What is how to pray tahajjud?
Here's some information on how to pray Tahajjud:
Tahajjud is a voluntary night prayer performed by Muslims. It is considered a highly virtuous act and a means of drawing closer to Allah.
Timing: The best time to pray Tahajjud is in the last third of the night, after waking up from sleep. This is generally considered to be after midnight and before the Fajr (dawn) prayer. For more specific timings, consider referencing prayer timetables specific to your location.
Intention (Niyyah): While it is recommended, verbally stating your intention is not required. The intention to pray Tahajjud is sufficient in your heart.
Steps for Performing Tahajjud:
- Waking Up: Make a sincere effort to wake up during the desired time. Seeking assistance with an alarm clock or asking family members to wake you up is permissible.
- Ablution (Wudu): Perform Wudu as you would before any other prayer. This involves washing the hands, face, arms, wiping the head and washing the feet.
- Prayer: Tahajjud is typically prayed in sets of two Rak'ahs (units of prayer). There is no set minimum or maximum number of Rak'ahs. You can pray as many as you are able to, even if it's just two. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would sometimes pray eight Rak'ahs followed by three Rak'ahs of Witr.
- Recitation: In each Rak'ah, recite Surah Al-Fatiha (the opening chapter of the Quran), followed by any other Surah or verses you choose.
- Quietness and Reflection: Tahajjud is a time for personal connection with Allah. Take your time during the prayer, reflect on the verses you are reciting, and make sincere supplications (Du'a).
- Dua (Supplication): After completing the prayer, spend time making Dua. Ask Allah for forgiveness, guidance, and anything else you desire. This is a particularly blessed time for your supplications to be answered.
Important Considerations:
- Sleep is Required: Tahajjud is prayed after sleeping. Praying voluntary prayers before sleeping, even late into the night, isn't considered Tahajjud.
- Witr Prayer: It's preferable to conclude your night prayers with Witr. If you are praying Tahajjud, you can delay your Witr prayer until after Tahajjud. Witr is an odd numbered prayer performed after Isha and before Fajr. If you do not pray Tahajjud, it is recommended to pray Witr after Isha.
- Consistency: While not obligatory, striving for consistency in performing Tahajjud is highly rewarding. Even if you can only pray a few Rak'ahs on some nights, making the effort demonstrates your dedication.
- Sincerity: The most important aspect of Tahajjud is sincerity. Pray with a pure intention to please Allah and draw closer to Him.
- Making up missed Tahajjud: There is no making up of a missed Tahajjud prayer.
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