaa anzalta ilayya min khayrin faqeer” (O my Lord! Truly, I am in need of any good that You bestow on me.)
- “Allahumma anta Rabbi la ilaha illa anta, khalaqtani wa ana abduka wa ana ‘ala ahdika wa wa’dika mastata’tu, a’uzu bika min sharri ma sana’tu, abu’u laka binni’matika ‘alaiya, wa abu’u bidhanbi faghfir li, fa innahu la yaghfirudh-dhunuba illa anta” (O Allah, You are my Lord. There is no deity except You. You created me, and I am Your servant and I abide by Your covenant and promise as best I can. I take refuge in You from the evil I have done. I acknowledge the blessings You have bestowed upon me, and I confess my sins. Forgive me, for there is no one who can forgive sins except You.)
- “Astaghfirullah rabbi min kulli zambiyon wa atoobu ilaih” (I seek forgiveness from Allah, my Lord, from every sin I have committed and I repent to Him.)
- “Rabbi zidni ‘ilma wa heyya li tawfiq” (O my Lord! Increase me in knowledge and grant me the ability to act accordingly.)
- “Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni” (O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness. So forgive me.)
These duas are not required but are encouraged to be said during Tahajjud prayer since they provide significant benefits and rewards. To verify that you are conducting Tahajjud and other prayers correctly according to the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah, it is suggested that you seek guidance from a knowledgeable individual or Islamic centre.
